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Hornwort is one of the representatives of the Chanterelle family. Due to the unusual shape of the fruiting body, this species is also called the black horn or horn-shaped tube fungus. In some publications, you can find the erroneous name of the mushroom – gray chanterelle. It grows in groups and is distributed throughout the world. The official species name is Craterellus cornucopioides.
What does the hornwort look like
This mushroom is inconspicuous in the forest, so it is not so easy to see it in the grass. This is due to the fact that this species has a dark gray, almost black shade of the fruiting body, which is lost against the background of yellowed fallen leaves. In addition, it is characterized by a small size and reaches a height of no more than 10 cm.
The cap of this fungus is a funnel that expands from the bottom up and reaches a diameter of 3 to 8 cm. The surface of the funnel is folded, covered with scales and tubercles. In young specimens, the edges of the cap are wavy, curved outwards. When ripe, they become lobed or torn. Spore powder is whitish.
The recess in the central part of the cap gradually passes into the stem, forming a cavity in it.
Its flesh is fragile, with a slight physical impact, it easily breaks. In young specimens, it is gray-black, and by the time of maturation it becomes completely black. When broken, an unobtrusive mushroom smell is felt.
The leg of the funnel horn-shaped is short, its length reaches 0,5-1,2 cm, and its diameter is 1,5 cm. Its color is identical to that of the cap. Initially, the shade is brown-black, then it becomes dark gray, and in adult specimens it is almost black. In the process of drying the mushroom, its color changes to a lighter one.
Spores are ovoid or elliptical in shape. They are smooth and colorless. Their size is 8-14 x 5-9 microns.
Where does the hornwort grow
This species can be found in deciduous forests and mixed plantings. It is less common in mountainous areas. Hornwort prefers to grow on limestone and clay soil at the base of beeches and oaks in fallen leaves.
It forms whole colonies on open forest edges, along roadsides and near the edge of ditches. Almost never found in overgrown grass. At a close location, individual specimens grow together.
The main area of distribution is the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. The mushroom can be found in Europe, North America, Asia and Japan. On the territory of Our Country grows in the following regions:
- European part;
- Far East;
- Altai region;
- Caucasus;
- Western Siberia.
Is it possible to eat hornwort
This species belongs to the category of edible mushrooms. In England, France and Canada, it is considered a real delicacy. In terms of taste, it is compared with morel and truffle.
In its raw form, the mushroom taste and smell are slightly pronounced, but during heat treatment they become saturated. In the process of cooking, the shade of the fruiting body changes to black. Hornwort has a neutral taste, so it can be seasoned with any seasonings, spices and sauces.
This species is easily absorbed by the body, without causing a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. During the cooking process, the water turns black, so it is recommended to drain it to get a clear broth.
False doubles
There are several types of mushrooms that are similar to the funnel hornwort. Therefore, it is worth studying their differences in order to avoid mistakes when collecting.
Existing twins:
- Urnula goblet (Urnula craterium). This species is characterized by a dense leathery structure of the fruiting body in the shape of a glass. The ripening period begins at the end of April and lasts until mid-May. It is considered an inedible mushroom.
- Chanterelle gray (Cantharellus cinereus). A distinctive feature is the folded hymenium on the reverse side of the funnel. The pulp is rubbery-fibrous. The shade of the fruiting body is ashy. It belongs to the category of edible mushrooms, but does not have high taste qualities.
Knowing the characteristic features of twins, it will not be difficult to distinguish them from the horn-shaped funnelworm.
Rules for collection and use
The ripening period of this fungus falls at the end of July and continues until the beginning of October, weather permitting. Mass plantings can most often be found in August. In the Southern regions, individual specimens can also be collected in November.
Despite the fact that this species grows in crowded groups, it is not easy to find it in fallen leaves, as it is well camouflaged due to its color. But if you manage to find at least a few specimens, then you should carefully look around, as there should be other representatives of the colony nearby. Having found the mushroom place of the hornwort funnel, you can pick up a full basket within 10-15 minutes.
It is recommended to eat only the funnel-shaped hat, as the leg is hard and fibrous. No special treatment is required before use. The upper skin of the hornwort does not need to be removed, and there is no particular need to pre-soak it. Before cooking, mushrooms only need to be thoroughly cleaned of forest litter and rinsed well under running water.
The funnel worm can be used for:
- canning;
- drying;
- frosts;
- cooking;
- getting seasoning.
This type can be cooked separately or included in other dishes.
Conclusion
Hornwort is an edible species that many mushroom pickers undeservedly bypass. This is due to the unusual shape and dark shade of the fruiting body. Together, this creates an erroneous opinion when you first meet him. Although considered a real delicacy in many countries, it is served in many prestigious restaurants.
