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Black chanterelles are edible mushrooms, although little known. Horn-shaped funnel is the second name. They are difficult to find in the forest due to their dark coloration. The appearance of chanterelles is not conducive to collection. Only experienced mushroom pickers know about their value and, when harvested, they are sent to a basket.
Where do black chanterelle mushrooms grow
Black mushrooms, similar in appearance to chanterelles, grow in temperate conditions. Meet them on the continents: North America and Eurasia. In Our Country, they grow everywhere: in the mountains and on the flat terrain.
As a rule, they are found in mixed or deciduous forests. It is believed that the black chanterelle forms mycorrhiza with the roots of deciduous trees. Some mycologists refer it to saprophytes, that is, organisms that feed on dead organic matter. Therefore, the horn-shaped funnel can be found on leaf litter.
They feel good on sufficiently moist soil, rich in clay and lime. They grow in places where light penetrates, along paths, ditches, roadsides.
Appear in early July and stay until October. In conditions of prolonged heat, in autumn they bear fruit until November. The black chanterelle grows in groups, sometimes in whole colonies.
What do black foxes look like?
The black chanterelles shown in the photo form a stem and a hat that form a fruiting body. The parts of the mushroom are not separated. The hat takes the form of a deep funnel, the edges of which are bent outward. The edge is wavy, in old mushrooms it is torn into separate blades. Inside the funnel is grayish-black in color, in young chanterelles it has a brown tint. Hat color may vary depending on the weather. In wet weather, the hat is often black, in dry weather it is brown.
On the lower side, the surface of the funnel is grayish-white, wrinkled and tuberculate. During maturation, the color is gray-gray. The lower part of the cap has no plates. Here is the spore-bearing part – the hymenium. Light spores ripen in the spore-bearing layer. They are small, ovoid, smooth. After their maturation, the lower part of the cap is as if powdered with a light or yellowish coating.
The height of the mushroom is up to 10-12 cm, the diameter of the cap can be about 5 cm. The funnel-shaped depression of the cap gradually goes into the cavity of the leg. It is short, strongly narrowed towards the end, empty inside. Its height is only 0,8 cm.
The inside of the hornwort funnel has a gray color. The pulp is very tender, membranous. In adult chanterelles, it is almost black. Does not have a mushroom smell. In the dried state, the aroma and taste of the mushroom are quite strong.
Due to its appearance, it has a different name. “Cornucopia” – this is the name of the mushroom in England, the inhabitants of France call the “trumpet of death”, the Finns – “black horn”.
Is it possible to eat black chanterelles
Black chanterelle mushrooms are considered edible. They are classified according to taste to the 4th category. Usually these are little-known mushrooms. Connoisseurs and connoisseurs of the gifts of nature consider them delicacies. The mushroom is popular in England, France and Canada. According to taste characteristics, it is equated to truffles and morels. Among chanterelles, it is considered the most delicious mushroom.
For culinary purposes, a funnel-shaped hat is used. The legs have not been used in cooking, as they are rigid.
Special processing before eating them is not needed. Black chanterelles are not peeled, they are not soaked, they rarely get worms. Chanterelles are thoroughly cleaned of debris, washed and used:
- for drying;
- canning;
- cooking various dishes;
- frosts;
- obtaining seasoning – mushroom powder.
It is recommended to eat young mushrooms. The old accumulate toxins. They can be poisoned even after heat treatment.
False twins of black chanterelles
Black chanterelles have twins, but they are not called false. The convoluted funnel is considered a close mushroom. It is distinguished by a lighter color and a rather dissected hat. The underside has pseudoplates unlike the black chanterelle. The leg has no voids. This mushroom is considered conditionally edible.
This species has similarities with another mushroom – Urnula goblet. This mushroom looks dense and leathery, with a glass-like shape. The edge of the cap is slightly bent inwards. The color is the same black as that of the fox. Grows on decaying trees. It is not used for food due to its harshness.
Taste qualities of black chanterelles
It is believed that the taste of black chanterelles is the same as that of ordinary ones. Taste and aroma are most intense after heat treatment. Without the use of seasonings, the hornwort resembles the taste of unsweetened dried fruit. Due to their neutrality, mushrooms are seasoned with any spices, seasonings, sauces.
When cooked, it is easily absorbed by the body, does not create heaviness in the stomach. When boiling, the water is colored black, it is recommended to drain it.
There is evidence that the hornwort can be eaten raw, sprinkled with salt.
Experienced mushroom pickers consider the taste pleasant, they recommend picking black chanterelle.
The benefits of black chanterelles
The black chanterelle mushrooms shown in the photo in the previous sections, according to the description of their composition, have healing properties. Because of this, they are used in medicine. They prepare alcohol tinctures, powder based on the hornwort funnel, as well as oil extracts. The widespread use of mushrooms is based on their beneficial properties:
- anti-inflammatory;
- immunostimulating;
- bactericidal;
- anthelmintic;
- anticancer and some others.
Black chanterelles accumulate many trace elements. Noted: zinc, selenium, copper. The mushroom contains some amino acids, vitamins of groups A, B, PP. Thanks to this set, they contribute to the restoration of vision. Substances in their composition have a positive effect on the mucous membrane of the eyes, contribute to its hydration. Prevent the occurrence and development of eye infections. Their use can be considered as the prevention of eye diseases.
Preparations based on black chanterelles help strengthen the nervous system, enrich the blood with hemoglobin. It is used to treat liver diseases, in particular hepatitis C.
Chinomannose, which is contained in black chanterelles, is used in the treatment of tonsillitis, boils and abscesses, helminthiasis. The substance also delays the development of tuberculosis by acting on the causative agent of the disease.
Mushrooms are beneficial for diabetic patients. Enzymes in the composition of chanterelles induce pancreatic cells to recover.
However, there are contraindications to the use of hornwort funnel. Among them are noted:
- allergy;
- age of 5 years;
- period of pregnancy;
- the period of breastfeeding;
- inflammatory processes of the digestive system;
- pancreatitis.
Collection rules
Mushrooms, called hornwort mushrooms, are harvested as they appear – from July to autumn. It is noticed that they bear fruit better and more in August. You should look for them in mixed forests or deciduous, in open places. They can also be in the shade, under leaves and moss. Not found in pure coniferous forests.
They grow in groups, noticing one mushroom, it is necessary to examine the entire surrounding area. Due to their coloration, they are difficult to see.
Mushrooms are cut with a sharp knife, trying not to harm the mycelium. Do not take funnel horns along highways, as they accumulate harmful substances.
The horn-shaped funnel is distinguished by its black color, as well as a funnel-shaped hat with a raised edge and a fragile body of the fungus. The black chanterelle has no poisonous counterparts.
The use of funnel hornwort
“Black horn”, as the mushroom is called, is dried and a powder or flour is obtained. It is used as a seasoning for various dishes: meat, fish. Sauces and gravies are prepared on its basis. When dried, the mushroom retains all its valuable properties.
Hornwort is used for cultivation in artificial conditions. For this, some conditions must be met:
- You can dig a small deciduous tree, move it to your site along with the forest floor. The litter should contain black chanterelle mycelium. It is located at a distance of 20 cm from the top layer. The tree needs to be watered, the mycelium does not. She gets her nourishment from the tree. Mushrooms do not grow under fruit trees.
- You can try to grow a hornwort using spores. To do this, take the hats of overripe chanterelles. Scatter under a tree, water regularly. Do not allow the soil to dry out, as the sprouting mycelium loves moisture. When it dries out, it will die.
- You can buy ready-made mycelium in the store at a reasonable price.
Black chanterelle can be planted from June to October. If it takes root, the harvest will be next summer.
Conclusion
Black chanterelles are little-known mushrooms. Gourmets and connoisseurs of the gifts of nature use them to give dishes an exquisite taste. “Black Horn” cannot be confused with other conditionally edible counterparts. The hornwort can be a wonderful addition to any table. With the help of mushroom flour, you can diversify the menu in the winter. In addition, it has a lot of useful properties.