You can recognize the real chanterelle by these characteristics

You can recognize the real chanterelle by these characteristics

Real Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius) - How to recognize it

The chanterelle occurs in both coniferous and deciduous forests. However, it grows particularly often in sparse forests with old trees and a lot of dead wood. You can usually find it in the mossy subsoil in warm places, although this mushroom also loves moisture. That is why it is mainly found in regions that naturally get a lot of rain. Conveniently, chanterelles often grow in groups.

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  • Chanterelles - edible and inedible species

cap

The hats of young chanterelles are typically curled down, while the older ones are wavy and funnel-shaped. Real chanterelles are pale to strong egg yolk in color (which is why they are popularly known as “chanterelles”), but never orange!

Last and handle

The real chanterelle has no lamellas, but ridges. These run down the stick and are often connected in a network. The last and the stem are the same color as the hat. This is short and often curved. The stem is not hollow inside.

flesh

The white to pale yellow flesh is firm but quite brittle and the stem can be fibrous to tough.

Occurrence

The real chanterelle grows in mossy deciduous and coniferous forests between June and November. He always appears in groups.

How to recognize the false chanterelle (Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca)

Due to its deceptive similarity at first glance, the false chanterelle is often confused with the edible real chanterelle. But this one has strips instead of lamellas and firm, crunchy and non-pliable meat. You can further distinguish the false chanterelle from the real chanterelle by these characteristics:

  • The false chanterelle often glows in orange tones, only rarely in yellow.
  • The lamellas in particular are often bright orange.
  • The flesh is also yellowish to orange-yellow.
  • The hat is often (strongly) funnel-shaped and, even in older specimens, is strongly curled - but not wavy.
  • In contrast to the real chanterelle, the fake one does not have a distinctive smell of its own.

In addition, the false chanterelle can only be found from September to October. It mainly grows on the ground or on very rotten softwood. It is not toxic, but it can cause diarrhea in sensitive people.

Tips

You also have to be careful with the similar luminous olive tree mushroom, which is poisonous but only occurs south of the Alps.