Chanterelle Mushrooms – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are chanterelle mushrooms?

Chanterelle mushrooms are one of the 17 types of edible mushrooms. They are delicious additions to a mushroom medley, on their own,  mixed with proteins or starches like rice or pasta. Chewy, meaty, and earthy, they are among the most elegant of all mushrooms. Professional chefs and home cooks agree that their flavor, diversity, and natural beauty make them extremely popular for various dishes.

Their unusual shape is one of their most interesting features. Their taste is often described as “apricot-like.” The name chanterelle comes from the  Greek “kantharus,” or drinking cup. Their bodies grow upwards, forming a cup-like top.

Colors vary from region to region.  Chanterelles are brightly colored (generally yellow and orange, although sometimes even red and slightly pink) and grow in moist areas. They have ridges that run down their sides and umbrella-like tops. They can be peeled like string cheese.

Because they are often hard to find and only grow in particular climates, they are rarer than some other mushroom varieties. That fact, plus their unique taste, makes them truly special mushrooms.

Where did chanterelle mushrooms originate from?

Part of the Cantharellus family, they are found throughout Europe as well as the Pacific Northwest. The Eastern United States has its own variety.

What is the nutritional value of chantarelle mushrooms?

Chanterelles are little but mighty. They are a source of many nutrients, including beta-carotene, B, C, and D vitamins, iron, potassium, and manganese. They also contain flavonoids, including myricetin and catechin. The Greeks, Romans, and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have long believed in the benefits of mushrooms and mushroom extracts, and modern-day health practitioners continue to study their properties and value.

How are chanterelle mushrooms grown?

Chanterelles are mycorrhizal, which means they need a host shrub, tree, or log to grow. They grow individually and in small groupings. Because they look like other inedible mushrooms, foraging for them requires time and skill, which ultimately impacts their price.

When are chanterelle mushrooms in season?

August through December is the best time to find fresh chanterelle mushrooms, although they may grow as early as June in some parts of the world. Dried chanterelles are available throughout the year and are a terrific substitute. When sauteed, dried chanterelles come to life and can be used in a wide range of stews, soups, and other recipes.

Winter chanterelles are slightly different in shape from their warm-weather counterparts but are equally tasty. They are smaller and have long hollow stems.

How to store chanterelle mushrooms

To wash or not to wash? That’s a question that creates great debate among mushroom aficionados. Handle them with care and lightly brush away any dirt. Some experts suggest cleaning them lightly with a soft toothbrush to avoid damage. You can also use a damp cloth right before cooking chanterelles.

If the mushrooms are fresh, they will keep for up to 10 days unwashed in the refrigerator. That’s longer than many other mushroom varieties. Store them in a paper (not plastic) bag.

If you plan to use them much later, simply sauteeing them in a little butter and freezing them will keep them healthy for up to a year.

How to tell if chanterelle mushrooms are bad

When buying fresh chanterelles, look for those that are firm to the touch and not slimy or slippery. The caps should be intact, and they should be free of mold spots and damage to the ridges. The stems can be thin or thick and are also edible.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for chanterelle mushrooms via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products.

How to prepare chanterelle mushrooms

Experts recommend pairing these mushrooms with foods that will not overpower their peppery and nutty flavor. This includes herbs like thyme, tarragon, sage, rosemary, tarragon, thyme, and chervil.  Red meat can sometimes overpower the flavor of chanterelles, but fish, poultry, and pork are complementary. Roasted corn and mild goat cheese pair well with chanterelles. White wine and fruity reds are great beverage companions.

Because the entire mushroom is flavorful and edible, just cutting off the very bottom of the stem gets this exquisite mushroom pan- or oven-ready. Stems can also be repurposed for making stock. If the chanterelles are especially large, they can be sliced.

The best uses for chanterelles are those recipes that allow their unique flavor and beauty to shine. They contain moisture, so when you sautee them, that liquid escapes. Combining them with other subtle flavors like butter, garlic, and cream enhances their unique taste. Shallots are another popular companion. Rice and pasta benefit from the meaty taste of chanterelles.

One of the most popular and iconic uses for chanterelles is on toast. Virtually every famous chef has their own recipe for this delightful pairing. Mixing the mushrooms with lemon juice, sherry vinegar, or herbs will give them a tangier taste. Cream-based recipes are substantial and comforting, especially when fresh and chewy bread is used for the base.

Both mushroom fans and novices will be delighted by the range of uses for chanterelles. Who would imagine that a simple fungus could be transformed into such a wide range of delicious meals?

What can I substitute for chanterelle mushrooms?

When making a dish that calls for chanterelles and the “queen of mushrooms” is not available, consider other mushrooms. Porcini mushrooms, royal trumpets, morels, and shiitakes can be used in their place, although no mushroom rivals the distinctive taste and appearance of chanterelles.

Keeping dried chanterelles on hand will help preserve the integrity of recipes when fresh produce isn’t readily available.

Find chanterelle mushrooms near me

Although the most adventurous mushroom fans may do their own foraging, finding the perfect chanterelles takes expertise and quality control.

Let the experts deliver your fresh produce to your home in as little as two hours. Produce delivery is a fast and efficient way to fill your kitchen with seasonal delights.

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