Soon, here in Western Kentucky, Chanterelle mushrooms should burst through the leaves of the forest floor. They may already be up in places. If not, the next good rain should do the trick.
Generally, from July to October in Kentucky, you can hardly walk through any forested land in the state without finding Chanterelles in numbers worth gathering.
However—
Before I go any further, let’s discuss the three main dangers of Chanterelle foraging.
Snakes!
(from Canva—left, timber rattler, top right, copperhead, bottom right, cottonmouth)
Western Kentucky is home to three poisonous snakes of which I’m aware: Cottonmouths, Copperheads, and Timber Rattlesnakes.
It may or may not be true, but I’ve always heard the Cottonmouth’s geographic range is south of Kentucky’s Green River. Me, I have never seen one in Kentucky north, or south, of the Green.
Regardless, you’ll probably have to be in a swampy, wet area to encounter one.
I have never seen a Timber Rattlesnake in Kentucky, but I know those who have.
The poisonous snake you and I are most likely to find in Chanterelle habitat is the Copperhead, both the Northern and Southern subspecies.
I have seen Copperheads here in Ohio County where I live but never while Chanterelle hunting. I’m certain I have walked past them, though, which is best for all parties involved. They don’t want to hurt us and are content to lie still and let us pass.
Most Copperhead bites happen when someone or something steps on or extremely near the snake. Plenty of livestock and pets have been bitten by them, too.
So, what to do about snakes? Two things: 1) wear boots and pants, and 2) be aware of your surroundings.
Ticks!
Unfortunately, you can be the most “aware“ person in the woods and still end up covered in these little arachnids. That’s right! They’re kin to spiders! Eight legs and all that.
When I was a youngun, about the only tick disease I knew of was Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Today there are several more, such as Lyme Disease.
If you contract Lyme from a tick bite, you will see the characteristic “bullseye rash.”
(from Anakopa/ Getty Images)
The newest tick disease causing quite a stir is Alpha-Gal, which I was diagnosed with recently. It supposedly comes from the notorious Lonestar Tick.
(from Wikipedia, Lonestar tick)
Alpha-Gal is an auto-immune disease diagnosed with a blood test. More and more people are discovering they have it.
Poisonous Mushrooms!
Once you’ve seen a Chanterelle beside the look-alikes, you realize they don’t really look that much like true Chanterelles.
The two species most commonly mistaken for Chanterelles are the Jack-O-Lantern and the False Chanterelle.
(Jack-o-lantern ftom Cornell Mushroom Blog)
(False Chanterelle from Fungus Fact Friday)
The number one clue to recognize is the gills. True chanterelles don’t have gills; they have ridges that look like gills. Again, the best way to discern this difference is with both the real and the imposter on hand to study.
Yes, photos can help, but can’t be relied upon. Because it is of utmost importance that a forager is 100% certain he or she is harvesting the correct species, I would suggest accompanying an experienced mushroom forager who can serve as a teacher of sorts.
Fortunately, neither of the two imposters are typically lethal. You won’t die……Probably?
The Jack-O-Lantern might make you wish you were dead—terrible stomach cramping, violent vomiting, and brutal diarrhea.
Now, your False Chanterelle is actually labeled “Not Recommended.” Some people can eat them, some can’t. In a few European countries, they can even be legally bought and sold.
Personally? I would not advise challenging Mother Nature. Besides, real Chanterelles are abundant and found easily enough. They can’t escape their yellow/orange color!!
So if you find a mushroom, and you can’t absolutely, positively identify it as a Chanterelle species, there is no need to harvest it. Walk a little farther, and you’ll most likely find the real deal.
When you do harvest, put them in a basket or bucket, rather than a bag, to keep them intact and less bruised.
Some folks find their favorite Chanterelle aspect to be the time spent looking for them in the outdoors away from the hustle and bustle of the civilized world.
But me? I find eating them to be the most rewarding. Sure, I enjoy being in the woods, but a plate full of Chanterelles is hard to beat.
Before cooking, clean your mushrooms well!
There are numerous ways to cook them; however, I prefer the simple George Foreman Grill method.
(from Google Images)
Just throw them on the GF; drizzle with salted butter; salt and pepper to taste; and eat hot straight from the grill. Now and then, I’ll make a sandwich with them.
As I did, you, too, will have to find your favorite dish. Maybe a quiche. Perhaps a casserole.
You can fry them like morels(Hickory Chickens).
Also like morels, you can make gravy with Chanterelles.
Or you can use them as a substitute for the canned or fresh mushrooms you get at the grocery store.
Another thing you can do is dehydrate them and save them for meals through the winter.
So, here’s one more look. What a big ol’ beauty!
Now, do your homework and learn the Chanterelle’s ways, then go! Hunt to your heart’s delight! Forage and gather! Most of all, enjoy!
