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Black chanterelles are edible mushrooms, albeit little known. The 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 collected, are sent to the basket.
Where do black chanterelle mushrooms grow
Mushrooms of black color, similar in appearance to chanterelles, grow in temperate conditions. They are found on the continents: North America and Eurasia. In Russia, they grow everywhere: in the mountains and on 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 attribute it to saprophytes, that is, organisms that feed on dead organic matter. Therefore, the horn-shaped funnel can be found on deciduous litter.
They feel good on sufficiently moist soil, rich in clay and lime. They grow in places where light enters, along paths, ditches, roadsides.
Appear in early July and are available 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 chanterelles look like
The black chanterelles shown in the photo form a leg and a cap, which form a fruit 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 lobes. Inside the funnel is grayish-black in color, in young chanterelles it has a brown tint. The color of the cap can be different depending on the weather conditions. In wet weather, the cap is often black, in dry weather it is brown.
On the underside, the surface of the funnel is grayish-white, wrinkled and lumpy. During the ripening period, the color is gray-gray. The lower part of the cap has no plates. Here is the spore-bearing part - hymenium. Light spores mature in the spore-bearing layer. They are small, ovoid, smooth. After their ripening, the lower part of the cap is, as if dusted with a light or yellowish bloom.
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 inner part of the horn-shaped funnel is gray. The flesh is very tender, filmy. In adult chanterelles, it is almost black. Does not have a mushroom smell. In the dried state, the aroma and taste of the mushroom appear quite strongly.
Due to its appearance, it has a different name. "Cornucopia" is the name of the mushroom in England, the inhabitants of France call it "the pipe of death", the Finns call it the "black horn".
Is it possible to eat black chanterelles
Chanterelle mushrooms are considered edible. They are referred to the 4th category in terms of taste. Usually these are little known mushrooms. Connoisseurs and connoisseurs of the gifts of nature consider them delicious. The mushroom is popular in England, France and Canada. In terms of taste, it is equated with truffles and morels. Among the chanterelles, it is considered the most delicious mushroom.
For culinary purposes, a funnel-shaped hat is used. The legs were not used in cooking, as they are tough.
No special processing is needed before eating them. Black chanterelles are not peeled, not soaked, and worms rarely grow in them. Chanterelles are thoroughly cleaned of debris, washed and used:
- for drying;
- canning;
- preparation of various dishes;
- freezing;
- obtaining seasoning - mushroom powder.
It is recommended to eat young mushrooms. The old ones accumulate toxins. They can be poisoned even after heat treatment.
False doubles of black chanterelles
Black chanterelles have twins, but they are not called false. A close fungus is the sinuous funnel. It is distinguished by a lighter color and a rather dissected cap. The underside has pseudo-plates, in contrast to the black chanterelle. The leg has no voids. This mushroom is considered conditionally edible.
This species has features of similarity with another fungus - Urnula goblet. This mushroom looks dense and leathery, with a glass-like shape. The edge of the cap is slightly bent inward. The color is the same black as that of the chanterelle. Grows on rotting trees. It is not used for food because of its toughness.
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 carob funnel 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 cooking, the water is colored black, it is recommended to drain it.
There is evidence that the horn-shaped funnel can be eaten raw, sprinkled with salt.
Experienced mushroom pickers consider the taste pleasant, they recommend collecting black chanterelle.
The benefits of black chanterelles
Mushrooms black chanterelles, presented in the photo in the previous sections, according to the description of their composition, have healing properties. Due to this, they are used in medicine. Alcohol tinctures, powder based on horn-shaped funnel, as well as oil extracts are prepared. The widespread use of mushrooms is based on their beneficial properties:
- anti-inflammatory;
- immunostimulating;
- bactericidal;
- anthelmintic;
- antineoplastic and some others.
Black chanterelles accumulate many trace elements. Marked: 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. The substances in their composition have a positive effect on the mucous membrane of the eyes, contribute to its hydration. Prevents the onset and development of eye infections. Their use can be considered as the prevention of eye diseases.
Preparations based on black chanterelles help to strengthen the nervous system, enrich the blood with hemoglobin. It is used to treat liver diseases, in particular hepatitis C.
Chinomannosis, which contains 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 people with diabetes. The enzymes in the chanterelle stimulate the cells of the pancreas to regenerate.
However, there are contraindications to the use of the horn-shaped funnel. Among them are marked:
- allergy;
- age up to 5 years;
- period of pregnancy;
- breastfeeding period;
- inflammatory processes of the digestive system;
- pancreatitis.
Collection rules
Mushrooms, called the funnel-horn-shaped mushrooms, are harvested as they appear - from July to autumn. It is noticed that they bear fruit better and more in August. They should be looked for in mixed forests or deciduous, in open places. They can also be in the shade, under leaves and moss. Not found in purely coniferous forests.
They grow in groups, having noticed one mushroom, you need to inspect 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. Horn-shaped funnels should not be taken along highways, as they accumulate harmful substances.
The horn-shaped funnel is distinguished by its black color, as well as a funnel-shaped cap with a raised edge and a fragile body of the fungus. The black chanterelle has no poisonous counterparts.
Use of the horn-shaped funnel
"Black horn", as the mushroom is called, is dried and obtained powder or flour. 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.
The horn-shaped funnel is used for growing in artificial conditions. To do this, you must fulfill some conditions:
- You can dig up a small deciduous tree, transfer it to your site along with the forest floor. The litter should contain chanterelle mycelium. It is located at a distance of 20 cm from the top layer. The tree must be watered, the mycelium must not. It gets its nourishment from the tree. The mushroom does not grow under fruit trees.
- You can try to grow the horned funnel with spores. To do this, take the caps of overripe chanterelles. Scattered under a tree, watered regularly. Do not allow the soil to dry out, since the sprouting mycelium loves moisture. When it dries up, it will die.
- You can get ready-made mycelium in the store at a reasonable price.
You can plant a black chanterelle from June to October. If it takes root, the harvest will be already next summer.
Conclusion
Black chanterelles are little known mushrooms. Gourmets and connoisseurs of the gifts of nature use them to add exquisite taste to dishes. "Black horn" cannot be confused with other conditionally edible counterparts. The horn-shaped funnel can be a great addition to any table. With the help of mushroom flour, you can diversify the menu in winter. In addition, it has many useful properties.
