The funnel chanterelle is a common edible mushroom in Sweden, ideal for drying and storing. It is particularly popular for use in soups and stews. Funnel chanterelles often grow in the same places year after year, so it’s worth keeping your mushroom spots a secret! Dried funnel chanterelles are also a much appreciated gift to give to loved ones when the season is over.
Planting site
Usually grows in moss in mixed and coniferous forests.
Seasonal
Grows in late fall, emerges in late August or early September, and then grows until mid-November if the frost nights don’t bite too hard.
How do I recognize a Funnel Chanterelle?
The hat is funnel-shaped and grayish brown to yellowish brown. The underside has sparse, forked ridges on the hat with a distinct termination at the base. The foot is narrow, hollow and yellowish brown. The diameter of the cap is 2-7 cm, and the foot can be up to 8 cm long.
Special instructions for picking Funnel Chanterelle
Funnel chanterelles like to grow in large quantities in the same place. They say that when you see one, it’s as if they’re pouring out of the ground. Nevertheless, it is important that you pick them one by one. There is another deadly species that grows with the funnel chanterelle and that is the Topiary spider mite, this is deadly and if it is detected in the purchase we will refuse any funnel chanterelle that you have picked. Each mushroom should be root-cut and gently brushed to remove any loose dirt from the cap. Choose the nice firm specimens, not the big floppy ones. Avoid drying-damaged funnel chanterelles that feel like rubber, these are only bought for drying and have a significantly lower price.
Funnel chantarelle & Lookalike mushrooms
Conical Amanita (Galerina marginata): This mushroom is highly poisonous and can somewhat resemble a Chanterelle. However, the Conical Amanita has a more conical cap and a yellowish or brown color. It is also usually much smaller than a Chanterelle and has a smoother cap surface.
Slimy Waxcap (Gomphidius glutinosus): The Slimy Waxcap has a jelly-like, slimy surface and a wrinkled cap that can resemble a Chanterelle. It is not poisonous, but it has little culinary value. The Slimy Waxcap has a less convex cap and a more gelatinous texture compared to a Chanterelle.
Red-yellow trumpet mushroom (Craterellus lutescens): Although the red-yellow trumpet mushroom is a different edible mushroom, in some cases it can be confused with the Funnel Chanterelle because of its similar shape. However, red-yellow trumpet mushrooms are usually larger, have a more asymmetrical cap and have a distinct yellow/red foot, while the funnel chanterelle has a solid light gray or brownish foot.
What to look out for when walking in the forest
Just like in tall grass, ticks thrive in the forest. It’s a good idea to check your clothes regularly and take a good look if you feel any crawling. Tick bites are not necessarily dangerous, but you are encouraged to keep an eye on tick bites so that you do not get symptoms of, for example, Lyme disease or TBE.
