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Cantharellus cibarius var. latifolius

Heinem.

Amethyst Chanterelle

Has toxic lookalike — see comparison below

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Federico Calledda, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Federico Calledda

iNaturalist· cc-by

(c) Alan Rockefeller, some rights reserved (CC BY)

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Cantharellus cibarius (Latin: cantharellus, "chanterelle"; cibarius, "culinary") is the golden chanterelle, the type species of the chanterelle genus Cantharellus. It is also known as girolle (or girole). Despite its characteristic features, C. cibarius can be confused with species such as the poisonous Omphalotus illudens. The golden chanterelle is a commonly consumed and choice edible species.

Description

A mushroom.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

A commonly eaten and favored mushroom, the chanterelle is typically harvested from late summer to late fall in its European distribution. Chanterelles are used in many culinary dishes, but watery specimens are more susceptible to rot. The mushrooms can be preserved by either drying or freezing. The use of an oven for drying is not recommended because it can make the mushroom bitter.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It can grow in Miombo woodland.

Where It Grows

Africa, Burundi, Central Africa, Congo DR, East Africa,

Dangerous Lookalikes

This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.

VERY TOXIC

Jack-O'-Lantern Mushroom

Omphalotus olearius

Antonio Abbatiello

Safe

Amethyst Chanterelle

Cantharellus cibarius var. latifolius

(c) Federico Calledda, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Federico Calledda

Jack-O'-Lantern Mushroom: True knife-like gills, grows in clusters on wood/stumps, glows in the dark, orange throughout.

Amethyst Chanterelle: Blunt forked ridges (not true gills), grows singly from soil, apricot/fruity smell, solid flesh.

Also Known As

Ubunzuguru

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