Wild Washington Chanterelles are a sight to behold as they lay nestled in golden clusters around the mossy douglas firs. The bright yellow a stark yet welcome contrast to the deep autumn colors. These hearty beauties possess a distinctly delicious earthy, woody flavor with a slightly fruity aroma that is sure to highlight the elegence of any meal. There is no better way to truly taste the wild of the Pacific Northwest.
Where do they grow?
Chanterelles grow wild all around the world from Europe to North America, Asia and Africa. They are found in mossy coniferous forests, mountainous birch forests, beech forests or among grasses and low-growing herbs. They fruit from September to February on the West Coast. Your best chances of finding a cluster in Washington State is to look under the leaves around douglas firs. (In California they tend to grow around oaks).
Flavor:
Wild Washington Chanterelles have their own distinct flavor that may vary depending on where they grew. In some areas they are known to have a fruity, apricot-like essence with an earthy, woody note to the flavor. Wild chanterelles from the Pacific Northwest definitely add spark and spice to meal time. A perfect pairing with pasta and chardonnay , or even the highlight of a simple no nonsense stir-fry. This mushroom will leave you wanting more.
History:
Records indicate that Europeans have been eating chanterelles at least since the 16th century, but they didn't gain more widespread popularity until the rising influence of french cuisine in the 18th century. It was around this time that it started to become a staple in the royal kitchens and notably in turn a food for nobles. Eventually it's popularity reached across the class divide and became a food that graced everyone's tables.
Fun Fact:
The Pacific Northwest chanterelles have a mycorrhizal relationship with douglas firs. This means they feed on sugars from the tree and the tree in turn provides nutrients for the mushrooms.
Health Benefits:
Some great informational links:
- Chanterelles have high amounts of fiber, which is crucial for burning belly fat.
- They have a large amount of plant based protein which is excellent for a myriad of things including healthy hair, skin, bones and muscles.
- A great source of B Vitamins which helps aid in a healthy nervous system.
- Anti inflammatory properties which help aid in the relief of chronic pain such as arthritis.
- Chanterelles contain beta glucine and selenium which are two compounds that are know to boost immune health and fight of diseases.
- Extremely high levels of antioxidants in Chanterelles result in powerful anticancer properties and strong anti aging effects.
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https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0694/1327/3884/files/2007-07-14_Cantharellus_cibarius.jpg
Image of a fake chanterelle:
www.mushroom-appreciation.com
Recipe:
Marinated Chanterelles
Serves 8 as an appetizerPaul is a well-known Berkeley chef. He recommends that these marinated chanterelles be eaten as appetizers or be heated and drained to serve over pasta.
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In a sauté pan or skillet, heat the oil until it becomes very hot, then add the chanterelles. Toss them in the pan quickly for 3 to 5 minutes. Combine all the marinade ingredients. Add the chanterelles and the oil from the pan. Marinate the mushrooms for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator. This will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. |
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
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Energy | 160 kJ (38 kcal) |
6.86 g
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Sugars | 1.16 g |
Dietary fiber | 3.8 g |
0.53 g
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1.49 g
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Vitamins | |
Riboflavin (B2) |
(18%)
0.215 mg |
Niacin (B3) |
(27%)
4.085 mg |
(22%)
1.075 mg |
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Vitamin B6 |
(3%)
0.044 mg |
Vitamin D |
(35%)
5.3 μg |
Minerals | |
Calcium |
(2%)
15 mg |
Iron |
(27%)
3.47 mg |
Magnesium |
(4%)
13 mg |
Manganese |
(14%)
0.286 mg |
Phosphorus |
(8%)
57 mg |
Potassium |
(11%)
506 mg |
Sodium |
(1%)
9 mg |
Zinc |
(7%)
0.71 mg |
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Percentages are roughly approximated usingUS recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database |
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2010.01859.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814608003270