Funnel chanterelle 

The funnel chanterelle (Cantharellus tubaeformis), also known as winter mushroom or yellowfoot, is one of our most popular edible mushrooms. The funnel chanterelle season usually starts in September and continues until the first snow. Freezing does not damage the mushrooms; they can be picked even when covered by snow. The funnel chanterelle did not become popular until the 1970s. These days, the mushroom is one of the favourites of mushroom pickers in Southern and Central Finland. 

Characteristics

The funnel chanterelle grows in dense groups in mossy, spruce-dominated forests, often on north-facing, rocky slopes. The mushroom is often so deep in the moss that it is hard to spot among the fallen leaves. The funnel chanterelle is a common mushroom in Southern and Central Finland, becoming rarer up north.  The Arctic Circle sees the most abundant northern occurrence of the mushroom, but it has even been found as far north as Inari. The funnel chanterelle also grows in Europe and the northern parts of North America. There are some signs that the funnel chanterelles in the western parts of North America are a different species or subspecies than those in Europe and the eastern parts of North America. 

The funnel chanterelle is a slender mushroom with a thin cap that has folded edges. The top of the cap ranges from yellowish brown to grey-brown. The cap has a deep depression or a funnel shape. The gill-like folds on the underside of the cap are decurrent, shallow and forked with clear ends. The folds are yellow or grey. The thin, yellow or yellow-grey stem is smooth and hollow. In fact, the Swedes call the mushroom ‘hönsbensvamp’, the “chicken leg mushroom”. 

The yellow foot (Cantharellus lutescens) bears a resemblance to the funnel chanterelle. It is significantly rarer than the funnel chanterelle. The yellow foot is a calciphilous mushroom; it thrives in calcareous soil. The clearest differences compared to the funnel chanterelle are the habitat, the smooth underside and the orange-yellow stem. The yellow foot can be prepared and cooked similarly to the funnel chanterelle. The cartilage-like, tough and slimy jelly baby (Leotia lubrica) looks like a young funnel chanterelle in terms of colour and shape but does not have folds on the underside of the cap. The jelly baby is mildly poisonous. 

Use

The funnel chanterelle is an excellent mushroom to cook with. Many people find it one of the tastiest mushrooms. The mushroom is usually clean and very rarely has any maggots. The mushroom also handles transportation well and keeps fresh in the fridge for several days. 

The funnel chanterelle has a variety of uses. With its autumnal aroma, funnel chanterelle soup is one of our most popular mushroom dishes. The mushroom can also be used for delicious stews, bakes, pies and pickles. The funnel chanterelle can also be caramelised and served with ice cream and berries, for example. The stem of the mushroom is slightly tougher than the cap. Funnel chanterelles contain some trehalose, a sugar found in mushrooms. 

Preparation

Funnel chanterelles are quick to prepare and cook. Clean your mushrooms, cut them in half and fry them up in a pan. Funnel chanterelles can also be picked when frozen. In that case, clean and slice the frozen mushrooms, place in a pan to thaw and then cook in their own juices. 

Preservation

Funnel chanterelles can be preserved by drying and freezing. We do not recommend drying mushrooms that have been frozen. The best solution is to pre-cook and then freeze them. Pre-cooking means frying them in a pan until some of the liquid evaporates. Funnel chanterelles make excellent chutney and other preserves. 

Dried funnel chanterelles have a very strong taste. To remove possible bitterness, soak your dried mushrooms in water and then discard the water. 

Nutrition

In the summer, the sun is the most important source of vitamin D. In late autumn and winter, we only get vitamin D from food, dairy products, fish and vitamin-enriched margarine. Many mushrooms, particularly the funnel chanterelle, are also a great source of vitamin D. Funnel chanterelles are rich in vitamin D, which prevents osteoporosis, containing about 30 microgrammes of vitamin D per 100 grammes of mushrooms. For vegans, the funnel chanterelle is a wonderful resource.