October
in the Pacific Northwest means the beginning of Fall rains and first appearance
of savory chanterelle mushrooms. A mushroom hunt is a great way to spend a day
being outdoors in fresh mountain air while gathering a fresh and tasty addition
for your dinner. Chanterelle’s are a versatile mushroom and can be added to
virtually any meal. My personal favorite
is a breakfast of Chanterelles sautéed in butter and added to eggs with a dash
of fresh chopped parsley. They also work well on top of meat dishes like steak
or pasta and also make a mouthwatering soup.
Ready to
try this on your own?
When to
look:
Chanterelle growth is very weather dependent. The best time
to start your search is after three inches of rain has fallen before the Chanterelles
begin to appear. It is best to wait at least a week or two after the first
storms have passed. The most favorable conditions are a large storm with a few
weeks of cloudy and light rain fall. Too much rain and the Chanterelles become
mushy and conditions that are too dry shorten the harvest season.
Where to
look:
The ideal place to find Chanterelle’s are in Doug Fir
forests with south facing slopes. The forest floor where they like to grow is
predominantly is composed of fir needles and the ground is undisturbed. Chanterelles
can be found in forests that have predominantly one type of tree, like the Doug
Fir.
What to
Bring:
A knife for cutting the mushroom, a bag (preferably mesh so
the mushroom can breathe), and good hiking shoes. Chanterelles are found in
forests during the rainy season and it is best to wear warm, rain resistant
gear to stay dry and comfortable on your hunt! Store them in paper bags after
rinsing them when you get home.
What to
watch out for:
Lookalikes. There are many types of mushrooms, like
Jack-O-Lantern’s and Boletus, that appear very similar to Chanterelle
mushrooms. The ones I search for here in Northwest are the Pacific Golden
Chanterelle which are usually a dull or bright yellow color and have a flute
like top with wavy, uneven ends. The defining characteristic of a Chanterelle
are the forking ridges underneath the cap. It is recommended that you 100% identify
the mushroom you are picking before you eat it. If you aren’t sure, don’t pick
it. I recommend going with an experienced local expert or friend who can help
you especially on the first try.
And remember, don’t give up if you don’t find them the first
time! Scout other locations or try again when weather conditions are more
ideal.
