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Mud puppy

Cantharellus californicus

A species of Chanterelles, Also known as California golden chanterelle

The mud puppy (Cantharellus californicus) is a gigantic golden-yellow to almost-orange chanterelle that can be found erupting from oak litter and debris during the rainy season. They first look strikingly similar to the yolk of a broken egg, but mature into solid flat caps with wavy ends. Their deeply fissured veins sometimes ooze sticky excretion. A single mushroom can reach an impressive 2 lb in weight!

Cap Diameter:

3 - 20 cm

Odor:

Sweet and fragrant aroma.

General Info About Mud puppy

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Attributes of Mud puppy

Cap Diameter

3 - 20 cm

Height

4 - 13 cm

Cap

Cap 5 - 20 cm across; planoconvex, broadly convex, flat; egg-yolk yellow; margin inrolled, uplifted, irregular, wavy

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Gill Attachment

Decurrent

Stem

Stem 3 - 8 cm long, 1 - 3 cm thick; pale yellow; fleshy; turns orangish brown when bruised

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

Thick; whitish; unchanging when sliced

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Yellowish

Odor

Sweet and fragrant aroma.

Body Color

Yellow

Orange

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Mud puppy by these plants:

Coast live oak

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Least Concern

Endangered Species

How to Identify Mud puppy

Fruiting Body Cap Undersurface

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Habitat of Mud puppy

The mud puppy occurs in woodlands and oak savannas, where it forms symbiotic relationships with oak species such as coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), interior live oak (Quercus wislizeni), and black oak (Quercus velutina), as well as tanbark-oak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus) and California bay (Umbellularia californica). Look for its fruitbodies in the leaf litter and forest debris beneath its host tree.

Uses of Mud puppy

Mud puppy is a prized edible mushroom, sought after for its delectable taste and texture. It's a popular choice in culinary circles, especially when in season. Chefs and food enthusiasts often forage mud puppy for its unique flavor that enhances various dishes. While it is considered safe to eat, it's crucial to properly identify mud puppy due to the risk of confusion with toxic species. Its collection value lies in its gastronomic appeal rather than medicinal or traditional uses.

Scientific Classification of Mud puppy

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Cantharellales

Family

Chanterelle

Genus

Chanterelles

Toxicity and Edibility of Mud puppy

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Edibility of Mud puppy

Mud puppy mushrooms are considered a choice edible and highly sought-after species of mushroom. Like many other chanterelles, they boast a vaguely fruity aroma and a mild flavor. Be cautious of the mud puppys' toxic lookalike, the Jack O' Lantern Mushroom (Omphalotus olearius).

Similar Species to Mud puppy

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Jack-o'lantern mushroom

Similar Species

Mud puppy

How to Differentiate Between Jack-o'lantern mushroom and Mud puppy?

Mud puppy: Features ridges instead of actual gills beneath its cap.

Jack-o'lantern mushroom: Has true gills running down its stem.

Mud puppy: Doesn't display any bioluminescence.

Jack-o'lantern mushroom: Glows in the dark (bioluminescent).

Tips for Finding Mud puppy

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When is the Best Time to Find Mud puppy

Search for mud puppy in late fall to mid-winter after heavy rains, when the ground is moist but not waterlogged. Moderate temperatures, around 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C), enhance their growth.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Mud puppy

Prefer moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

What are Some Tips for Finding Mud puppy

Search in mixed woodlands dominantly featuring oak trees, where mud puppy forms symbiotic relationships.
Look for mud puppy poking through mud and leaf litter in areas where recent rains have occurred.
Check around the bases of oak trees, especially where you find dense leaf litter and other forest debris.
Inspect regions in the forest that are gregarious or where you notice natural rings of vegetation.
Be prepared to clear away forest detritus gently, as mud puppy might be partially concealed beneath it.

How to Clean and Preserve Mud puppy

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How to Clean Mud puppy

To clean mud puppy, brush off any dirt gently with a soft brush. If needed, briefly rinse under cool water and immediately dry to maintain integrity. Handle mud puppy delicately to preserve their structure during cleaning.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Mud puppy

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 18 months

Store in a cool, dark place in airtight containers with desiccants to absorb excess moisture.

Dehydrator drying: Preserves nutritional value by quick, even moisture removal ideal for high water content.

Oven drying: Effective for thicker flesh, set at 57°C with the door slightly ajar to let moisture escape.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Mud puppy

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

3 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Brief heat treatment preserves texture and color, followed by rapid cooling.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Mud puppy

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Original Packaging Storage

Temperature

1 - 3 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Allows for airflow and moisture absorption, helping to prevent sogginess and mold growth.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrapping mushrooms in a damp cloth maintains humidity while providing breathability, reducing desiccation and spoilage.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Perforations allow for air circulation, mitigating internal condensation and stalling fungal decay.

Original Packaging Storage: If sold in a breathable container, keeping them in their original packaging can maintain their freshness.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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