Home > Red chanterelle

Photo By Amanda Schabdach

Red chanterelle

Cantharellus cinnabarinus

A species of Chanterelles, Also known as Cinnabar chanterelle

Red chanterelles can be found growing within hardwood forests across eastern North America. These small but striking mushrooms range from orange to red to pink in color. Edible and boasting complex flavors, many chanterelles are highly sought after. The red chanterelle, though less famous than some of its close relatives, is no exception. This species can be used in all sorts of recipes, with a vaguely sweet or piney taste.

Cap Diameter:

1 - 5 cm

Odor:

Sweet and aromatic.

General Info About Red chanterelle

Instantly identify mushrooms with a snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques, etc.

Download the App for Free

Attributes of Red chanterelle

Cap Diameter

1 - 5 cm

Height

2 - 5 cm

Cap

Cap 1 - 4 cm wide; convex , funnel-shaped; pink to red, orange; bald, dry; margin inrolled become wavy

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Smooth

Stem

Stem 1 - 4 cm long, 5 - 10 mm wide; equal; colored like the cap; bald, dry

Stem Shapes

Tapering

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

Whitish, unchanging when sliced

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White to slightly pinkish

Odor

Sweet and aromatic.

Body Color

Red

Orange

Pink

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 Red chanterelle by these plants:

Big-tooth aspen, American beech

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Least Concern

Endangered Species

How to Identify Red chanterelle

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

AI mushroom expert in your pocket

Habitat of Red chanterelle

The red chanterelle appears in wooded areas and forests. It is closely associated with the roots of broadleaf deciduous trees, such as beech and oak, but sometimes grows around conifers as well.

Distribution Area of Red chanterelle

Eastern North America,Central America,northern Asia

Uses of Red chanterelle

Red chanterelle is a sought-after edible mushroom, valued for its unique flavor and culinary versatility. Often harvested in the wild during its growing season, it is popular among foragers. Chefs and gourmands prize red chanterelle for its ability to enhance dishes with its peppery taste. While it's generally considered safe to eat, proper identification is crucial to avoid confusion with look-alikes that may be toxic.

Scientific Classification of Red chanterelle

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Cantharellales

Family

Chanterelle

Genus

Chanterelles

Toxicity and Edibility of Red chanterelle

Mastering Mushroom Toxicity and Edibility

Unlock the Secrets of Mushroom Varieties, Edibility, Toxicity, and Safety Tips!

Download the App for Free

Edibility of Red chanterelle

Most chanterelles are highly sought-after, choice edibles, and the red chanterelle is no exception. Red chanterelles tend to have a milder, more peppery, and less sweet flavor then most of their chanterelle cousins. Toxic potential look-alikes include the jack-o-lantern mushroom and the false chanterelle, although both of these species are fairly easy to distinguish from the red chanterelle.

Similar Species to Red chanterelle

Unlocking the Secrets of Identifying Many Types of Mushroom

Master the Art of Distinguishing Mushroom Varieties with Expert Tips.

Download the App for Free

Tips for Finding Red chanterelle

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mushrooms

Explore the Ins and Outs of Mushroom Hunting: Timing, Optimal Soil Conditions, and More Tips!

Download the App for Free

When is the Best Time to Find Red chanterelle

Seek red chanterelle during late summer through fall. These mushrooms favor the period after light rains when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild, ideally between 50°F-70°F (10°C-21°C). Early mornings can be particularly fruitful.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Red chanterelle

Prefers moist, well-drained soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Red chanterelle

Look around the base of oak and beech trees, as red chanterelle tends to grow in proximity to these hardwoods.
Search in areas where the ground is moist and well-drained; a balance of moisture is key for red chanterelle.
Examine the forest floor for the distinct reddish-orange to cinnabar color caps of red chanterelle; their bright color can aid in identification.
Keep an eye for scattered or gregarious growth patterns, without expecting large clusters.
Inspect leaf litter and debris carefully, as red chanterelle can be partially hidden underneath.

How to Clean and Preserve Red chanterelle

Your Comprehensive Mushroom Preservation Guide

Explore efficient methods for cleaning and preserving mushrooms to ensure their freshness and quality.

Download the App for Free

How to Clean Red chanterelle

When cleaning red chanterelle, use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove debris from their grooves without soaking. If needed, dampen the cloth lightly to avoid waterlogging, as they are delicate and may hold excess moisture.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Red chanterelle

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in dark, cool, dry place with airtight containers to minimize moisture and maintain quality.

Dehydrator drying: Effective due to controlled temperature, maintaining structure, enhancing preservation efficiency.

Oven drying: Relatively quick, consistent heat, but risks altering structure if not monitored carefully.

Air drying: Natural method, suitable for low-humidity environments, does not require electricity.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Red chanterelle

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanching for a few minutes then quick chill and freeze preserves quality.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Red chanterelle

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Container with Absorbent Lining

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

7 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Place in paper bags to allow breathability and prevent moisture buildup.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrap in a damp cloth and place in the crisper to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Layer with paper towels in a container to absorb excess moisture and provide structure.

Common Questions People Also Ask

Get Quick Mushroom Answers with a Snap

Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and answers on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques!

Download the App for Free

Where does red chanterelle found?

What time of year do you find red chanterelle?