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Small chanterelle

Cantharellus minor

A species of Chanterelles

The brilliant orange caps of small chanterelle (Cantharellus minor) are easy to spot popping up from slender stalks amid the moss on forest floors, especially beneath oak trees. They can be positively identified by their widely-spaced gills and brilliantly colored, almost waxy-looking caps.

Cap Diameter:

5 - 20 mm

Odor:

Slightly sweet, gently fragrant, otherwise non-distinctive.

General Info About Small chanterelle

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Attributes of Small chanterelle

Cap Diameter

5 - 20 mm

Height

1 - 4 cm

Cap

Cap 5 - 20 mm across; broadly convex to planoconvex; egg-yolk yellow to orange-yellow or orange

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Smooth

Gills

Decurrent; yellowish to white

Stem

Stem 1 - 4 cm long, 1 - 3 mm thick; slender, tapering slightly to base; egg-yolk yellow to orange-yellow or orange

Stem Shapes

Tapering

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Flesh

Yellowish to orangish

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Pale yellowish

Odor

Slightly sweet, gently fragrant, otherwise non-distinctive.

Body Color

Yellow

Orange

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil, Mosses

You can find Small chanterelle by these plants:

Oaks, Pines

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Least Concern

Endangered Species

How to Identify Small chanterelle

Fruiting Body Cap Undersurface

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Habitat of Small chanterelle

The Cantharellus minor is a woodland mushroom which forms a symbiotic relationship with oaks and other hardwoods. It helps the tree absorb water and nutrients while the tree feeds it with sugars and amino acids. Fruitbodies grow up from the ground, usually in moss.

Uses of Small chanterelle

Small chanterelle is a sought-after edible mushroom, prized for its culinary versatility. It's popular among foragers and chefs, especially when in season. Its delicate flavor enhances gourmet dishes, making it a valuable find. While small chanterelle is edible, it's crucial to correctly identify it to avoid confusion with look-alikes that may be toxic. Always consult an expert before consumption.

Scientific Classification of Small chanterelle

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Cantharellales

Family

Chanterelle

Genus

Chanterelles

Toxicity and Edibility of Small chanterelle

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Edibility of Small chanterelle

Small chanterelle is reported to be edible, but since it is small and thin, with a hollow stem, it is fairly insubstantial. It is sometimes confused with the Golden chanterelles, which are much more desirable.

Similar Species to Small chanterelle

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False chanterelle

Similar Species

Small chanterelle

Confusing Aspects of False chanterelle and Small chanterelle?

Both Small chanterelle and False chanterelle have similarly colored and shaped fruiting bodies.

How to Differentiate Between False chanterelle and Small chanterelle?

Small chanterelle: Features false gills that run down the stem and are distantly spaced.

False chanterelle: Has true gills under the cap which are crowded and repeatedly forked.

Small chanterelle: Typically found in hardwood forests near oaks.

False chanterelle: More common in coniferous environments.

Tips for Finding Small chanterelle

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When is the Best Time to Find Small chanterelle

Search for small chanterelle during late summer to early fall when the weather is moist and after heavy rainfall. Temperate climates with cool nights and warm days increase chances of finding small chanterelle.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Small chanterelle

Prefers moist, well-drained soils.

What are Some Tips for Finding Small chanterelle

Look for small chanterelle in moist areas with plenty of hardwoods, especially oaks.
Search through mossy patches in these woods, as small chanterelle often grow there.
Carefully inspect the ground for the small, understated fruiting bodies.
Gently move aside leaf litter and debris in potential habitats to expose any hidden specimens.

How to Clean and Preserve Small chanterelle

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How to Clean Small chanterelle

To clean small chanterelle, gently brush them with a soft brush or use a slightly damp paper towel. If sand or debris is present in the ridges, rinse briefly and dry immediately to maintain integrity without waterlogging them. Handle delicately to preserve their physical structure.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Small chanterelle

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in an airtight container, cool, dark, with low humidity to maintain quality.

Dehydrator drying: Most effective at removing moisture quickly while preserving quality.

Oven drying: Set at the lowest temperature, door slightly open for air circulation.

Air drying: In a dry, well-ventilated area, avoid direct sunlight to prevent quality loss.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Small chanterelle

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

4 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, preserves color and texture.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Small chanterelle

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Allows ethylene to escape while retaining moisture, suitable for low water-content varieties.

Cloth Wrapping: Maintains moisture while preventing dessication, ideal for delicate textures.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Small chanterelle

False chanterelle

Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca