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White chanterelle

Cantharellus subalbidus

A species of Chanterelles

The white chanterelle differs from other chanterelles by its extremely pale, almost white fruitbody. Due to its well-developed false gills, it can be confused with members of the Clitocybe genus at first glance. But, like all chantarelles and unlike the Clitocybe species, it's almost never attacked by maggots!

Cap Diameter:

5 - 10 cm

Odor:

Fragrant, lightly aromatic.

General Info About White chanterelle

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Attributes of White chanterelle

Cap Diameter

5 - 10 cm

Height

5 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 5 - 10 cm; broadly convex to flat; white; dry; bruising and discoloring yellowish to orangish

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Fibrillose-scaly

Gill Attachment

Decurrent

Stem

Stem 2 - 5 cm long, 1 - 2.5 cm thick; tapering to base, solid; white;bruising and discoloring yellowish to orangish

Stem Shapes

Tapering

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Flesh

White; sometimes discoloring yellowish where exposed

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

White

Odor

Fragrant, lightly aromatic.

Body Color

White

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil, Leaf or Needle Litter

You can find White chanterelle by these plants:

Common douglas-fir, Tanoak

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Least Concern

Endangered Species

How to Identify White chanterelle

Fruiting Body Cap Undersurface

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Habitat of White chanterelle

The habitat of the white chanterelle is restricted to the Pacific Northwest and California, in a symbiotic relationship with coniferous trees including pine, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and madrone (Arbutus menziesii). It helps its host tree’s roots absorb water and nutrients, and in exchange the tree feeds it with sugars and amino acids. Fruitbodies grow up from the ground above the roots.

Uses of White chanterelle

White chanterelle is a prized edible mushroom, sought after for its delicious flavor and meaty texture. It's popular in culinary circles, especially during its fall fruiting season. Chefs and foragers alike value white chanterelle for its versatility in dishes. While it's widely consumed, caution is advised to ensure correct identification as it resembles some toxic species. Always consult an expert before consumption.

Scientific Classification of White chanterelle

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Cantharellales

Family

Chanterelle

Genus

Chanterelles

Toxicity and Edibility of White chanterelle

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Edibility of White chanterelle

White chanterelle is a highly regarded, delicious edible mushroom. In the Pacific Northwest of the U.S., the caps are firm and compact, making them great for marinating or longer storage in the fridge. Unlike most chanterelles, it does not smell like apricots. They should be eaten while they are still small buttons, as the larger mushrooms tend to be full of water and overripe.

Similar Species to White chanterelle

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Large white Leucopaxallus

Similar Species

White chanterelle

How to Differentiate Between Large white Leucopaxallus and White chanterelle?

White chanterelle: Has ridges instead of real gills beneath its cap.

Large white Leucopaxallus: Features true gills underneath its cap.

White chanterelle: The cap edge is often wavy and irregular.

Large white Leucopaxallus: The cap edge is more regularly rounded.

Tips for Finding White chanterelle

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When is the Best Time to Find White chanterelle

Search for white chanterelle in late fall to winter. They thrive after rainy periods followed by cooler, moist weather, often peaking after a few consecutive wet and chilly days.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for White chanterelle

Rich in organic matter, well-draining.

What are Some Tips for Finding White chanterelle

Focus on areas with a high presence of coniferous trees, especially Douglas-firs.
Look for white chanterelle around the duff layer—decaying organic material on the forest floor.
Check around tree bases and open spaces where conifers and hardwoods intermingle.
Search throughout mixed hardwood/conifer woods rather than dense, uniform forests.
Look for subtle ground disturbances where mushrooms may push up the duff as they grow.

How to Clean and Preserve White chanterelle

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How to Clean White chanterelle

For white chanterelle, fill a bowl with water, gently agitate them to dislodge dirt, then lift out and pat dry. Never soak; think quick showers. This applies to most mushrooms, ensuring they stay as undamaged as possible during cleaning.

Tips on Dry Preservation of White chanterelle

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in a cool, dry place with low humidity and no direct sunlight.

Dehydrator drying: Maintains a constant temperature and airflow, best for even drying.

Oven drying: Useful for its low temperature setting, allowing slow moisture evaporation.

Air drying: Suitable in dry, warm environments with good air circulation.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of White chanterelle

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

12 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, preserves quality for thawing.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of White chanterelle

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining, Cardboard Box Storage

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

7 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to absorb excess moisture while allowing airflow, avoiding spoilage.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Layer the bottom of a container with paper towels, placing the specimens on top, sealing lightly.

Cardboard Box Storage: Loosely place in a perforated cardboard box to maintain moderate airflow and low humidity.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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What elevation do chanterelles grow at?

Where do chanterelles grow in Oregon?

Can you eat raw chanterelles?

Can chanterelles be farmed?

Where does white chanterelle found?

How do you cook white chanterelle?

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