Foraging is more than a hobby for me, it’s a journey into the wild and a quest for nature's hidden treasures. As well-respected forager Robin Harford puts it: “nature is a metaphor, in that you go searching for food in the forest but then come back learning something about yourself in the process”. Foraging has helped me reconnect with nature in more ways than I thought. Often, I can go out with the purpose of finding a specific mushroom but inevitably the biggest thrill comes from finding something unexpected and new.

With that being said, the chanterelle became one of the more elusive mushrooms on my forager’s bucket list. Cantharellus Cibarius or the chanterelle stands out as one of the most coveted prizes. My own search for this golden delicacy spanned five years and took me across diverse terrains, each outing filled with the hope of unearthing these gourmet mushrooms.

My foraging adventures for these golden treasures began with lots of enthusiasm. Equipped with guidebooks and mushroom baskets (or even my mushroom bag), I ventured into local woods, meadows, and forests, keenly scanning the ground for the distinctive apricot look of chanterelles. Despite my dedication, my efforts were consistently met with disappointment. While I found other edible mushrooms, the chanterelle remained elusive. The false chanterelle however was a common feature on the forest floor. I imagined them laughing at me whenever I would bound over to them with delight to then be met with disappointment after the realisation set in. “Not another false chanterelle!” I would say to myself, but unfortunately that was the norm.

Then, a trip to the Austrian mountains changed everything. Innsbruck, 2023 - it was the year my hard work would finally be rewarded. It was a calm morning. The alpine air was crisp and invigorating. I set out on a hiking trail, more focused on taking in the sublime views than on the foraging. But nature had a surprise in store. First on the walk was a giant Agaricus Augustus (the Prince), then a multitude of Boletus Edulis (porcini or penny bun) buttons poking out of the moss. What a day we were having so far! I was now in the mushroom hunting flow. But there was still no sign of any golden treasure as of yet.

I still had my eyes firmly on the lookout for Chanterelles. As I rounded a bend, I noticed a splash of gold peeking through the forest floor's mossy carpet. Kneeling down for a closer look, I nearly lost my footing with the excitement – it’s Chanterelles! Is it? it can’t be? It was! Their fragrant, fruity aroma confirmed it and after cutting them in half to expose their white flesh, it was concrete. After years of searching, I had finally found a pristine patch of deep, golden-yellow chanterelles. It is safe to say that they went down a treat back at the dinner table that evening.

My find in Austria reignited my determination. Returning home, I felt a renewed sense of possibility. Little did I know that luck was about to smile on me once more. On a leisurely walk in a local forest, I decided to explore an area under an oak tree. The ground was soft with a bed of moss, and there, nestled within it, were chanterelles. It was as if they had been waiting for me all along, hiding in plain sight. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I must have walked this way over a hundred times and never suspected that they could be right there under my nose.

Finding these local chanterelles felt like nature's way of rewarding my persistence and patience. I now have a cherished chanterelle spot I can visit each year, a testament to the serendipitous nature of foraging. Each visit to the oak tree brings a sense of anticipation, knowing that these prized fungi await.

For those still on their quest, my story serves as a reminder: foraging is as much about the journey as it is about the find. Stay persistent, keep exploring, and always embrace the unexpected. Nature has a way of surprising us when we least expect it.

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Tips for Finding Chanterelles

Season and Timing: Chanterelles typically appear in early summer to autumn, especially after a good rainfall. I have found that they can have a particularly long season of fruiting and I can go back to the same spots multiple times.

Habitat: Look for Chanterelles in shaded, moist areas. They thrive under trees like oak, birch and beech, and also in coniferous forests. Mossy ground is often a good indicator of potential spots and should be the first place to look.

Weather: A period of rain followed by warm, humid conditions creates the ideal environment for chanterelles to fruit.

Look for Clues: Chanterelles often grow in clusters. If you find one, there are likely more nearby. Scan the area as they can blend in with fallen leaves and moss.

Identification: Forage Box advises that you use a reliable field guide and cross-reference with other online or printed resources. The strongly decurrent ‘gills’, yellow exterior, white flesh and fruity aroma makes them quite easy to identify, but care must always be taken.

Luck: if my story is anything to go by it may take you some time to hunt down the elusive chanterelle. However, persistence is key to a successful forage with these beauties. And of course a little luck along the way. Foraging for chanterelles is very rewarding as it combines the thrill of the hunt with the joy of discovery. With patience, persistence, and a bit of luck, you too can find your own chanterelle treasure trove.

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Chanterelles vs. False Chanterelles: Spotting the Difference

As with any wild mushroom, it’s crucial to differentiate true chanterelles from their look-alikes. The most common imposter is the false chanterelle (Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca). While not deadly, the false chanterelle can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, making accurate identification essential.

True Chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius):

Its scientific name is derived from the Greek ‘kantharos’, meaning tankard or cup which is a reference to their shape.

The specific epithet cibarius comes from the Latin 'cibus' meaning food or rations.

Colour: Golden to apricot yellow.

Shape: Vase-shaped, with wavy, irregular caps.

Gills: Forked, ridged, and run down the stem, more like folds than true gills.

Smell: Distinctive fruity, apricot-like scent.

Habitat: Often found in mossy areas under trees like oak, birch and conifers, particularly in moist, shaded environments.

False Chanterelles (Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca):

The species name “aurantiaca”, which translates as 'orange', describes the typical colour of the mushroom.

Colour: More orange than yellow.

Shape: More regular, with a distinct, round cap.

Gills: True gills that are forked and closely spaced, but they do not run down the stem.

Smell: Lack the fruity smell, often described as earthy or musty.

Habitat: Typically found in decomposing coniferous wood and leaf litter, not directly in moss or under oak trees.

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