Chanterelle mushrooms are known as one of the most prized among edible mushrooms in the world. They have an amazing peppery flavor that pairs up unbelievably with cheese, eggs, and pasta. Chanterelle mushrooms give a delicious taste of meat in vegan dishes and are loaded with essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.
Chanterelle mushrooms look very similar to Jack-O-Lanterns – which some say are poisonous while others consider just false type of chanterelle mushrooms. Whatever is true, you better be careful when hunting these beauties on your own. Chanterelle mushrooms are golden brown in color and also go by the name of girolle, egg mushroom, or gallinacci.
What Do Chanterelle Mushrooms Look Like?
Chanterelle mushrooms are funnel-shaped with the following parts visible:
Cap
Chanterelle mushrooms have a funnel cap as big as 10 cm in diameter. The outline margin of the cap is wavy and appears irregular. The color of the cap might vary from a light shade of yellow to a darker shade similar to the color of the egg yolk.
Veins
Wrinkled lines called veins can be seen on the base of the cap in the chanterelle mushrooms. This part differentiates it from the false chanterelle mushrooms. The lines on these mushrooms are thick and run down till their stem.
Stem
This part of the chanterelle mushroom is of the same color as its cap. The stems are mostly shorter (2 cm) in length and go way up till their cap.
Spores
The spores on the chanterelle mushrooms are ellipsoidal and translucent in appearance. These spores have pale yellow prints that may vary in color.
Nutritional Value of the Chanterelle Mushrooms
Chanterelle mushrooms not only have a unique peppery taste to them but are also a significant source of important nutrients such as dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, zinc, phosphorus etc.
According to FoodData Central, if you consume 54 grams of raw chanterelle mushrooms, you are providing your body with 1.87 mg of iron – essential for improving the hemoglobin levels – 0.19 mg of copper, 0.154 mg of Manganese, and 0.38 mg of Zinc. Besides these important minerals, the chanterelle mushrooms are a significant source of Vitamin D2 and D3 and B Vitamins.
One of the most attractive nutritional benefits of chanterelle mushrooms is that they are low in fat and calories. They are the best option for weight loss plans. The high dietary fiber content makes chanterelle mushrooms light on the stomach with a heavenly taste on the tongue.
Health Benefits of Chanterelle Mushrooms
They are anti-inflammatory
Chanterelle mushrooms have pyrogallol and polysaccharides in them. These compounds, along with flavonoids, are known for their healing properties. Also, these compounds have proven to have anti-inflammatory qualities that act positively on the repairing procedure of the skin. Chanterelle mushrooms are thus known to increase the process of collagen production, which is essential for curing wounds.
Great Source of Vitamins
Besides being anti-inflammatory, the chanterelle mushrooms are considered to be a rich source of various vitamins such as vitamin D, B, and A. Vitamin A in the chanterelle mushrooms is the primary source of the yellow color of these mushrooms.
These mushrooms are also loaded with vitamin D, which is perfect for preventing night blindness and dryness of the skin. Vitamin D in these mushrooms is also known to combat infections of the respiratory tract. Moreover, chanterelle mushrooms have a high percentage of B vitamins, such as Vitamin B12 that is an important vitamin for promoting the health of the nervous system and making DNA.
Antioxidant
The chanterelle mushrooms have excellent antioxidant properties. The flavonoids in them help hunt and fight nitric oxide in our bodies. Gallic acid as phenol in these mushrooms is the main component that acts as a powerful antioxidant.
The chanterelle mushrooms provide valuable bioactive compounds that play a vital role in the antioxidant activities in our body. This quality of these mushrooms has shown promising results for treating diseases caused by reactive oxygen species, such as atherosclerosis, any inflammatory injury or wound, and autism.
Boosts Brain Function
Chanterelle mushrooms are a rich source of iron. Iron is an essential mineral for making brain healthy and improving its functions. The iron content in the chanterelle mushrooms is equivalent for what is required by our bodies daily.
Also, iron helps boost oxygen regulation and level in the blood. Proper blood flow to the brain enhances the cognitive abilities while protecting from neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Aids Proper Growth
Among other important minerals in the chanterelle mushrooms, copper is the main mineral that promotes natural growth of the body and keeps a check on the overall health. Copper is also beneficial in strengthening the bones, improving the nervous system, and protecting the heart.
May Treat Cancer
The polysaccharides in the chanterelle mushrooms have demonstrated the intriguing potential of inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells. The polysaccharides are known to inhibit cells such as HeLa, breast carcinoma, and colon cancer cells while also protecting the other cells from getting toxic. Thus, ongoing research on mushrooms has been showing promising results in treating cancer.
Reduces The Risk of Hypertension
As chanterelle mushrooms have shown antioxidant properties, they are also demonstrated to be very effective in curbing high blood pressure issues. The phenols and flavonoids in chanterelle mushrooms have demonstrated positive results in hypertensive people.
Possible Side Effects of Chanterelle Mushrooms
Possible Accumulation Of Metals
Research indicates that while growing, mushrooms might accumulate several heavy metals from the soil. This accumulation might be harmful as they also include contaminants from the soil which are not good for the health.
Upset Stomach
Consuming large amounts of chanterelle mushrooms might result in general problems related to the gastrointestinal tract, such as nausea, vomiting, cramps, or diarrhea. However, if the symptoms persist and do not go away, immediately contact your doctor as it might be possible that you consumed the false chanterelle instead of the real ones.
Possible Allergic Reactions
If you develop any rash, hives, or itchy skin, contact your medical emergency department immediately. Skin allergic reactions to mushrooms are very rare, but people already diagnosed with any food allergies should always consult their physicians first before consuming mushrooms.
Quick Tips
- Always make sure that you buy fresh chanterelle mushrooms that are crisp and not frail-looking with a limp appearance.
- Mushrooms should always be stored in an air-tight container and put in the refrigerator.
- You can use chanterelle mushrooms in soup and omelet as they can elevate their taste by many folds.
- These mushrooms pair well with risottos and pasta, but they can also be served as a side dish with vegetable after being sautéed.
Final Words
Research on the health benefits of mushrooms is giving promising results in various aspects. The mushrooms have demonstrated surprising power of treating cancer while providing essential minerals to our body. Moreover, chanterelle mushrooms not only have positive effects on our brain function and nervous system but also keep the blood pressure under control. They are not only delectable but also turn every dish into a top-notch restaurant-style dish.