Red Chanterelle Gourmet Mushroom Culture

Cantharellus cinnabarinus, the red chanterelle, is a fungus native to eastern North America.[1] It is a member of the genus Cantharellus along with other chanterelles. It is named after its red color, which is imparted by the carotenoid canthaxanthin.[2] It is edible and good, fruiting in association with hardwood trees in the summer and fall.[3] Description Cantharellus cinnabarinus is recognized by its distinctive flamingo-pink or bright orange and red colors (imparted by the carotenoid canthaxanthin) and the presence of false gills underneath the cap.[4] Ecology Widely distributed in Eastern Northern America; found mostly on the ground in broadleaf and mixed broadleaf/conifer forests; usually scattered or occurring in small groups; forms mycorrhizal associations with forest trees in the summer and fall; shows preference for acid soils.[5