Chanterelle mushrooms are attractive fungi with trumpet-like cups and wavy, wrinkled ridges. The mushrooms vary in color from orange to yellow to white or brown.Chanterelle mushrooms are part of the Cantharellus family, with Cantharellus cibarius, the golden or yellow chanterelle, as the most widespread variety in Europe. The Pacific northwest in the United States has its own variety, Cantharellus formosus, the Pacific golden chanterelle. The eastern United States is home to Cantharellus cinnabarinus, a beautiful red-orange variety known as cinnabar chanterelle.
Unlike farmed mushrooms or field fungi, chanterelles are mycorrhizal and need a host tree or shrub to grow. They grow in the soil next to trees and shrubs, not on the plants themselves.Popular in many parts of the world, chanterelle mushrooms are well-loved for their slightly fruity flavor. The mushrooms also offer several notable health benefits.
Health Benefits
Chanterelle mushrooms are best known for being rich in vitamin D. Many commercially grown mushrooms don’t contain much vitamin D because they’re grown in dark, indoor environments.
Better Bone Health
Vitamin D helps to support your bone health and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent for your body. It works to stimulate proteins in your small intestine, helping to absorb calcium and strengthen your bones.People need more vitamin D as they age to avoid developing bone conditions such as osteomalacia and osteoporosis. Adults up to age 50 should get about 15 micrograms of vitamin D each day, while adults older than 50 should get about 20 micrograms.
Immune Support
Chanterelle mushrooms are an excellent source of polysaccharides like chitin and chitosan. These two compounds help to protect your cells from damage and stimulate your immune system to produce more cells. They’re also known to help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of developing certaincancers.