Among the huge list of edible mushrooms, there are also little-known species that do not inspire confidence even for experienced mushroom pickers, since they have a non-standard color. One of the representatives of this group is a black-gray funnel or black fox. A detailed description and nutritional qualities of this fungus, as well as information about the area of ​​its growth and the harvesting season, are further described in the article.

Description

The scientific name for black fox is Craterellus cornucopioides. This mushroom belongs to the Chanterelle family and differs from its other representatives in the dark color of the fruiting body.

The flesh of the funnel funnel contains a special poisonous substance for insects and parasites - chitinmannozu. That is why this species is almost never affected by worms.

Black fox has such characteristic features:

1. The height of the fruiting body of the fungus is 10–12 cm.
2. The hat in appearance resembles a funnel with a diameter of 3-5 cm, the edges of which are turned outward.
3. The surface of the fungus is covered with small tubercles and wrinkles. It is painted in a light gray color, and as it ripens it becomes a gray.
4. The inside of the hat is gray (sometimes with a brown tint).
5. Black chanterelle does not have pseudoplates and other folded formations characteristic of other species of fungi. Disputes are white or yellow.
6. The stalk of the mushroom is short and hollow inside, it tapers towards the top, reaching a diameter of 0.8 cm. The color of the stalk is mostly dark gray, less often brown.
7. The thin pulp of the mushroom has a delicate structure. It is painted in a grayish color, has a pleasant mushroom taste and exudes a light aroma.

Other names

Black fox has many names.

In Russia and in other countries, this mushroom is called so:

• horn-shaped craterellus;
• black horn (in Finland);
• horn-shaped tubular fungus;
• funnel funnel;
• cornucopia (in the UK);
• death tube (in France);
• funnel cone;
• trumpet of the dead (in Germany).

Important! Black chanterelles can not be frozen raw or boiled, because then they will become bitter and tasteless.

Where do the black chanterelles grow

In the natural environment, a carrot funnel can be found in Europe, Asia, Japan, Russia or North America. Usually it grows in groups of 4 or more mushrooms. The color of the hat often merges with grass and leaves, so it is difficult to notice the chanterelles.

Most often, the funnel funnel can grow in such places:

• deciduous and mixed forest with moist soil;
• in open, sunny clearings and edges;
• on the side of roads and paths;
• on the mountain plains;
• at the edge of moats;
• at the foot of oaks and beech trees.

Gathering season

The beginning of the fruiting season of black chanterelles depends on the climatic conditions of a particular area. The first mushrooms appear in June, but the peak yield usually falls at the end of August and September. In areas with warm and humid autumn, a carob-shaped funnel can be collected until November.

Did you know? In 1985, a giant fungus weighing 140 kg was discovered in Wisconsin (USA). Its coverage was about 2 m.

How to distinguish from similar species

There are several varieties of mushrooms that look like a black fox (similarity can be seen in the photo).

But at the same time, they have a number of signs that make it possible to distinguish them from the funnel cone:

Beneficial features

Black chanterelles contain vitamins A, B, D, and PP necessary for the human body, as well as phosphorus, potassium, and calcium.

• Due to this chemical composition, they have a number of useful properties:
• relieve spasms;
• improve the condition of the skin and nails;
• strengthen bones;
• stimulate metabolism;
• normalize night sleep;
• beneficial effect on the brain;
• normalize blood pressure;
• cleanse the body of toxins and parasites;
• strengthen immunity.

Contraindications and possible harm

A funnel funnel, like any other fungus, can harm the body. To avoid negative consequences, you need to use only young black foxes for food, because you can seriously poison yourself with old fruiting bodies.

• In some cases, this mushroom is contraindicated for use:
• with individual intolerance to the product;
• at any stage of pregnancy;
• during lactation;
• children under 8 years old.

Important! It is recommended to collect a funnel funnel only in an ecologically clean area, away from factories and busy roads.

Use in medicine

Due to its many beneficial properties, black chanterelles are often used in folk medicine.

They are recommended to be eaten with such violations in the body:

• muscle cramps;
• frequent bone fractures;
• insomnia;
• hypertension
• osteoporosis;
• inflammatory processes of tissues and joints;
• helminthiasis.

Did you know? Mushrooms grew on our planet even before the appearance of dinosaurs on it - more than 400 million years ago.

Food quality

Black chanterelle belongs to the edible mushrooms of the 4th category, and in European countries it is considered a delicious product. In this case, only a hat is eaten, because the leg has a stiffer flesh.

A funnel-shaped funnel can be eaten without pre-treatment, as well as boil, fry or dry. In the latter case, the aroma of the mushroom is greatly enhanced, which makes it possible to use black chanterelles as a seasoning during the preparation of soups, sauces and main dishes.

How to cook black chanterelles

Various dishes can be prepared from the funnel-shaped funnel, for example, the famous Leningrad hodgepodge. Before this, you need to remove the leg of the mushroom, and the hat is well washed and cleaned of adhering debris (grass, twigs and leaves). You can soak the product in water for several hours to completely wash all dust out of it.

Important! In general, dried mushrooms retain their flavor longer, so it is recommended to grind them into powder immediately before cooking.

The main methods of cooking black chanterelles:

• for the preparation of mushroom pies and salads, the funnel is poured with water, brought to a boil on the stove, and then cooked for 10-15 minutes on medium heat;
• so that chanterelles can be added to other dishes or frozen in the freezer for the winter, it is necessary to cut the product into small pieces and fry it in oil with spices and seasonings for 5 minutes;
• black chanterelles can be dried - for this they are laid out in a thin layer on a baking sheet and put in an oven preheated to 100 ° C for 3 hours;
• to prepare a flavoring seasoning, dried mushrooms are ground into powder and then added to sauces, soups and main dishes.

Risotto is a traditional Italian dish. More often it is cooked with porcini mushrooms, but you can also cook risotto with chanterelles. Very tasty, satisfying and aromatic

Despite the dark color, non-standard for edible mushrooms, a carob-shaped funnel can be used for cooking various dishes, as well as for the prevention of many diseases. Having studied the information presented above, you can easily distinguish this mushroom from other varieties of the Chanterelle family and learn how to use it correctly in cooking.