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The funnel-shaped funnel is one of the representatives of the Chanterelle family. Due to the unusual shape of the fruiting body, this species is also called black horn or horny fungus. In some publications you can find the erroneous name of the mushroom – gray chanterelle. It grows in groups and is distributed throughout the world. The official name of the species is Craterellus cornucopioides.
What does the funnel-shaped funnel look like?
This mushroom is inconspicuous in the forest, so it is not so easy to see it in the grass.This is due to the fact that this species has a dark gray almost black tint of the fruiting body, which is lost against the background of yellowed fallen leaves. In addition, it is characterized by its small size and reaches a height of no more than 10 cm.
The cap of this mushroom is a funnel that expands from bottom to top and reaches a diameter of 3 to 8 cm. The surface of the funnel is folded, covered with scales and tubercles. In young specimens, the edges of the cap are wavy, curved outward. When ripe they become lobed or torn. Spore powder is whitish.
The depression in the central part of the cap gradually turns into the stem, forming a cavity in it.
Its pulp is fragile, and with slight physical impact it breaks easily. In young specimens it is gray-black, and by the time it matures it becomes completely black. When broken, an unobtrusive mushroom smell is felt.
The leg of the funnel-shaped funnel is short, its length reaches 0.5-1.2 cm, and its diameter is 1.5 cm. Its color is identical to that of the cap. Initially, the shade is brownish-black, then it becomes dark gray, and in adult specimens it is almost black. As the mushroom dries, its color changes to lighter.
The spores are ovoid or ellipsoid in shape. They are smooth and colorless. Their size is 8-14 x 5-9 microns.
Where does the funnel-shaped funnel grow?
This species can be found in deciduous forests and mixed plantings. It is less common in mountainous areas. The horned funnelweed prefers to grow on limestone and clay soil at the base of beeches and oaks in leaf litter.
It forms entire colonies on open forest edges, along roadsides and near the edges of ditches. Almost never found in overgrown grass. When placed close together, individual specimens grow together.
The main area of distribution is the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. The mushroom can be found in Europe, North America, Asia and Japan. In Russia it grows in the following regions:
- European part;
- Far East;
- Altai region;
- Caucasus;
- Western Siberia.
Is it possible to eat the funnel fungus?
This species belongs to the category of edible mushrooms. In England, France and Canada it is considered a real delicacy. In terms of taste, it is compared to morels and truffles.
In its raw form, the mushroom taste and smell are weakly expressed, but when cooked they become rich. During cooking, the shade of the fruit body changes to black. The funnel carob has a neutral taste, so it can be seasoned with any seasonings, spices and sauces.
This type is easily absorbed by the body without causing a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. During the cooking process, the water turns black, so it is recommended to drain it to get a clear broth.
False doubles
There are several types of mushrooms that are similar to the funnel fungus. Therefore, it is worth studying their differences in order to avoid mistakes when collecting.
Existing twins:
- Urnula goblet (Urnula craterium).This species is characterized by a dense, leathery structure of the fruiting body in the shape of a glass. The ripening period begins at the end of April and lasts until mid-May. It is considered an inedible mushroom.
- Gray chanterelle (Cantharellus cinereus). A distinctive feature is the folded hymenium on the reverse side of the funnel. The pulp is rubbery-fibrous. The color of the fruiting body is ashy. It belongs to the category of edible mushrooms, but does not have high taste qualities.
Knowing the characteristic features of the twins, distinguishing them from the funnel funnel carotid will not be particularly difficult.
Rules for collection and use
The ripening period for this mushroom occurs at the end of July and continues until the beginning of October, weather conditions permitting. Mass plantings are most often found in August. In the southern regions, individual specimens can be collected in November.
Despite the fact that this species grows in crowded groups, it is not easy to find it in fallen leaves, since it is well camouflaged due to its color. But if you manage to find at least a few specimens, then it’s worth taking a close look around, since there should be other representatives of the colony nearby. Having found the mushroom site of the fungus carotid, you can collect a full basket within 10-15 minutes.
It is recommended to eat only the funnel-shaped cap, as the stem is tough and fibrous. No special processing is required before use. There is no need to remove the top skin from the funnel-shaped funnel, and there is also no special need to pre-soak it.Before cooking, mushrooms only need to be thoroughly cleared of forest litter and rinsed well under running water.
The funnel-shaped funnel can be used for:
- canning;
- drying;
- frost;
- cooking;
- receiving seasoning.
This type can be cooked separately or included in other dishes.
Conclusion
The funnel mushroom is an edible species that many mushroom pickers undeservedly ignore. This is due to the unusual shape and dark shade of the fruiting body. Taken together, this creates a misconception when first meeting him. Although considered a real delicacy in many countries, it is served in many prestigious restaurants.
