Picking Chanterelle Mushrooms

Chanterelles are one of my favorite mushrooms and this year’s heavy rain has made it a good year for picking. I went in search of these $20 a pound gems with my daughter Taylor and sister Melissa. It didn’t take long to find them; we hadn’t even gotten off the paved road when the first bright orange mushrooms were spotted on the side of the road.

We were a little late getting started. Many of the chanterelles had “gone by.” They were past their prime and better left to produce spores for more mushrooms later than find their way to the dinner table. We picked a half pound in our first stop.

The second stop was much better. We picked a pound and a half of chanterelles plus a few boletes and goats beards. There were other mushrooms but not being familiar with them, we passed.

I sliced the mushrooms and sauteed them in butter with a mild onion and a little garlic. They were delicious. Next time we pick I’ll dehydrate some to put up for winter soups and sauces.

Robin Follette

About Robin Follette

Maine Press Association award winner, 2013. Robin's Outdoors, Bangor Daily News, third place in Sports blogs. I grew up with a fishing pole in my hand and have always loved the outdoors. From gardening to hunting and fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking and foraging, most of my time is spent outdoors. I teach outdoor skills as a volunteer instructor for Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs and Becoming an Outdoors-Woman. Pro-staff at The Limb Grip. My personal blog is here. I'm currently working on my first book, a collection of short stories based on my outdoors experiences.