Sarah Brown
Black trumpet mushrooms, also known as the horn of plenty, horn of death, or trumpet of death, are edible mushrooms that are found in woods in Europe, North America, Japan, and Korea. They are known for their unique aroma and flavour, which is often compared to truffles. Black trumpets are also rich in dietary fibre and vitamins, making them a nutritious food choice. While they are considered gourmet ingredients, it is unclear whether they possess psychedelic properties. This paragraph will explore the characteristics of black trumpet mushrooms and discuss whether or not they have psychedelic effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Psychedelic | No |
| Common names | Black trumpet, horn of plenty, horn of death, trumpet of death, devil's horn, devil's trumpet, black chanterelle, trompette de la mort, poor man's truffle |
| Scientific names | Craterellus fallax (Eastern US), Craterellus cornucopioides (Europe), Craterellus foetidus (Eastern and Mid Western North America), Craterellus caeruleofuscus (North American Great Lakes region), California, possibly more |
| Colour | Black, dark grey, dark brown, light grey, tan |
| Size | 1-4 inches tall, up to 6 inches tall |
| Shape | Trumpet, vase, funnel, tubular |
| Flesh | Thin, soft, tears easily |
| Gills | False gills, no true gills |
| Stem | Hollow |
| Spore print | Pale pink to orange, whitish to creamy |
| Aroma | Dark, sweet, apricots, fruity, smoky |
| Taste | Savoury, fruity, smoky, truffle-like |
| Seasonality | Midsummer to November, summer and fall (winter in the deep south) |
| Location | Woods in Europe, North America, Japan, Korea; mossy, moist areas on heavy calcareous soil; under beech, oak, maple, or other broad-leaved trees |
| Preparation | Pan-seared with garlic and butter, made into a sauce, dried, ground into salt |
| Nutrition | Rich in dietary fibre, low in saturated and unsaturated fat, excellent source of vitamins, immune-boosting |
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What You'll Learn
Black trumpet mushrooms are edible and nutritious
Black trumpet mushrooms, also known as the horn of plenty, devil's horn, or trumpet of death, are edible and highly sought-after due to their unique flavour and nutritional benefits. They are considered a gourmet ingredient and are widely regarded as one of the best-tasting wild mushrooms available.
These mushrooms are easily identifiable by their distinctive trumpet, vase, or funnel shape, and their dark colour, ranging from black to grey and brown hues. They are typically found in mature forests, particularly under broad-leaved trees such as beech, oak, or maple, and favour moist, shady areas with rich, dark, and damp soil. Black trumpets are thin-fleshed and have a smooth interior with false gills, which are forked ridges or folds, instead of true separable gills.
Black trumpet mushrooms are a good source of dietary fibre and are low in both saturated and unsaturated fats. The fibre content aids in digestion and can help relieve constipation. Additionally, mushrooms, in general, are known to be rich in vitamins and are excellent boosters for the immune system.
Foraging for black trumpet mushrooms can be a rewarding experience. They are often found in patches, and their distinct aroma can make them easier to locate. When foraging, it is important to look for mature mushrooms, identified by their black tops, and to keep an eye out for slugs and snails, which are fond of these fungi.
Black trumpet mushrooms are versatile in the kitchen and can be prepared in various ways. They are commonly pan-fried, sautéed in butter, or incorporated into sauces and spreads. Their flavour is often compared to truffles, with a rich, smoky taste and a fruity aroma.
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They are easy to identify and have no poisonous look-alikes
Black trumpet mushrooms, also known as the horn of plenty, horn of death, trumpet of death, devil's horn, devil's trumpet, devil's urn, black chanterelle, and trompette de la mort, are some of the easiest wild mushrooms to identify. They have no poisonous look-alikes, making them perfect for beginner mushroom hunters.
Black trumpets are vase, funnel, or bull-horn shaped, and generally black, dark grey, or dark brown in hue. They can also be tan, light grey, or brown. If exposed to the sun, they can dry out and lighten in colour. They are small, ranging from 1 to 4 inches tall, and thinly fleshed. When rubbed between fingers, they should feel slightly soft and tear easily. They should not feel hard or rubbery. They have hollow stems and a smooth-skinned interior with no gills or pores on the outside. Their veiny, wrinkled appearance is due to false gills. The underside may be smooth, crinkled, or have linear grooves that vaguely resemble gills. The undersides may be lighter in colour than the inside and top and may become lighter the closer they are to the ground.
Black trumpets are often found in mature forests, where the tree canopy provides lots of shade, especially far out from the tree. They are typically found near white and red oak trees, ash, beech, and maple trees, and pines, though less commonly. They like damp, mossy, moist areas with rich, dark, moist soil. They are often found in low-lying areas like washes, low spots, and depressions dominated by mosses. They can also be found on gentle slopes of low hillocks, not more than 10-15 feet high. They are usually scattered or in small clusters. Black trumpets are often found near other edible mushrooms like golden chanterelles, yellowfoot chanterelles, red chanterelles, and hedgehog mushrooms. These brightly coloured mushrooms can be helpful when black trumpets are obscured among dried and decaying leaves.
Black trumpets are typically found from mid-summer to late autumn, though they can be found as early as late June and as late as November. They are usually found in patches, and the harvests will vary from year to year depending on seasonal conditions.
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They have a unique aroma and a deep, delicious flavour
Black trumpet mushrooms are edible mushrooms that are often described as having a deep and delicious flavour. They are commonly found in hardwood forests across Europe, North America, Japan and Korea. They are also known as the 'horn of plenty', 'trumpet of death' or 'trompette de la mort' in France. They are small, ranging from 1 to 4 inches tall, and are trumpet or funnel-shaped. They have a rich, smoky taste with a fruity aroma. Some people compare their flavour to truffles, which are the most expensive of all fungi.
Black trumpets have hollow stems and thin flesh. They are generally black, dark grey or dark brown in colour, but can lighten to light grey or tan when exposed to the sun. They are often found in mossy, moist areas on heavy calcareous soil. They typically grow under beech, oak or other broad-leaved trees, and are usually found in mature forests where the tree canopy provides ample shade.
Black trumpet mushrooms are also known as 'poor man's truffles' due to their fruity and smoky flavour. They are highly sought-after for their culinary uses and are considered a gourmet ingredient. They can be pan-seared with garlic and butter, or used to make a sauce for salmon. They can also be dried to intensify their flavour.
The mushrooms have a unique aroma, described as musky, savoury and fruity, like overripe fruit. They are also said to have a sweet and savoury taste. Black trumpet mushrooms are rich in dietary fibre and low in saturated and unsaturated fat. They are considered a choice edible mushroom and are perfect for beginner mushroom hunters as they have no poisonous look-alikes.
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They grow in mature forests, near oak, ash, beech and maple trees
Black trumpet mushrooms, also known as the horn of plenty, horn of death, trumpet of death, devil's horn, or black chanterelle, are edible mushrooms that grow in mature forests. They are often found near oak, ash, beech, maple, and other broad-leaved trees. These mushrooms are valued worldwide for their distinct flavour and texture, making them a gourmet ingredient in various cuisines.
Black trumpets are mycorrhizal, meaning they grow in harmony with certain trees, and saprobic, allowing them to feed off decaying matter. They favour moist, shady areas with rich, dark, and damp soil. While they are not typically found directly under trees, they are often spotted near the edge of the canopy, where they benefit from the shade and moisture provided by mature forests.
These mushrooms are known to grow near specific tree species, including oak, ash, beech, and maple. In North America, they are commonly associated with oak and beech trees, while in Europe, they are often found in beech, oak, and other broad-leaved tree environments. They are particularly attracted to sphagnum moss, which can be a helpful indicator when searching for black trumpets.
Black trumpet mushrooms have a distinct appearance, with a vase or bull-horn shape and a black, dark grey, or dark brown hue. They can grow up to 6 inches tall and possess hollow stems with thin flesh. Their undersides may lack true gills but can be smooth, crinkled, or have linear grooves. The spore surface is typically whitish to creamy, and the mushrooms give off a unique aroma reminiscent of dark and intensely sweet overripe apricots.
Foraging for black trumpet mushrooms is a rewarding experience. They are often described as "coveted," "easy to find," and "easy to identify." Their flavour, form, and habitat make them a sought-after ingredient for culinary explorations, and their abundance in mature forests near specific tree species makes them accessible to foragers and chefs alike.
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They are found in Europe, North America, Japan and Korea
Black trumpet mushrooms, also known as the horn of plenty or horn of death, are edible mushrooms that are found in Europe, North America, Japan, and Korea. They are considered a gourmet ingredient and are highly valued by chefs around the world.
In terms of their appearance, black trumpets are vase or bull-horn shaped and are generally black, dark grey, or dark brown. They can sometimes appear lighter in colour, ranging from grey to tan, due to exposure to the sun. The undersides of these mushrooms may be lighter in colour and can become even lighter the closer they are to the ground. They have a smooth spore surface with no discernable veins and produce a whitish to creamy spore print. Black trumpets also have a distinctive aroma, often described as a dark and intensely sweet fragrance of overripe apricots.
Black trumpet mushrooms typically grow in mature forests, particularly in beech, oak, or other broad-leaved trees. They have a preference for mossy, moist areas on heavy calcareous soil. When foraging for black trumpets, it is advisable to look for them near the edge of the canopy, as they thrive in shaded environments. They are often found on gentle slopes of low hillocks, usually not exceeding 10-15 feet in height.
In terms of their geographic distribution, black trumpet mushrooms can be found in specific regions within Europe and North America. In Europe, they are known by the scientific name Craterellus cornucopioides, and foragers should be aware of local regulations as the fungus may be threatened or protected in certain areas. In North America, black trumpets can be found across the continent, with specific species such as Craterellus fallax in the Midwest, Craterellus foetidus in Eastern and Mid-Western regions, and Craterellus caeruleofuscus in the Great Lakes region.
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Frequently asked questions
No, black trumpet mushrooms are not psychedelic. They are edible and delicious, with a unique aroma and a deep and delicious flavour. They are also rich in dietary fibre and low in fat.
Black trumpet mushrooms grow in mature forests, typically in mossy, moist areas on heavy calcareous soil. They can be found near oak, beech, maple, and ash trees. They are often found in the summer and fall seasons.
Black trumpet mushrooms are thin-fleshed and hollow with a smooth-skinned interior and no gills or pores on the outside. They are typically black, dark grey, or dark brown, but can also be found in lighter colours such as grey or tan. They have a distinctive trumpet or funnel shape and can be up to 6 inches tall.
