Foragers throughout the region are searching tirelessly for the coveted golden chanterelle. Some – especially those who have known producing spots – are finding pounds of chanterelles, but most are finding only a few. Unfortunately, I fall into the latter, considerably hungrier, faction of foragers. When I think of all the pristine patches I left behind in Ithaca, I want to hop in the car and drive six hours, but that would be against my better judgment.
Even in Ithaca, I’m not certain I’d be doing much better. Established foragers with home court advantages are still only finding modest flushes throughout the dry Northeast. Climate change does not seem to be playing out in the forager’s favor this summer – most of the region’s rainfall has come in the form of outrageously powerful and fleeting thunderstorms that leave little opportunity for infiltration.
Alas, there is still hope for frustrated foragers like me. Chanterelles season typically lasts until Labor Day, which gives me three more weeks to pray for the perfect storm and pursue the perfect patch.
Labor Day only marks the beginning of the most reliable and epic part of foraging season. I’m not just talking about behemoth hens and unparalleled porcini – the chanterelle passes the baton to a cluster of relatives that prefer the cooler fall weather. Smooth chanterelles, yellow foot chanterelles, and hedgehog mushrooms all provide a second chance to get your chanterelle fix. These mushrooms are not just genetically related to the chanterelle; they share its exotic floral aroma and apricot flavor, and are every bit as distinctive and delicious.
So don’t pity me too much, dear reader. Just last Saturday I was lucky enough to spot a nice clump of chanterelles on a guided foray at the Metta Earth Institute. Workshop participants scoured the immediate vicinity and found several more small fruitings. As they gleefully placed the fresh chanterelles into their baskets or baseball hats, I smiled. Even in a mediocre season, it feels good to be a forager.
Northeastern ForageCast for the upcoming two week!
Here in western NC we are gleefully experiencing a banner year for chanterelles! We grow our own oyster & shiitake mushrooms so when I forage, I can be really picky – if it is not excellent I don’t even bother with it. the one thing I haven’t found that I sooo look forward to are the craterellus, the black trumpet – but I’m still looking!
I just found a nice patch of enormous rotting chanterelles about an hour ago. ….bummer, but on a bright note there were a bunch of budding babies!! How long should I wait to gather them? they are just popping out of the soil. Also I think I found a black staining polypore, it has microscopic pores and is stained a little. I am just a little unsure because the older specimens were so black and withered they looked like they had been set on fire, is it because of the dry weather? The one I found is very young and tender. I’m glad you have been doing well, ny is pretty dry still, today is the first day I have found anything!
Don’t forget oysters. Big flushes since the intermittent rains started a couple weeks ago. Been finding them in Mohawk Valley, Adirondacks.
You are very right, Creekwader – though I honestly am not the biggest oyster lover, they can be quite good and are certainly in season now. I found a big flush a couple days ago – they will be added to the next ForageCast.
Tea – I just found some baby chanterelles today myself. I would check back in 5-9 days – they are rather slow growing. Feel free to post a photo of the black-staining polypore, a mediocre edible, to our FB page.
Nadine – That is incredible that you have been having such a banner year for chanterelles – shows how different your weather patterns have been this year in NC from here in New England. Black trumpets are one of my absolute favorite mushrooms – I have not seen any yet this year either, though hope to soon!
On my bike ride yesterday I found an amazing patch of… jack o’ lanterns. Bah! So close!
Heather, That is frustrating! On the plus side, at least you weren’t deceived by the jack-o’-lanterns!