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What are the trumpets of death?
Are you a fan of fresh mushrooms or dried ones? Then you'll love this article!
Don't be scared off by the name; although it sounds terrifying, the truth is that this mushroom is highly coveted by expert mycologists.
Death's trumpets (or Cantharellus cinereus, in its scientific name) are a type of edible mushroom (yes, despite their horribly poisonous name, they are perfectly safe to eat) that have captured the imagination of many people, especially due to their somewhat scary appearance and name.
Want to learn more about this well-known and wonderful type of mushroom to use in gourmet recipes? Then keep reading this post!
Where do the trumpets of death come from?
The name "death trumpet" can be somewhat confusing, especially considering that they are a perfectly edible type of mushroom, as it makes one wonder why they have that name.
Despite the macabre connotation, this mushroom species is neither toxic nor poisonous. Its name comes from its peculiar shape, reminiscent of a trumpet or an inverted bell.
You can also recognize them by their color, which varies from dark gray to black, and their smooth, velvety surface, with a texture that can appear delicate and crunchy at the same time.
The death trumpet generally grows in moist, shady soils, in deciduous or mixed forests, and appears during the fall, like most mushrooms.
Nutritional properties
Its flavor is intense, earthy, and deep, making it an excellent ingredient for haute cuisine. Its flesh is dense and has a meaty texture, ideal for preparing soups, sauces, and risottos.
Experienced chefs appreciate the black trumpet mushroom for its ability to enhance the flavor of even the simplest dishes, adding an extra layer of umami, that "taste" that makes us salivate instantly when we taste it.
It is common to see them dried in specialty stores, as drying further concentrates the mushroom's flavors.
This type of mushroom is also known for its good shelf life, making it a food that can be stored for long periods without losing its organoleptic properties.
What should you keep in mind?
Collecting death trumpets, like other wild mushrooms, requires a high degree of knowledge and caution.
Although death trumpets are not poisonous, there are other mushrooms that can closely resemble them but are highly toxic. For example, the Trompette des Morts (the mushroom known in French) can be confused with other species, so we recommend that you do not collect them unless you are 100% sure of what you are collecting.
Additionally, it is important to remember that wild mushrooms should not be collected near urban areas or where contaminants, such as pesticides, may be present, as the mushrooms can absorb toxins from the surrounding environment.
And if you are inexperienced in mushroom collecting, it is safest to acquire death trumpets from reputable sources, such as markets specializing in wild products.
How to cook death trumpets?
Now, assuming you've already collected your black trumpets (and made absolutely sure they're the right ones), you're probably wondering how to cook them.
Black trumpets are cooked in a variety of ways, but are most commonly used in soups, risottos, sauces, and stews. You can add them to practically anything you like.
To prepare them, it's recommended to wipe them gently with a damp cloth to remove any dirt, as they shouldn't be washed directly in water.
If used fresh, they can be sautéed in butter or olive oil to bring out their earthy flavor, or if they're dry, they can be rehydrated by soaking them in hot water for about 20 minutes.
Their meaty texture and umami flavor make them an excellent addition to meat dishes, pasta dishes, or even as a main ingredient in vegetarian recipes.
We encourage you to try this distinctive mushroom if you have the opportunity!
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