Butter mushrooms

Description

Chanterelles are mushrooms with rounded caps often covered with a slimy, amber or brown skin and a spongy hymenophore underneath instead of gills. They have a delicate, slightly buttery, nutty flavor and a pleasant meaty texture that becomes velvety after cleaning and a brief blanching. Nutritionally, chanterelles are low in calories, providing plant protein, fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as potassium and selenium, as well as compounds with antioxidant properties. In the kitchen, they work well in cream sauces, soups, risottos, dumplings, and for braising with butter and herbs; they pair nicely with potatoes, grains, and meat. They should be stored briefly in the refrigerator in a paper bag after gentle cleaning, without excessive washing before chilling; for longer storage, they can be blanched and frozen, dried, or preserved in vinegar.