Chanterelle true or false?

[woodlandwarrior]

Hi found these funghi this morning in the Farnham area but having trouble identifying them due to their colour. They don't seem yellow enough for Chanterelles or orange enough for False Chanterelles. They do smell mildy of apricots though? Would really appreciate any help on correct identification.
Thanks

[NickCantle]

Welcome to WAB Woodlandwarrior. To have a chance of identifying your finds, we'll need to have a look at your photos providing you have some? Even then you're not guaranteed an ID but it increases the chances quite a bit

Follow these instructions and read the section re: Uploading to the Image Library;

How to upload photos

To put the pictures in a post, copy and paste the 'forum code' displayed underneath your newly uploaded images.

Nick

[NickCantle]

Think I found it! The phrase has changed to 'direct image' now

Presume this is what you're describing?


If so, you're correct with your assumptions. They are not true Chanterelles and they are not False Chanterelles They look like they may be a first showing of Lepista flaccida, a common, inedible species.

Wishful thinking though

[ManwithNoname]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

They look like they may be a first showing of Lepista flaccida, a common, inedible species.

I won't offer any suggestions for the ID of these particular specimens but, interestingly Nick, although Roger Phillips has Lepista flaccida down as inedible, many people regard it as a good edible species (including Marcel Bon).

I think it's one of those species you have to be careful with, because some people may react badly to it. Also, there have been reports that there may be other species in the complex of species around L. flaccida which may be toxic, although this probably applies more on the continent. (I've certainly eaten L. flaccida without any problems.)

[NickCantle]

I must admit, I was vaguely aware of the edibility status that this fungus has attached to it, but I'm generally quite cautious when giving out info (especially when not 100% with an ID)

Having said that, to be honest I've never looked at L. flaccida and thought "I want to try that". If you think it's worth a go then I will give it a test this season!

As for the occasional allergic reaction, I've never experienced it but friends don't get on with C. rhacodes or L. sulphureus! It's odd how some people react differently

[ManwithNoname]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

Having said that, to be honest I've never looked at L. flaccida and thought "I want to try that". If you think it's worth a go then I will give it a test this season!

I'm not a great one for eating what I find, although I do usually try the species described as edible at least once, just so I know for myself what they're like.

The advantage with L. flaccida for edibility is not so much that it's a great edible but more that when you find it, there's often lots of it and it's in good condition, so you can get a good meal out of it. But as with everything described as edible, you should start off with a small quantity first until you know whether you can tolerate it.

That said, I never make recommendations for eating wild fungi to anyone else. I only offer thoughts on what the books say or what I have experienced and leave it to the individual to decide. On their own heads be it.

[NickCantle]

Absolutely. I'll always try something once. I never thought I'd be one of those people who try Stinkhorn Eggs...but I did, and they're lush!

[woodlandwarrior]

Hi Nick - thanks for the swift reply to my question, sorry 4 not attaching photo only just joined and still getting used to the site. Although seems some debate on whether Lepista F is edible think i'll pass and continue searching for those elusive chanterelles!