Cantharellus cibarius (Latin: cantharellus, "chanterelle"; cibarius, "culinary") is the golden chanterelle, the type species of the chanterelle genus Cantharellus. It is also known as girolle (or girole).
Despite its characteristic features, C. cibarius can be confused with species such as the poisonous Omphalotus illudens. The golden chanterelle is a commonly consumed and choice edible species.
Taxonomy
At one time, all yellow or golden chanterelles in North America had been classified as Cantharellus cibarius. Using DNA analysis, they have since been shown to be a group of related species known as the Cantharellus cibarius group or species complex, with C. cibarius sensu stricto restricted to Europe. followed by C. cascadensis in 2003 and C. californicus in 2008. In 2018, C. anzutake was identified, found in Japan and Korea.<!--several other species recently described/split off from C. cibarius-->
Description
The mushroom is easy to detect and recognize in nature. and tall. The color varies from yellow to dark yellow. Red spots will appear on the cap of the mushroom if it is damaged. Chanterelles have a faint aroma and flavor of apricots. and Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca (the false chanterelle).
Uses
A commonly eaten and favored mushroom, the chanterelle is typically harvested from late summer to late fall in its European distribution.