Black Trumpet Mushrooms
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
This item was last sold on : 05/06/25
Description/Taste
Black Trumpet mushrooms are small in size, averaging 2-15 centimeters in height, and have a delicate funnel or vase shape with a cap that has outwardly curled and wavy edges. Growing in small bunches or sometimes found individually, Black Trumpet mushrooms range in color from brown, black, to grey and are identifiable by the lack of gills on the underside of the cap. The skin is thin, smooth, and slightly wrinkled with a suede-like feel. Inside the cap, there may be some small scales present, and the stem is also hollow and fragile. Black Trumpet mushrooms have a strong sweet, woodsy aroma and have a soft yet chewy texture with a rich, nutty, and smoky taste.
Seasons/Availability
Black Trumpet mushrooms are available year-round, with a peak season in the summer through fall.
Current Facts
Black Trumpet mushrooms, botanically members of the Craterellus genus, belong to two species, Craterellus cornucopioides, which are commonly found in Europe, and Craterellus fallax, the predominant species in North America. Also known as the Horn of Plenty and the Trumpet of Death, Black Trumpet mushrooms are closely related to chanterelle mushrooms and are a true wild mushroom as they are difficult to cultivate domestically. Most commonly found on damp, mossy forest floors, Black Trumpet mushrooms are also extremely difficult to find in the wild as they camouflage with their surroundings and look like small black holes on the forest floor. Black Trumpet mushrooms are favored for their delicate texture and smoky flavor and are used as an accent or garnish in lightly flavored dishes.
Nutritional Value
Black Trumpet mushrooms are high in vitamin B12, which helps maintain normal brain and nervous system functions, and contain some antioxidants.
Applications
Black Trumpet mushrooms are best suited for cooked applications such as sautéing, baking, or frying. Their delicate flavor can easily be overpowered by other flavors, so it is recommended to use the mushrooms by themselves and to place them in lighter preparations such as pasta, seafood recipes, soups, as a topping on pizza, or in a sauce. They can also be dried and stored to extended use or lightly battered and fried for tempura. When dried, Black Trumpet mushrooms can be ground into a powder and used as a spice to add flavor to vegetables, meats, rice dishes, sauces, soups, or white wine. Black Trumpet mushrooms pair well with garlic, caramelized onions, green onion, chives, thyme, sage, spearmint, horseradish, celery, leeks, peas, carrots, white wine, meats such as salmon, ham, rabbit, or poultry, eggs, lemon zest, orange juice, mirepoix, Parmigiano Reggiano, ricotta cheese, polenta, couscous, and black lentils. They will keep for a couple of days when stored fresh in a paper bag or between damp paper towels in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Europe, the Black Trumpet mushroom's wide availability and popularity earned it the moniker, "the poor man's truffle.” When cut crossways into small squares, the mushroom’s appearance somewhat resembled the more expensive truffles and was used to create impersonating truffle dishes.
Geography/History
Black Trumpet mushrooms thrive in rainy, damp, deciduous forests and are native to Europe and North America. Today Black Trumpet mushrooms grow wild along the West Coast of the United States, from Northern California to Oregon, on the East Coast of the United States, and in France during the summer and fall. They can also be found at local farmers markets from select foragers.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Paradisaea Restaurant | La Jolla CA | 732-915-6669 |
| Kitchens For Good | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Le Coq | La Jolla CA | 858-427-1500 |
| Blue Water Estate Services | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-720-9831 |
| Leu Leu | Leucadia CA | 619-316-5807 |
| Venissimo Cheese Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-491-0708 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Black Trumpet Mushrooms. One
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