Rounded Ridges

Chanterelles have a very unique texture on the underside of the cap. They have these very small, rounded ridges that often have veiny connections. This is quite different from the paper-thin radial gills that you see on most other mushrooms.

Cap

There are a few qualities of chanterelle caps that help to differentiate them from other similar-looking mushrooms.

A chanterelle cap is generally smooth. It should not be fuzzy or scaly. The cap margin could be ruffled, uplifted, or rolled inward.

Tissue

Another key differentiating characteristic of chanterelles is the texture of the tissue. Chanterelles are typically more robust and ‘meaty’ than similar-looking mushrooms. The stem is dense tissue rather than hollow. When you peel the mushroom apart you will notice that it separates like string cheese or cooked chicken breast.

Other Characteristics

There are some other unique characteristics with chanterelles that are not necessarily useful for identification but still important to mention

Habitat: Chanterelles are soil-dwelling mushrooms. They are not found growing out of wood. Nearby, but not on wood.

Scent: Smell a fresh chanterelle and you might notice a sweet fruitiness or apricot scent

False Chanterelles