Horn of Plenty Mushroom

(Scientific Name: Craterellus cornucopioides) A tender and somewhat fragile mushroom that has the appearance of a funnel or horn-shaped fungus. Beginning as ivory to light tannish-brown in color, the Horn of Plenty matures into a dark brown or greyish-black color on the outside with a blackish-brown color on the inside. As it forms into the shape of a musical horn, this type of mushroom opens up in the center as irregular outward growing petals formed on the outer rim of the horn.

With a rich, nutty flavor, the Horn of Plenty Mushroom is often used as an ingredient in soups, stews, or stir-fried vegetable dishes. It can be sautéed in butter and served simply as a mushroom dish or added to fish, eggs, and poultry dishes to enhance the combined flavors. Horn of Plenty Mushrooms often grow as large clusters in damp deciduous forests adjacent to hardwood trees or conifers in some regions. Available fresh or dried, this mushroom may also be referred to as a Black Trumpet or a Black Chanterelle.