What Are the Best Edible Mushrooms in Colorado?

Have you ever wondered about the best edible mushrooms in Colorado? These hidden gems are nestled in the state’s lush forests, waiting to be discovered by eager foragers like you.

Colorado is special because it has just the right mix of sunshine and rain, which mushrooms love. Read on to learn about some of the best edible mushrooms you can find in Colorado!

Morels

Black Morels (Morchella elata)

Morel mushrooms are a highly sought-after expensive delicacy. These elusive mushrooms are typically found in wooded areas and are known for their distinctive honeycomb-like appearance and earthy flavor.

Most Colorado mushrooms are found at higher elevations, but morels grow at elevations of 8000 feet or below. They are commonly found alongside riverbanks and grassy fields, near or under cottonwood trees. They are also likely to be found in places that have experienced forest fires.

There are two types of morels found in Colorado:

  • Black Morels (Morchella elata): These are commonly found in the mountainous regions. They have a distinct hollow, cone-shaped black cap with a honeycomb-like texture.
  • Yellow Morels (Morchella esculenta): These are known for their distinctive yellow or tan-colored, sponge-like cap. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests and grasslands.

Morel mushroom hunting has become a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado, especially during the spring months when the mushrooms begin to emerge. Locals and visitors alike often head to the mountains and forests in search of these prized fungi, which can be used in a variety of culinary dishes.

Porcini: King Boletes

Porcini (The King Boletes)

The Porcini mushroom is also known as the King Bolete. They belong to a species of mushrooms known as boletes. All boletes have pores under the cap instead of gills from where the spores come out. Porcinis have a reddish brown color. 

These mushrooms grow at high elevations of around 11000 feet. They grow near the edge of conifer forests, as they have a mycorrhizal relationship with the trees there. They help the trees grow by sharing nutrients back and forth through the soil.

A look-alike of porcini mushrooms is the aspen orange cap (leccinum insigne). These mushrooms are found near mixed conifer/aspen forests and turn blue upon being cut.

Starting in the warm summer month of July, these mushrooms begin their growth spurt and don’t stop until the cooler winds of September hint at the coming fall.

Porcinis are a hit in the kitchen because of their rich, nutty flavor, which adds a delicious depth to many recipes. Whether you’re stirring them into a creamy risotto, sautéing them for a steak topping, or adding them to a hearty stew, they bring a taste of the wild forest to your plate. Plus, they are

Chanterelles

Chanterelles Mushrooms

Chanterelles are another choice edible species found in Colorado. These mushrooms have a bright yellow color, with a unique scent that’s reminiscent of fresh apricots. They add a touch of sweetness to the air around them.

These golden mushrooms thrive in the high country. They grow in damp environments that are well-shaded and cool. You’ll often find them in the company of trees like oaks and conifers, or along the banks of streams. Their love for such spots means they’re not just scattered around but tend to grow in clusters.

Chanterelle mushrooms have an impostor known as the Jack-o’-lantern mushroom. This orange look-alike is a harmful toxin bearer. To distinguish the safe-to-eat mushrooms from the harmful fake, you need to take a closer look at their undersides. Chanterelles have unique, wavy folds that resemble gills but aren’t true gills, which is a crucial detail for safe foraging.

Hawk’s Wing

Hawk's Wing Mushrooms

If you’re just starting to learn about mushrooms, the Hawk’s Wing mushroom, also known as Sarcodon imbricatus, is a fantastic one to recognize. What makes it stand out is its unique cap, which has a pattern resembling the feathers of a hawks wings. It also has teeth on the bottom of the cap. These distinct features make it easier to spot than other fungi.

One of the best things about the Hawk’s Wing mushroom is that it doesn’t have any poisonous look-alikes. This means you can pick it without worrying about confusing it with a harmful variety. For anyone exploring the woods, this is a big plus, making it a safe choice for novice mushroom foragers.

When it comes to taste, these mushrooms can be a little on the bitter side. However, don’t let that discourage you. The younger Hawk’s Wing mushrooms, when cooked a little longer, develop a flavor that’s often compared to the beloved portabella mushroom. They’re particularly tasty when added to dishes like stir-fries or stews, where they can soak up all the delicious sauces.

Remember, when picking Hawk’s Wing mushrooms, you want to look for the ones that are young and firm. These are the ones that will have the best texture and flavor once you cook them. 

The Delicious Milky Cap

The Delicious Milky Cap

Delicious Milky Cap might not be the prettiest mushrooms, but they are a real treat for your taste buds! You’ll find these mushrooms hanging out in damp, shaded forests, like other mushrooms.

What makes them stand out is their unique coloration. They sport an unusual mix of orange with hints of blue or green, making them pretty easy to spot amongst the forest floor.

These mushrooms are known for their rich, creamy taste, which is a delight for mushroom lovers. To get the best flavor, you’ll want to pick them while they’re young and haven’t been sitting around for too long. Younger Delicious Milky Caps are more tender and flavorful, so keep your eyes peeled for the smaller, fresher ones.

Whether you sauté them for dinner or add them to a hearty stew, the Delicious Milky Cap is sure to add a special touch to your meal. 

Other Types of Edible Mushrooms In Colorado

There are other species of wild mushrooms also growing across Colorado.

  • Oyster mushrooms
  • Puffball mushrooms
  • Lobster mushrooms

How to Spot Edible Mushrooms

Spot Edible Mushrooms

Hunting mushrooms can be fun. But remember, not all that glitters is gold! It’s super important to know the differences between edibles and poisonous mushrooms. There are certain factors upon which you can learn to identify mushrooms.

  • Shape and Size: One of the first things to look for when identifying safe mushrooms is their shape and size. Some mushrooms have a veil or ring on the stem, which can be an important identifying characteristic. Examining the underside of the mushroom to see if it has gills or pores can also assist in identification. 
  • Color: Color can also give you clues about a mushroom’s identity. For example, Hawk’s Wing mushrooms and Chanterelles have distinctive colors that set them apart.
  • Smell and Texture: Don’t forget to use your nose and hands. Some mushrooms can be identified by their smell and texture. If a mushroom has a slimy texture or a foul odor, that means that it is not edible. However, some poisonous mushrooms may also have a pleasant smell and regular texture.
  • Location: Where a mushroom grows can also be a big identifying factor. Some mushrooms, like morels, tend to grow at lower elevations. Some mushrooms grow in specific environments, such as wooded areas or near certain types of trees. While some poisonous mushrooms may also grow in these locations, it’s important to be aware of any warning signs, such as a distinct odor or appearance. 

When in Doubt, Leave It Out

If you’re ever unsure about a mushroom, it’s best to leave it alone. Only pick mushrooms that you can positively identify as safe. There are field guides and apps that can help, but the best way is to learn from an experienced mushroom hunter. Always double-check your finds and when possible, have an expert take a look before you cook anything up.

The Colorado Mycological Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of mushrooms, provides resources and information for those interested in mushroom foraging. This includes tips for identifying and safely harvesting mushrooms. 

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