Orange mushrooms refer to any mushroom that has orange coloration. There are many different species of orange mushrooms, some of which are edible and some of which are poisonous. So the question “is orange mushroom edible?” does not have a simple yes or no answer. It depends entirely on the specific species. Some of the most common edible orange mushrooms are chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, and lobster mushrooms. Some of the most poisonous orange mushrooms are the jack-o-lantern mushroom and the fly agaric. So it is critical to properly identify the exact species before consuming any orange mushroom.
Common Edible Orange Mushrooms
Chanterelle
The chanterelle is one of the most popular edible orange mushrooms. There are several species of chanterelle, but the most common is the golden chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius). The golden chanterelle has a distinctive orange, yellow, or gold coloration and a funnel-shaped cap. It has gills that run down the stipe rather than the underside of the cap. Chanterelles have a fruity, peppery flavor and aroma. They are meaty with a soft, chewy texture. Chanterelles are mycorrhizal, meaning they form a symbiotic relationship with tree roots. They are found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia in hardwood and conifer forests during summer and fall. Chanterelles are considered a choice edible mushroom and are popular in cuisine. They are excellent sautéed, in soups and stews, with eggs, or on their own.
Oyster Mushroom
Oyster mushrooms are another common edible orange mushroom. There are several oyster mushroom species, but the most popular culinary species are Pleurotus ostreatus (the pearl oyster) and Pleurotus citrinopileatus (golden oyster). These mushrooms naturally grow on decaying wood. Cultivated golden oyster mushrooms have an orange, yellow, or gold cap that fades with age. They have decurrent gills and a mild, sweet flavor. Oyster mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer compounds. They have a tender texture and pair well with stir fries, soups, andchicken dishes. Oyster mushrooms can be found at many grocery stores or farmers markets. They are a versatile edible mushroom that adds color and nutrition to dishes.
Lobster Mushroom
The lobster mushroom is not its own species. Rather, it refers to any mushroom parasitized by the mold Hypomyces lactifluorum, which causes it to turn a bright orange color that resembles a cooked lobster. The most common hosts are Russula and Lactarius mushrooms. When parasitized, these normally inedible mushrooms take on a seafood-like flavor and firmer texture. Lobster mushrooms grow wild throughout North America in the summer and fall. They are choice edibles with a unique umami, seafood taste. Lobster mushrooms work well in any recipe calling for seafood. Popular preparations include sautéing, soup, pasta, risotto, and mushroom burgers. The vibrant color also makes them an eye-catching dish.
Common Poisonous Orange Mushrooms
Jack-O-Lantern Mushroom
The jack-o-lantern mushroom (Omphalotus olearius) is a poisonous mushroom native to Europe but found throughout North America. As the name suggests, it is a bright orange color resembling a carved pumpkin. The gills, pores, and stem are also orange. The cap is 5-20 cm wide and funnel-shaped. Jack-o-lantern mushrooms grow in large clusters at the base of trees, stumps, and buried wood from summer to fall. They contain toxic compounds that can cause severe gastrointestinal issues if ingested raw or undercooked. Cooking does not destroy the toxins. Due to its bright color and bioluminescent properties, jack-o-lantern mushrooms are sometimes collected for decoration. However, they should never be eaten.
Fly Amanita
The fly amanita (Amanita muscaria) is the classic red mushroom with white spots. However, there are orange and yellow color variations. Orange fly amanitas have orange caps with faint white spots. They have white gills, rings on the stem, and swollen bases. Fly amanitas contain ibotenic acid and muscimol, two neurotoxic compounds that cause hallucinations, delirium, vomiting, and other severe effects. While fly amanitas have been used in shamanic rituals, they are deadly poisonous if consumed raw and should be strictly avoided. Fly amanitas grow on the ground near pine, spruce, fir, birch, and aspen trees. They can be found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia during summer and fall. The orange color varieties are just as toxic as the red.
Identifying Orange Mushrooms
Identifying any wild mushroom requires paying close attention to multiple features:
Cap Shape
The shape of the cap can be an early clue to the mushroom’s identity. Chanterelles have vase or funnel-shaped caps, while oysters have a more convex cap. Poisonous jack-o-lanterns have a rounded cap while fly amanitas have flattened caps with distinctive bumps and scales on top.
Gills
Looking at the gills on the underside of the cap can also help identify orange mushrooms. Chanterelles have gills that run down the stipe rather than radiating out from the center of the cap. Oyster mushrooms have decurrent gills that run just slightly down the stipe. Jack-o-lanterns have true gills and fly amanitas have white gills.
Color
The exact shade of orange can differentiate edible species from poisonous lookalikes. Chanterelles are golden orange, oyster mushrooms are more yellowish, and lobsters have a bright burnt orange hue. Jack-o-lanterns are often a brighter orange and fly amanitas are more red-orange.
Habitat
Knowing what tree species mushrooms grow near can aid identification. Chanterelles grow near oak, hemlock, and pine. Oyster mushrooms grow on hardwood logs and trees. Jack-o-lanterns grow at the base of trees and on buried wood while fly amanitas associate with conifers.
Season
Many orange mushrooms fruit during the same season – late summer and fall. So the time of year is not the most reliable factor. However, chanterelles typically emerge earlier than jack-o-lanterns and fly amanitas.
Spore Print
Making a spore print can confirm identification. Place the mushroom gills down on paper, cover, and leave overnight. Compare the spore print color to guides. For example, chanterelles have a white print while jack-o-lanterns have an orange print.
Bruising
Some mushrooms bruise distinct colors when handled. Chanterelles bruise brown or black, while jack-o-lanterns do not bruise. Breaking a bit of mushroom flesh can reveal bruising.
Edibility Testing
If you are uncertain about an identification, never eat the mushroom raw. Small samples can be cooked thoroughly and tested as follows before consuming larger amounts:
Separation Test
Consume a small portion of the cooked mushroom and wait 24 hours. If any illness occurs, discontinue consumption.
Allergy Test
Rub a small piece of raw mushroom on your skin and wait 15 minutes. If any redness or irritation occurs, avoid eating.
Cooking Test
Slice a raw sample and cook thoroughly in boiling water for at least 15 minutes. If the mushroom remains firm with no color change, it is likely safe to consume after proper identification. Changes in color, texture, or smell after cooking indicate it may be poisonous.
Conclusion
Orange mushrooms span the spectrum from choice edibles to deadly poisonous. It is essential to accurately identify the mushroom species before considering eating an orange mushroom found in the wild. Edible chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, and lobster mushrooms provide great culinary value. But orange poisonous mushrooms like the jack-o-lantern and fly amanita can cause severe illness and death. When hunting for wild orange mushrooms, arm yourself with reliable identification resources and field guides. Learn the key differences between lookalikes. And when in doubt, remember “there are bold mushroom hunters and old mushroom hunters, but no old, bold mushroom hunters.” Play it safe and do not eat any orange mushrooms unless you are 100% certain of an accurate ID.
References
Books:
- Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora
- All That the Rain Promises and More by David Arora
- National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms
Websites:
- www.mushroomexpert.com
- www.britishfungus.co.uk
- www.first-nature.com
| Mushroom | Color | Edible? |
|---|---|---|
| Chanterelle | Golden orange | Yes |
| Oyster | Yellow-orange | Yes |
| Lobster | Bright orange | Yes |
| Jack-o-lantern | Bright orange | No |
| Fly amanita | Red-orange | No |
