(Scientific Name: Craterellus fallax
) A tender and somewhat fragile funnel or horn-shaped mushroom more commonly known as, “Horn of Plenty” (Craterellus cornucopioides
). Young Black Trumpet mushrooms begin as ivory to light tannish-brown in color but mature into a dark brown or greyish-black on the outside with a blackish-brown interior. As the mushroom develops into the shape of a musical horn, it opens in the center, displaying irregular outward growing petals formed on the outer rim of the horn.
With a rich, nutty flavor, the Black Trumpet 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 it can be added to fish, eggs, and poultry dishes to enhance the flavors.
Black Trumpet mushrooms most often grow as large clusters in damp deciduous forests. They are available fresh or dried and are considered a great delicacy in France.