Red fox, the yellow diamond of culinary art! Learn to recognize it safely and prepare fantastically

A culinary gem that has a fantastic taste!

Red fox is very popular in all world cuisines and you can prepare it at home thanks to our article!

Read what time of year to collect it, how to recognize it and what to avoid!

We have also prepared a simple recipe for you (because there is strength in simplicity) so that you can enjoy its perfect and unmistakable taste!

What is a common fox mushroom?

It is called Cantharellus cibarius in Latin and we rank it among the most popular edible mushrooms in the world. They are known for their unique taste and beautiful, unmistakable appearance.

They are most often found at the roots of trees, where they live with them in symbiosis (mutually beneficial relationship). This makes their cultivation very difficult or impossible. So most foxes, even those you find for sale in the store, have been collected from the wild.

General information about edible foxes

• There are many species, but the so-called golden fox is among the most famous
• Due to their relationship with trees, you will only find them growing on the ground, usually near some kind of oak or conifer
• They are mushrooms that grow in the period from summer to autumn
• Common foxes (and not only those) can be found in North America and Northern Europe, but are also found in Asia, Mexico and Africa
• Hats are usually bulging, resembling a vase or chalice, typically yellow to yellow-orange in color
• Their legs are smooth, not hollow, and the same color as the hat
• It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects
• It contains a high amount of iron, vitamins C, D 2, beta carotene and can support the release of serotonin (the hormone of happiness) in the body
• The high carotene content plays a role in their distinctive orange-yellow color

Where can we find foxes?

If you want to taste them, the easiest and healthiest way is to go for a walk in the forest, or you can buy them in the store.

Foxes prefer moist soil. They take a few days to emerge after rain, so it’s best to give them some time to grow first.

Look for foxes around oaks, conifers and in mixed forests.

When buying, make sure they are clean, dry and have a light fruity scent.

Don’t buy them if they look old, wet, mushy or smell repulsive.

They can also be purchased in dried form. You, however, need to rehydrate before your own use.

You can do this simply by soaking them in warm water for at least 30 minutes, or if you are cooking soup, for example, add them to the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

If you decide to go out to collect foxes, study well how to correctly identify them! There are similar looking mushroom species that are not edible and cause nausea.

How to recognize a red fox?

• Golden foxes range from 5-10cm in height and 2.5-10cm in width
• They are light yellow to dark golden yellow-orange
• When young, foxes look like little golden buttons
• As they get older, they often develop a hat that resembles a bowl or vase in shape
• Fox hats are smooth, without pits, wrinkled
• The leg is fleshy and firm, not hollow, and the same color as the hat
• There is no ring on the leg and it is smooth
• The flesh of these mushrooms is white or pale yellow
• Lichens smell faintly fruity, reminding some of apricots
• The petals below the cap are generally the same bright golden color (color can vary slightly between species)
• As the fox ages, the gill scales begin to curl and so do the brims of the hat
• Foxes grow from the ground. They never grow on trees, stumps or any kind of wood
• Most species of golden foxes grow near conifers, but they also grow near oaks

How to recognize a fake fox or red-haired speaker?

• This species grows in large groups with attached stems. Foxes are usually solitary or in a small cluster (2-3 mushrooms)
• False foxes are more orange-brown-ochre than the typical yolky yellow
• The false variety grows from rotting wood. Foxes always grow from the ground near trees
• False mushroom causes upset stomach and indigestion

How to cook foxes?

Only wash them if they are very dirty as they contain a lot of water on their own. Wet mushrooms are harder to cook and can have a mushy texture. Dirt is best wiped off with a damp cloth.

One of the best ways to prepare foxgloves is a light sauté with olive oil and salt. Do not cook them in a heavy sauce, as this will dull and overpower their delicate taste.

Foxtails contain a lot of water, which is best boiled before adding spices. Always dry-fry them first to release excess moisture, then add oil, garlic or other spices.

The taste of foxglove is often described as fruity to floral. They are excellent with meat, fish or as a side dish. They are also very popular with eggs or as a filling for savory pancakes.

Recipe for foxes in butter

Ingredients

• 250 g of fresh foxgloves
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 shallot (minced)
• 1 clove of garlic (chopped)
• 125 ml cup whipping cream

Method

• Butter Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat
• Add the shallots and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes
• Add the mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned
• Finally, pour in the cream and cook for another 2-3 minutes
• To make an omelette, remove the mushrooms and add a few beaten eggs to the remaining mixture in the pan
• Cook until the edges are firm but the center is still slightly runny, then place the mushrooms in the center
• Flip and cook for at least 1 minute more
• Finally, add some cheese and lemon juice

How to store fox?

Chanterelles last longer in the fridge than other mushrooms, usually up to 10 days.

For long-term storage, dry them in the oven or dryer on low heat until they are brittle enough to break in half.