King Trumpet Mushrooms© Denzil Green
In the wild, King Trumpet Mushrooms grow off the roots of dead trees, near the surface. They prefer chestnut trees. They are now also cultivated, on sawdust.
They have thick caps and stems. The caps are light brown, and 2 ½ to 8 inches wide (7 to 20 cm.) The stalks, which are white, are as good to eat as the caps.
The mushrooms have a somewhat bland taste. Their popularity is more owing to their firm, meaty texture.
They can be bought fresh or canned.
Cooking Tips
King Trumpet Mushrooms hold their shape well in cooking. They even stand up well on a barbeque grill.
Storage Hints
King Trumpet Mushrooms dry well for storage.
Language Notes
An Italian name for this mushroom, “gambone”, meaning big leg, refers to its thick stem. “Gamboni” is the plural, in case you see references to “gamboni” mushrooms and wonder. “Trumpet Royale” is one firm’s trademarked name in North America for these mushrooms (the firm being Gourmet Mushrooms Inc.)