Chanterelle Mushroom

Yes, especially the cylindrical stems. Chanterelle mushrooms can also be chewy and challenging for new eaters to break down in their mouths. To reduce the risk, finely chop the mushroom (cap and stem) before serving. Dried mushrooms should be fully rehydrated in boiling water and chopped before serving. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of a baby during mealtime. For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.

No. Mushroom allergy is rare, although it has been reported. There have been reports of anaphylaxis, as well as contact rashes among those handling mushrooms. Mushrooms also contain chitin, a common carbohydrate found in crustaceans and insects that may contribute to an allergic response in certain individuals. Mannitol, another carbohydrate present in mushrooms, can elicit allergic reactions in sensitive individuals as well.

Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome), particularly those with sensitivity to mold, may also be sensitive to mushrooms. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Cooking mushrooms can help minimize and even eliminate the reaction.

Dried chanterelle mushrooms may be preserved with sulfites. While sulfites are not a common allergen, certain individuals, particularly those with asthma, can have allergy-like reactions to added sulfites.  If sulfites are a concern, avoid ingredients such as sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite to name a few.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the amount over future meals.

Yes. Chanterelles are a good source of fiber, iron, and copper. They are also one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D, which supports baby’s developing bones. Chanterelles also contain some phytonutrients that may offer antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Avoid foraging mushrooms to share with baby unless you are an expert mycologist as there are plenty of poisonous look-a-like species in the wild.

Yes—as long as they are cut into age-appropriate sizes, although cooked chanterelle mushrooms are easier for baby to digest. Cooking mushrooms also helps lower the risk of foodborne illness.

Yes. Chanterelle mushrooms are rich in fiber and fluid to support healthy gut bacteria, bulk up poop, and hydrate the intestines. Mushrooms also offer prebiotics, special carbohydrates that help friendly gut bacteria flourish. Introduce high-fiber foods like mushrooms gradually and regularly in baby’s diet as tolerated; a little gassiness or a few blowouts is just a sign that baby’s digestive system is adjusting, so no need to remove the food from the diet. Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.

The name "chanterelle” encompasses a family of mushrooms that grow across the northern hemisphere. Chanterelle mushrooms can be black, brown, or cream-colored, but it is often the golden chanterelles that are sought out by chefs and home cooks alike. Unlike other popular mushroom species, chanterelle mushrooms are difficult (though not impossible) to cultivate on mushroom farms. Limited commercial production keeps prices high for fresh chanterelles in many parts of the world. In places where they grow in abundance on mossy forest floors, they are widely available in markets once damper, cooler weather arrives.