Horn of Plenty

Horn of Plenty or Black Trumpet Craterellus cornucopioides Can be found in clusters amongst the leaf litter in deciduous woods, especially beech, in the autumn. Being black in colour they are very difficult to spot but once you find one you can usually gather quite a few by grovelling around on your hands and knees. It is well worth it if you do get a good collection as this inauspicious-looking little fungus has an unmatched flavour. It can be added to stews or soups as flavouring or to supplement and improve the flavour of any other mushroom dish you might be preparing. Horn of plenty, or black trumpet as it is also called, dries very easily and keeps well.