CajnGrlNLehighValley

Staveshaver..The 1st pic of the Shantys cascading down the hillside is lovely and now I know what the term "There's Gold in them there hills" means! Ive never seen anything like that in any of the pics I've seen when people post their finds. Just the bounties in their baskets or a pic of a single one or two. Im VERY NEW to all this and have been searching for them and have only found a couple here and there, but NOTHING like in the pic you posted of the hillside. They are so beautiful and look like flowers rather than a mushroom. How does one know if they are past their prime or too old to pick, other than obviously bug ridden or mushy? I gathered a few that I found and now am wondering if they were too old. I sauteed some up and they have a pleasant mild flavor, but I have some left Id like to save for a later date. Are they worth keeping if Im not sure whether they were past their prime? Any help from anyone would be greatly appreciated, but I figured Id ask you since you just gathered some. Thanks

Hi Everyone and fellow shroomers!!!! Im new to the forum so thanks for allowing me to join in and learn. Need advise on the best ways you have found to preserve the flavor of Golden Chanterelles. Some say saute' in butter, then freeze, others say flash freeze or blanche then freeze. Have some extras I want to preserve correctly and want to do them right. Also have some Black Trumpets. Some have already been dried and they really shriveled up and it appears will yield only a small amount once milled to powder. Is there another way to preserve these that will allow them to keep their shape? Thanks in advance