The charcoal burner can be found singly or in troops from summer to fall in deciduous and coniferous woodlands of the northern temperate zone including North America and Europe. It especially favors oak, beech and birch stands, and prefers pines to other conifers. The mushroom stands 2 to 4.75 inches tall and has a cap two to six inches across. The cap is convex to flat with an indentation in the center, smooth, slightly greasy, and varies in color from violet, to greenish or wine-red with dark patches developing over time. The whitish to cream colored gills are thick, crowded, forked at the base, greasy to the touch, and flexible. If you run your fingers over the gills they do not break as those of most other mushrooms do. The white stem is firm but brittle, ½ to 11/8 inch in diameter, and has a slightly wrinkled surface. It becomes spongy and hallow with age. The spores are white.
The charcoal burner is considered a choice mushroom especially in Europe. It has a crunchy texture, and a nutty flavor. Beware, however, wildlife like this mushroom too and will be a major competitor for it. It is best used when young and can be dried or eaten raw or cooked. Good with meat, eggs, and in soups and stews.
The charcoal burner can be confused with poisonous mushrooms including the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) so expert advice concerning identification should be sought before eating.
Photo Credit: By Jerzy Opioła – Own work, GFDL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16897066
Karen Meyers