Detection of feruloyl- and cinnamoyl esterases from basidiomycetes in the presence of interfering laccase

► A simple method for the detection of CAE/FAE in the presence of laccase. ► More than half of the 41 tested basidiomycetes exhibited CAE/FAE activity. ► Different substrate specificity of basidiomycete CAE/FAEs was evaluated. ► Tween 80 induced CAE/FAE activity. ► A comprehensive study on basidiomycete sources of CAE/FAEs is provided.