Mushroom hunters know that morel mushrooms are a highly prized delicacy. These fungal treats can be found in the wild, but they’re not always easy to track down. If you’re looking for morel mushrooms, here are some tips to help you find them.
A Quick Story About Morel Mushroom Hunting
This past summer, I undertook a complete remodel of my kitchen. It was a complete gut down to the studs. On the second day of the demo, the contractor commented that he guessed I would be eating out for the next 2 months. HA! Little did he know that I have an entire blog about how you can cook delicious meals outside of the kitchen.
Later that afternoon, I got a chance to prove it. I headed out for a quick, out-and-back hike with my dog, Ulli. On the return, we stumbled across a stash of morels right along the trail. I quickly harvested the mushroom and, back at home, with no kitchen, whipped up a delicious pasta featuring the morels on my camp stove.
Moral of the story is morel. OK. Bad pun.
FAQs to Forage for Morel Mushrooms
How do I identify morels?
Morels can be identified by their cone-shaped cap that looks a bit like a sponge. When you cut the mushroom open, it is completely hollow.
Are there poisonous mushrooms that look like morels?
The look of this fungi is pretty distinctive. However, when in doubt, do not eat it. It’s just not worth the risk!
Where should I look for morel mushrooms?
Morels tend to grow in partly sunny areas close to dead or dying trees or areas that have been burned in the past. There are a few types of trees that morels especially like growing near, including elm, aspen, ash, and cottonwood.
What time of year should I forage for morels?
It depends a bit on the area that you live in, but in most places, the morel season lasts from late March to early May.
When I do find them, is there a technique for harvesting these mushrooms?
Use a knife to cut the mushroom stem close to the ground. Do not pull up the entire mushroom from the ground. Leaving the base in the ground help to ensure future growth.
How should I store morels?
When gathering morels, store in an airy basket or burlap bag. At home, spread them on a plate and place in the refrigerator. Make sure that they have enough air circulation to breathe. Plan to consume them within three days of harvest. Plan to dry them if you plan to keep them for longer. for more information on how to dry morels, read this article from The Spruce Eats.
How to Cook with Morel Mushrooms
Unlike other mushrooms, morels should not be eaten raw. They work best when sauteed for 7-10 minutes.
If you are interested in learning more about how to find natural ingredients and how to use them in cooking, check out our foraging page for more information. Happy hunting!
