Morel Mushroom Guide

Due to difficulties in cultivation, these mushrooms are prized by many gourmet cooks, foragers, and others around the world. “Morels are everywhere and impossible to find” is an old saying for these elusive earthy, and nutty tasting treats!

Where, When, How do they grow

     Let us start off with what makes a morel grow. The part of the mushroom we see above ground, is the fruiting body. The mycelium (the root like structure for mushrooms) is underground, and when stressed it will cause the mushroom to “pop” as many have claimed. Of course mushrooms grow, and do not simply appear. Ideal conditions for morel growth include soil with plenty of decaying wood matter, the proper amount of shade, moisture, and a source of morel spores.  

     The When they grow will differ depending on the geographical location and environment. In the southern United States morels start to show up around mid to late March. The northern parts of the country they may not start to grow until mid-May. There are numerous old sayings that will tell you when it’s time to start hunting them “When the Oak leaves are the size of a mouses ear” “When the crab apples begin to sprout” “You must wait until the dandelions are full bloom.” These sayings boil down to one certain time though, when the soil temperature is around 45-50’ F a few inches below the surface. In early spring when the night time lows are above 50’F for 4 or 5 days and it’s been rainy, That’s when it’s time!

     The best places to find morels are along wood lines and usually near Elm, Ash, Hickory, and Sycamore tree’s. A dead Elm tree where the bark is just beginning to fall off is a prime location for morels. Earlier in the season start on southern and southwest facing slopes as the soil will be warmer due to sunlight in these areas. As the season progresses you can head farther into the forest and late season stick to the Northern Slopes of hills where the ground is still cooler.

Types of True Morels

     The most common types are the black morel, yellow (often grey or white in color before full maturity) and the half free morel. All of which look identical in appearance, besides cap color. The half free morel does differ in appearance slightly with a much longer stem and smaller cap. The Black morels are the first to grow, and are the hardest to find due to their camouflaged appearance with dead leaves. The others will soon follow with yellows being the last.

     Look a likes and False Morels

Although True morels are distinct in their appearance, there are also look a likes and “false morels” that can may look similar in appearance. These are the Verpa genus which is a relative of the morchella family, has a relatively longer stem that contains a white cotton type of substance. The stem also connects to the top of the cap on the inside vs. a true morel where the stem and cap are completely hollow and the stem connects to the bottom of the cap. (These are considered edible by many, but it is always a good idea to try small portions first to see how your body will react) The false morel is the Gyromitra which have reports of causing toxic reactions and fatalities. The cap of these look more like a brain with wrinkles then a honeycomb. (Even with reports of toxicity and death some do claim that they are edible, and are considered a delicacy in some countries)

Beginners tips to Foraging Morels

Be prepared!!! Travel with some sort of GPS. It is easy to become turned around when you find that first mushroom then another and another over there! Carry some water, snacks, and maybe a small first aid kit! Do not become discouraged! As the saying goes “Morels are everywhere, and impossible to find” When you do find that first one though, be sure to slow down and check the immediate area thoroughly. Where there’s one, there’s sure to be more. Be mindful of others in the forests, and check with any local laws concerning what times you are allowed to mushroom hunt. Mushroom season is close to Turkey season and a lot of public forests, will not allow mushroom hunters into the forest until a certain time.  

If you have facebook, check out some of the morel mushroom groups as they will provide tons of information and photos. Another great website to know is www.thegreatmorel.com

Preparation and Preserving

Morel mushrooms must be cooked thoroughly to be safe for consumption. There are multiple ways to prepare your morels for cooking and how to cook them. I’m fairly old school, and I know a lot of people will agree/disagree with how I prepare and cook mine. I always cut my morels in half, rinse them, and let them soak in salt water for about 90 minutes in the refrigerator. Then pull them out, drain the water, pat dry with a paper towel and sauté in butter.

     Preserving Morels

Ok, so you found so many morels it’s impossible to eat them all… (Invite me on your next hunt please!) There are ways to dry and preserve morels to eat later. The easiest way I’ve found is to clean them, lay the morels out of a screen with a fan blowing on them, and rotate occasionally until they are dried out. You can then stick them in a mason jar and store them in the cupboard. (Do not place them in the refrigerator once they are dry.)  Re-hydrating them is super simple. Just pull them out of the jar and place in water for a few minutes. They’ll be ready to cook!!!

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