By: Sarah Farmer Blevins
Springtime has me feeling adventurous, and wanting to be out in nature. I got to thinking of a fun outdoor activity that doesn’t involve being around crowds of people. Something exciting and rewarding, yet peaceful at the same time. Foraging for morel mushrooms is a great one that came to mind. The thrill of the hunt can give you that adrenaline rush, and being outside in tranquil surroundings will have you feeling calm, and connected with nature. So, what are morel mushrooms, and how can you find them?
Morel mushrooms are highly prized for their unique flavor and texture, and are easily recognized by their distinctive honeycomb-like cap with pits and ridges. The cap is usually a light brown or yellowish brown color, attached to a hollow stem. They have a nutty and earthy taste, with a slightly smoky aroma, and people love to eat them in soups, sauces, and sautes. It’s important to note that some species of morels are toxic, so it’s essential to properly identify them before consuming.
Typically, morels are harvested in the spring, but can also be found in the fall, depending on the region. You can find them in North America, Central America, Europe, and Asia. In the United States, these areas usually have the most mushrooms each spring: Tennessee, Michigan, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Vermont. You’ll know it’s time to start hunting when the soil temperature reaches between 45 to 50 degrees, and it’s above 60 degrees outside. Once daytime temperatures start reaching the 80’s, that means the season is usually over.
Here’s what you’ll need when foraging: You will need to carry around a little knife, and an open weave basket or bag that has holes in it. That way, the pores can fall out and spread more mushrooms around. You’ll need to make sure that you’re wearing appropriate clothing that covers your arms and legs, so that you’re protected from ticks, poison ivy, and other potential hazards. It’s also important to make sure you have on the proper footwear, such as sturdy shoes or boots that can withstand rugged terrain. You might also want to wear a hat or gloves. Patience and persistence is key. Morels can be elusive, so you’ll want to be very patient and persistent when you’re on the hunt for them. Take your time, and enjoy the experience.
When you’re out on the search, you’ll want to look in wooded areas, and be looking under the bases of trees. Scout around for dead or decaying trees, such as: elm, ash, tulip, poplar, and apple trees. Look around and see if you can spot any may apples, which would indicate that the soil and sunlight is good for the mushrooms to grow. Places with moist soil and leaf litter are perfect. Check around near creeks, and in shaded areas with sunlight peeking through. They also sprout up near wildfire burn spots. There are some mushrooms that look similar to morels. To make sure it’s a morel, cut it in half and make sure that the stem is hollow. One good tip to note, is that morels grow in a straight line, and if they’re harvested properly, they will grow in the same spot each year. Don’t limit yourself to one spot. Cover more ground to increase your chances of finding them. Enjoy the hunt and beauty of the forest.
May these tips aid you in your quest for the delicious morel mushrooms. Here’s to a great hunt and a bountiful harvest!
