The Morel

Spring is upon us in Ohio and with that comes the bounty of the morel mushroom (Morchella). These distinctive fungi are known for their honeycomb appearance and delectable taste. The hunting season for these tasty mushrooms is short, lasting 4-6 weeks between April - May. The weather plays a big part in deciding how long of a hunting season you will have. The ground temperature needs to reach a warm 50 degrees, and a good spring rain will make the morels pop up out of nowhere, as they like the moist warm air. Here in Ohio, you can forage for these mushrooms in state forests, state parks, state wildlife areas, or simply on your property if it inhabits the right ecosystem. I've even been known to find my fair share along railroad tracks as well. There are three types of morels that are found in Ohio. The first that appear are the black morels, they usually grow singularly or in small patches. Then the common morel emerges. These are typically called whites or greys. Last to pop up, and my favorite; is the late morel, known as the yellows. These are the king of the morels. They are generally much larger and definitely more exciting to find. During all the excitement, you will want to watch out for the false morel, as it can cause serious illness or even death. It is not a true morel but looks very similar. Usually found around rotted oak trees, these fungi will not be hollow inside and do not have the honeycomb design.

Into the Woods

Before you head out to find these yummy mushrooms, there are a couple of items you will want to pack. A mesh bag to allow the spores to release as you walk, and a walking stick - both for the journey and to help move leaves and foliage. I have so many fond memories of mushroom hunting growing up. From my experience, I learned that the best places to find morels were around dead or dying elms, white or green ash trees, old apple trees, and decomposing leaves. It was always so exciting spotting the first mushroom because where there is one, there are more. I remember trying to pick as many as possible before letting my family know I had found a honey hole. At that point, everyone would all make their way over and join in on the fun. We spent hours in the woods, and we didn't always have the results we hoped for, but the experience was always worth it.

Cooking 101

Once you get your morels home you will need to cut them lengthwise and soak them in water. This will wash out the tiny insects that hide inside the cap. I like to let mine sit overnight before I drain them and fry them up or freeze them for up to a year. You might be surprised to know that this edible mushroom is 40% protein. With a meaty texture, they are almost earthy and nutty in flavor. Many connoisseurs substitute meat with morels to produce a vegan alternative. It is important that I mention you cannot eat the morels raw. They contain a mildly toxic substance, which is only destroyed when cooked. There are a ton of ways you can cook these up, but I always like tossing them in flour and then frying them in butter the best. However, if you want to try something more geared towards a family dinner, check out this wonderful morel pasta recipe by clicking the link below!

Comment down below with some of your favorite Morel recipes!