The morel mushroom can be found around trees that are either dying or have already died and fallen to the ground. Some of the best trees to search around include dead or dying ash, cottonwood, elm and sycamore. As the dying root systems of these trees break down they form an excellent food source for morels. When collecting these tasty morsels be sure to use only mesh bags which will allow the spores from your collected specimens to fall back to the earth ensuring that the area in which you are hunting will continue to produce a steady crop year after year.
The false morel is sometimes mistaken for a true morel; however, there are differences which will help ensure that you are taking home the real deal. Below are two pictures. The top photo features some true morels which are safe to eat. The bottom photo shows a false morel (these are the ones you want to avoid).
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| Photo Courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation |
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| Photo Courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation |
As you can see in the top picture, the edible morel has very well defined pits on the canopy. The stem of this morel is hollow and extends all the way into the mushrooms head. The false morel however is wrinkled rather than being pitted. This poisonous mushroom also has a canopy which has a distinctly different color than the stem.
To prepare morels to eat I typically cut them in half and soak them in salt water for about a day. I then coat them in breading and either pan fry or deep fry them. They will make an excellent side dish with your next fish fry.
Morel hunting is an excellent way to spend a springtime afternoon in the outdoors and you will be sure to get in your daily exercise while seeking out these flavorful treats.
-Any day in the outdoors is a good day
-Any day in the outdoors is a good day
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