Morel Mushroom Harvesting Tips — Tree Identification

Perhaps it’s a bold statement to call this fungus “the world’s most prized edible mushroom.”

Truffles are strong contenders, as are King Boletes.  And I’m sure that for someone… somewhere out there in the world… the white button mushroom is divine.  (I certainly thought so as a kid.)

For many wild gastronomists though, the Morel mushroom is the only reason to battle ticks these days.  What’s so special about this fungus?  Well, Morels are some of the first edible fungi available each spring.  Plus, they’re quite meaty in taste and texture.  It’s no surprise, then, that they can fetch a price of over $200 per pound (dried) in the supermarket.

For that last reason alone, you’re probably much better off foraging these things in the wild.  Before you get started with your basket and knife in hand, however, you should know a few things.

Morel mushrooms are oftentimes associated with certain tree species.  Direct your attention to the soil and leaf litter under these particular trees, and you’ll greatly increase your chances of finding your beloved Morel mushrooms.

But wait.  What if our tree identification skills are lacking?  How in the world are we supposed to locate dying or dead elm trees when we have no idea what a living elm looks like?

These are all great questions, and I’d love to answer them as best I can.  If you’re interested in learning how to identify some of the trees associated with “the world’s most prized edible mushroom,” check out the new video!

 
© 2024 Learn Your Land with Adam Haritan