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What are Morels?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Morels are a type of mushrooms which can be found growing all over the world in a wide variety of habitats every spring. They are among the most prized of the edible mushrooms because they have a rich and complex flavor that goes well with almost any food. They also have a very distinctive appearance which makes them readily identifiable, assuming they can be found at all, since they're notorious for being very elusive.

Like all mushrooms, the morel is only the fruiting body of a larger organism. Most mushrooms form a massive web of fibers underground called the mycelium. This web of fibers can be quite large, and when it decides to reproduce it sends up mushrooms, which release spores from the parent fungus. Mushrooms are quite appealing to humans because they are often fleshy and flavorful. Scientists have not determined why mushrooms fruit when they do, but mushrooms are usually linked with rain and heavy moisture. In the case of morels, spectacular growth patterns are also linked with forest fires.

Morel mushrooms.
Morel mushrooms.

Morels fall into three categories: black, yellow, and half-free morels. All have a uniquely wrinkled cap, creating more surface area for spore growth. The cap and stem of a true morel are hollow when the mushroom is cut down the middle. Though both black and yellow morels are considered a delicacy, the yellow type are more highly prized. Both have a cap which is contiguous with the stem and does not hang over at all. When growing, the mushrooms resemble small fingers popping out of the ground. Half-free morels have a cap which is slightly disconnected from the stem, creating a small overhang.

Morels have been linked with forest fires.
Morels have been linked with forest fires.

These mushrooms can be eaten fresh or dried. Fresh morels have a slightly chewy texture and a rich smoky flavor. They are used in a wide range of dishes, but are very popular in cream sauces, as a plain side dish, grilled, or in any other dish calling for fresh fungus. Dried morels are often used in soups, stuffings, and stews, because the flavor of the mushroom is intensified by the drying and will be brought out by the slow cooking. The dried version is readily available in most stores, while fresh mushrooms can be found in season in many specialty stores.

Morel mushrooms form a massive web of underground fibers called mycelium.
Morel mushrooms form a massive web of underground fibers called mycelium.

All three types are well known for being very difficult to find. The caps of the mushrooms blend in amazingly well with background substances like leaf litter, sticks, and other foliage. Finding them successfully requires patience and a good eye, which is refined by many years of experience. There are also several false morels which can cause stomach upset, so it is very important to go mushroom hunting with experienced people.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

trekker

I really enjoy cooking for my husband. He isn’t picky, so I had a chance to experiment with morels. It was surprising how many morel recipes I found online just by doing a simple search.

My favorite so far has to be Sautéed Morels with Cream served over steak. The dish was easier than I thought it would be. My husband liked it, too, so I will be making it again. I also plan to try making morel oil next time we have some of the delicious mushrooms. Oh, and how about morel mushroom soup? That sounds perfect for a cool evening.

Matis

I was surprised to learn these mushrooms grow in a wilderness area not far from my home. We have a friend of the family who is an avid mushroom hunter. He took my parents out hunting for morel mushrooms. They ended up with a freezer bag full!

I couldn't believe how much they are sold for. We kept most of them, and gave some away. We have had our share of good fire seasons in the forests. I think that may be why my parents were able to find so many morels.

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    • Morel mushrooms.
      By: morchella
      Morel mushrooms.
    • Morels have been linked with forest fires.
      By: Grischa Georgiew
      Morels have been linked with forest fires.
    • Morel mushrooms form a massive web of underground fibers called mycelium.
      By: kichigin19
      Morel mushrooms form a massive web of underground fibers called mycelium.
    • Morel growth patterns are sometimes linked to forest fires.
      By: Evgeny Dubinchuk
      Morel growth patterns are sometimes linked to forest fires.