In Season: Morel Mushrooms

Morel mushrooms are a spring delicacy: rich, meaty and full of flavor. Never tasted morels? Learn where and when to find them, plus get tasty recipes and cooking tips.
By: Liz Gray
mushrooms

136323736

Fresh raw Morel mushrooms

Photo by: Frans Rombout

Frans Rombout

I like heading to my parents' house in Ohio during the spring for many reasons -- spring hikes, daffodils and fresh rhubarb -- but the thing I love most (besides my parents…hi Mom and Dad!) is the annual hunt for morel mushrooms. As a kid, I spent morel-spotting time balancing on logs, but once I but once I learned to love the rich, meaty flavor of these elusive wild mushrooms, I was hooked on the hunt. Never tasted morels? Learn where to find them, plus get tasty recipes and cooking tips.

When (and Where) To Find Morels

The low-calorie, vitamin-rich mushrooms grow across the Midwest, Southeast and in some parts of the Pacific Northwest. Morel season can start as soon as early April, and runs till mid-May in some locales. Giveaways that the time is right: the mushrooms typically crop up when nights are warm and the ground is wet. Exact mushroom-hunting spots are often well-guarded secrets, but the fungi often grow near streams, fallen trees and in forest fire-scorched areas. They also grow in patches, so once you find one, scour the area for more.

Some morels are small and grayish-brown like the one pictured above, while later varieties are larger and light yellow. The smaller, darker morels typically have more flavor. If you're a mushroom-hunting newbie, always head out with an expert. False morels, which can be toxic, have a long stem attached near the top of the mushroom, while the stem of edible morels is attached near the bottom. Never eat a mushroom unless you're sure it's edible.

Foraging Alternatives

Not ready to hunt for your own? Morels are sometimes available at farmers' markets in early spring, but get ready for sticker shock -- they typically sell for around $50.00 a pound. Dried morels are more affordable, and are available year-round in the produce section of many supermarkets.

What to Do With Morels

Like most types of mushrooms, morels add a meaty flavor (also known as umami) to soups, sauces and spreads. Some people like to fry them, but I prefer the mushrooms sautéed with a little butter or olive oil and garlic and served with rice or bread (something to sop up the delicious cooking liquid.) Whatever you choose to do, soak fresh morels in lightly-salted water for about an hour to kill bug "passengers" and to rinse off debris.

TELL US: Have you tried fresh morels?

Liz Gray is the Healthy Eats site manager and an editor for FoodNetwork.com. When not foraging for mushrooms, she's a part-time culinary student who loves to try new recipes and use her boyfriend, Josh, and hybrid Corgi-bulldog puppy, Miles, as expert taste-testers. Learn more about all our contributors »

You Might Also Like:

Next Up

How to Season Salmon

Salt, pepper and beyond: Everything you need to know for perfectly flavorful salmon.

How to Season Burgers

Are you seasoning your burgers at the right time? Timing makes a big difference.

How to Freeze Mushrooms

Find out how to make the most of that earthy flavor.

How to Sauté Mushrooms

Make perfect sautéed mushrooms in just 15 minutes, no recipe required!

What Fruit Is In Season?

Here, a complete season by season breakdown.

How to Season a Wok

An expert step-by-step guide—plus, how to re-season a wok you haven't used in a while.

How to Season a Steak

Here's how to do it like a pro.

9 Recipes for Hot Toddy Season

Try these delicious hot toddies, with and without alcohol, for fewer calories than other hot drinks.

’Tis The Season for Cinnabon Frosting Pints

You can now indulge in the chain’s signature cream cheese frosting by the spoonful.

How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet

And what does it mean to season cast iron, anyway?