Morel Mushroom Hunting

The white button mushroom used to be the only mushroom available in the local market, then portabella, shiitake, and crimini became available. Now more exotic “specialty” mushrooms are creating excitement with mushroom lovers and epicurean chefs are creating splendid treats from morels, enoki, maitake, and chanterelles mushrooms. All the edible wild mushrooms, the morel mushrooms, are considered the number one prize. Its rich, creamy, and earthy flavor has obsessed millions of people with this delicacy, not to mention hunting for one.

Spring is the season for morel mushroom hunting, but of course spring is relative depending on where you live. Every spring, more than fifty million people in the world go on morel mushroom hunting. Morels can be found in every Canadian province and are abundant in the U.S. It can also be found throughout many countries such as Australia, China, Russia, England, Romania, France, and Pakistan. They flourish best with distinct seasonal changes.

Morel mushroom hunting is often just as indescribable as the precious prize. The feeling is that of Easter Egg Hunting, very exciting as well as enjoyable. Morel Mushroom hunting do away with complicated gears associated with “real hunting”, but is just as simple as being in groups, family or friends in one place and searching for that great find of hiding morels. The thrill of discovery and the exchange with nature plus the opportunity to make a nice mushroom steak dish are the valuable prizes that keep the faithful hunters coming back for more.

When on morel mushroom hunting, it is very important to know the “real” morel from the “false” morel mushrooms. This knowledge is vital, as a light mischaracterization can be deadly. To identify a real morel, look for sawtooth edges. Although once in a while there will be characteristics really specific to what it is, it is very important to identify them as false morels are popular, but toxic. Another way to identify morels from the false ones is to cut them open. Real morels are hallow inside. False morels are more contorted and odd looking.

What do you need to have when you go out on a morel mushroom hunting trip? Well, none of those expensive fancy equipments, you don’t even need to wear hunting attire, old clothes that can get stained or ripped will do, comfortable shoes, snug-fitting hat to keeps the ticks away, gloves in case you encounter the famous poison ivy, mesh bags to carry morels or onion or potato socks also work well, pocket knife for cutting the morels if necessary, compass and map unless you know the forest very well, water and snacks, small first aid kit, small towel and toilet paper in case nature calls unexpectedly, rain gear if necessary, a small backpack to carry these few items, a big walking stick to push aside briars and leaves. All of these together with an open mind and a resolve to be thorough plus a respectful attitude towards nature and wildlife is what you need for that exciting and satisfying morel mushroom hunting.