When Spring came this year it afforded us an opportunity to get back out into nature. We began exploring public lands around Wapello County with walks along the Des Moines River, the City Parks of Ottumwa, County Lake Parks, some wonderful woodlands and visits to several cemeteries to pay our respects to my ancestors. With things warming up we knew that our outdoor adventures would take a new focus – hunting for the regional fungi delicacy, the Morel or the Morchella Esculenta genus.
It is debated by professional mycologists as to how many species there really are of this genus. For beginners, like ourselves, we were going to simplify matters and begin to look for Yellows, Grays and Whites that are common to this area. These mushrooms are easily identifiable by their honeycomb appearance of the caps which are ribbed and pitted like a sponge. They may even appear to be like little brains.
Weather is a Key Factor
Our attention was keenly focused on the temperature, as we were told that this is a crucial factor in making a hunt a success. The information we gathered told us that ideal conditions were when we saw the daytime air temperature in the upper 60s to 70 degrees and the night temperature is above 50 degrees. Another commonality with the temperature had to do with the ground itself. The consensus was that when it was consistently around 53 degrees, and with some moisture, it was game on. Other plants can also be good indicators that conditions are ideal. Mayapples begin to leaf like little umbrellas; lilacs start to bud; oak leaves are small; dandelions and even columbines appear. All of these conditions are met around the beginning of the month of May in this area of Southeast Iowa.
Proper Attire and Equipment for Morel Hunting
We knew our prey, but now had to outfit ourselves for a successful hunt. Of course, the proper attire is essential. Morels rarely grow on the open trail, but in the woods, along streams and covered hillsides. Starting from the ground up we start with a good pair of boots, waterproof if possible. I soon learned that the woodlands are unforgiving of those who wear shorts. The scars speak for themselves. Layering up with a long sleeve shirt, a fleece and a thin rain jacket did the trick, allowing us to adapt to the variance in temperature and conditions. A walking stick gave us assurance that we wouldn’t accidentally meet up with any creature that slithers. A brimmed hat that my wife added some bug screening to topped us off. I made some essential oil bug spray to combat the ever present tick. It was an ongoing war with battles won for both sides.
Now for the equipment. One doesn’t really need much. The experts say that a netted bag or basket is the essential container to have. Don’t use plastic bags. This is because the spores (mushroom seeds) continue to fall out of the mushroom and with a netted bag or basket they have a chance to find the ground and start a new organism. Also, pulling the mushroom from the ground can damage the mycelium (the underground part of the organism that is much larger). A small knife allowed us to cut the mushrooms at the base of the stalk and take only the fruit.
Where to Search for Morels
Morels are mycorrhizal mushrooms. This is a scientific way of saying that it creates a symbiotic relationship with its host trees. The mycelium attaches itself to the root hairs of the tree. They provide benefits to one another. The tree provides sugar and water and the mycelium provides nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and minerals. This knowledge provided us with our next step in research. What trees were the best to look for when hunting for Morchella Esculenta? Everyone agreed that if you can identify the Elm tree, your chances of success increase one-hundred fold. Green and White Ash and Apple trees are also hosts to look for, but we thought it best to try and limit ourselves to identifying the Elm to begin our adventures. The leaf, the bark, the trunk, the canopy. All identifying traits to be memorized. Then I learned of what Dutch Elm Disease did as it swept through all 99 counties of Iowa, killing 95% of all urban elms in the 1950s. Identifying dead or dying Elm is another effective strategy in finding Morels. Mushrooms are the eaters of the forest. As the symbiotic host dies, it becomes a last meal to the Morel.
We drove to an undisclosed location to begin our search. First for Elms, then for the secondary plants that should be indicators, and finally for the long awaited Morel. The conditions had been dry, but we were eager to learn. We went a few times, with no sign of the elusive fungi we sought. We did , however, learn to identify the Elm fairly quickly and began hunting larger areas in this way.
Success with Morels and other Fungi
Then it happened. Morels!! Though the conditions were not ideal, some Morels did appear. Some were a little dry and others were perfect for harvest. My first finds of the season were found scattered in two areas very close to each other. One tract was nearly all Elm and the other was a more sandy soil of a runoff formed by heavy rains. They were just waiting for me to show up. After the harvest, I had six mushrooms in my netted bag.
Even though the Morel is easily identifiable, there is the case of the False Morel. To avoid this mistake, I make sure that the center of the Morel is hollow. Slice them in half, up the length of the mushroom and you will know if it is a true Morel or a False Morel. If it is not hollow, throw it away! Do your homework. Mushrooms are not to be underestimated. In addition to identifying the edible ones correctly, I believe that one should also be able to positively identify the most common poisonous species as well. As the season progresses, you might spot some of the other edible species to be found. Chicken of the woods is an easily identifiable mushroom and an easy second addition to your repertoire. Oyster mushrooms are a delight to eat in any recipe.
Preparing and Preserving your Mushrooms
I have cooked then dried morels for a future use, rehydrating them in brandy or cognac and putting them on a grilled pizza. Freezing is an option for long term storage. What a treat to pull some out to enjoy during the Winter. I really prefer to cook them as fresh as possible and enjoy them. First, soak them in salt water. This will rid the Morel of any small insects or parasites. Rinse, dry them in a paper towel. Dip the mushrooms in a beaten egg, then flour lightly (or use crumbled crackers) and then fry them in butter until they are done to your taste. Always cook Morels (and all wild mushrooms for that matter)! Enjoy them and happy hunting next season!
