Attempts in growing Morel Mushrooms artificially have not been successful because of their need for just the right growing conditions, they only currently grow in the wild.
Morel mushrooms
Morels grow in most temperate climates around the world and they can only be found during spring and early summer. There are many factors that affect the abundance of morels each season but weather plays the biggest role.
Like other mushrooms, growing morel mushrooms do well when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees with nighttime temperatures of 45 degrees or more. Ideally, soil temperatures should range between 50 to 60 degrees and be moderately moist.
Growing Morel Mushrooms
They are usually found in small patches under dead or dying elms, ash, apple and even pine trees. They seem to like to hide under or near thickets, deciduous trees e.g. oak and poplars or other small plants growing in the area.
However, since the ground cover varies a lot each set of mushrooms you come across may be growing in totally different conditions. Though morels cannot be grown, they can be found especially after a forest fire when nutrients released into the soil encourage their growth. The yellow, black and half-free morel mushrooms are the most common species and are the only three native to North America.
Grown Morel mushrooms can last for about two weeks before it starts to decay if the weather is good. It is necessary that you examine each one collected for any decay. Look particularly under the caps for any signs of decay.
Hunting for grown morel mushrooms typically runs from early April and runs through June depending on your geographical location. The Great Lake region in the United States is the most popular hunting grounds for morel mushrooms but they have also been found in almost all of the lower 48 states.
If you are new at hunting morel mushrooms it is advisable to accompany someone who is experienced. Be on the lookout for the false morel a mushroom that looks similar to a morel but that is incredibly toxic when eaten raw. The false morel contains a toxin that causes fatal liver failure and damage to the central nervous system.
Simply pinch or twist of the mushroom at ground level to harvest. Collection should be done into a large open weave bag. After harvesting, take them to a sink and give them a quick rinse under cold water to remove any foreign particles.
Cut them lengthwise and rinse them again. Store the clean mushrooms in a bowl ready to be used. The harvested mushrooms should not be kept for more than three or four days before eating.
How to get your Fresh Morel Mushrooms
Hunt for them like you would hunt for any other treasure from the woods. It can be a little tiring but it’s a lot of fun.
Hunting for Morel mushrooms is a good way to keep in touch with nature and still get paid a lot of money especially because these groups of mushrooms are considered a culinary delicacy and most top restaurants will readily buy.
So keep an eye out for growing Morel Mushrooms at a location near you. It’s virtually at no cost at all to you… less equipments, less physical work and less environmental impact. Just take advantage of the hunting season and make the most of it.
Return from growing Morel Mushrooms to Mushroom Farming.
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