OHIO – Morel mushroom season is almost upon us, and hikers will start searching for the sought-after morel mushroom.
This season may come earlier than April, according to Morel Hunters in Kentucky, they are already finding mushrooms in the wild, with some small ones in Ohio.
The question is why? Flavor, morel mushrooms are sought for their high flavor, their taste is rich, earthy, meaty, and like no other mushroom out there. Morel’s flavor profile is unique and highly sought after by chefs around the world.
Forgers in the Ohio area start heading out into the woods searching for stumps and at the bottoms of trees for these treasures just after the spring rains, when they say they grow quickly. A lot of local hunters have “secret spots” they check year after year for mushrooms.
Charging high prices per pound on the open market, some mushroom hunters are in it for the sale value also. Selling for more than 40 bucks per pound, some people say they are worth every penny.
The morel, aka the morchella, is more related to a truffle than to other mushrooms.
The first morels to appear are the black morels. These morels prefer areas with ash trees and are most likely to be found singularly or in small patches.
The common morel emerges mid-season and is the most popular of the morels. You can often find them under elms, ash, and apple trees.
Finally, the late morel comes out once all the other species are mature. These are tiny morels, typically 1-3 inches, and although they’re delicious, it’s hard to find enough for a meal.
Ohio does have a fungi known as the false morel.
It’s not a true morel but can look similar and even though some people can tolerate them, they have caused illness and death. False morels can often be found around rotted oak tree stumps. Make sure you know what you have before you eat.
