Morel Mushroom

Morel mushrooms, or just morels, are a type of wild mushroom with an earthy, nutty flavor. They have a meaty texture, unlike the more slimy texture of other mushroom varieties. These mushrooms are a highly desire ingredient among chefs and mushroom enthusiasts. The reason? They’re only grow in the wild, unlike farmed mushrooms you’ll find in the grocery store (crimini, portobello, oyster, etc.).

Morels vary greatly in size and appearance. Their shape can range from oblong to bulbous, and their color from blonde to gray. They are easy to distinguish by their exterior, which resembles a honeycomb. The inside of a morel is white and hollow.

Although there have been efforts to cultivate morels, they’re extremely difficult to farm, meaning they must be forage and harvested from where they naturally grow. Morels are usually in wooded areas throughout North America and Europe. Warm and wet conditions are best for growing morel mushrooms.

Like many types of mushrooms, morels have doppelgängers — but they can be deadly. Beware of false morels, which includes a number of species that look similar but are actually poisonous. False morels are reddish-brown to yellow in color, with a cap that hangs to one side. They’re also not hollow on the inside, like real morels. If you’re foraging for morels, be sure to do so with an experienced guide.