Morel Mushrooms

Edible, relatively rare spring mushrooms, morels are highly prized for their pleasant taste. They grow in temperate regions. They are easily identifiable and among the simplest wild mushrooms to pick. Although morels can be cultivated, the practice is not widespread.

The morel’s globular or conical cap is honeycombed, which makes it look porous. Yellowish ochre, brown, or whitish, the cap can range from 1–5" high. It grows atop a fairly thick stalk of the same color and height. There are said to be more than 20 different species of morels. Their thin, fragile flesh is highly aromatic. The most sought-after morels are those with darker caps.

Nutritional Information: Morel Mushrooms

Nutrient		Raw (per 100 g)
Water		90%
Protein		2 g
Carbohydrates		0.3 g
Calories		9

Morels are rich in potassium.

How to Buy Morel Mushrooms

Morels are generally sold dried or canned.

How to Store Morel Mushrooms

Fresh morels can be kept for 2–3 days in the refrigerator.

How to Prepare Morel Mushrooms

Morels are tricky to clean, as their honeycomb surface retains sand, dirt, and small insects.

Rinse: Run tap water over the morels for just a minute or so.
Clean the pits: Dirt and other debris often gather in the pits that line the caps of morel mushrooms. Use a small cooking brush to clean out the pits.
Dry: Never leave fresh morels to soak, as they will lose their flavor. As soon as they are clean, dry them with a cloth or paper towel.

If you’re preparing dried morels, cover them with warm water and leave them to soak for 10 minutes. Drain them, change the water, and let them soak for another 10–15 minutes.

How to Cook Morel Mushrooms

Morels should always be eaten well cooked, as they irritate the stomach when raw. Delicious as stuffing and in sauces, they’re often cooked with dishes that include cream, which brings out their flavor. They go well with meat, poultry, game, and fish. You can use them in soups and stews, or with rice, pasta, and eggs.

To cook morels on their own: Brown them for 5–7 minutes at low heat in butter or oil.
To cook morels in a sauce, soup, or stew: Simmer them for 15–20 minutes.