Morel mushroom hunting for tasty Spring treats

Long ago the late Bill Proffitt of Buchanan once said if you wanted to find Morel mushrooms, “Go lookin’ when the oak leaves are the size of a Mouse’s ear.” Thus if that is true the season is waning. However, by the looks of Facebook posts from Botetourt Countians, it has been a bumper year.

The tasty mushroom is from the fungi family Morchella.

Most Morel hunters keep secret where they find their crop! Here are few things learned. The Morels are often found near certain types of trees  like Sycamore, Hickory, Elm and Ash in wooded locations. Look south and west in your search. Found all over the South, Mid-Atlantic and into the lower Midwest, they are considered a delicacy. Warm soil in the Spring and a wet winter contribute to better output.

Battered and fried, or cooked into a sauce, Morels appeal to folks near and far. There are even Internet sites where you can order kits to establish your own Morel plot!

Good hunting!

— Story and Photo by Cathy Benson