The yellow, black and half-free morel mushrooms are the most common species and are the only three native to North America. Morels generally grow near old or dying trees, especially deciduous trees such as oaks and poplars. Morels grow in abundance after a forest fire, as the nutrients released into the soil encourage growth. Morels grow in most temperate climates around the world, and they can only be found during spring and early summer.
Description
All morel mushrooms have caps that resemble honeycombs. Strongly defined ridges and pits cover the entire cap, which rests atop a white stalk. The cap of the yellow and black morel mushroom attaches directly to the stalk, while the half-free morel is attached at the middle, hence the name. The yellow morel is also known as the white morel, because the ridges that line the cap are white when the mushroom is young, and then turn yellow with age. Morel mushrooms can grow up to 1 foot in height, and are edible.
Species
The rarity of the morel mushroom brings debate about the actual number of species. Some experts suggest that only three to six species exist, while others claim there are up to 50. DNA testing has suggested that there are about a dozen species of morel mushrooms in North America that can have several significant genetic variations. Mushrooms with these variations are often mistaken for new species. Many species of morel mushrooms change considerably in size and appearance as they age, which has led to further claims of new species.
Uses
Morel mushrooms are highly prized for their strong flavor and use in cooking. Many gourmet chefs will go to great lengths to acquire morel mushrooms, which have yet to be successfully grown in a commercial setting. The majority of these mushrooms are harvested wild. Many morel hunts are conducted every year, in which people scour forests for the rare mushroom. Morels usually grow in clusters. Once a pocket of morels is found, it is often kept secret and used for cooking or sold at up to $50 per pound.
Precautions
Morel mushrooms should never be ingested raw, as mild poisoning can occur. Once cooked, the mushrooms lose their toxicity. Several species of mushrooms that appear in the wild are called false morels. These mushrooms have similar appearances and are generally poisonous. Most can be identified by checking against a confirmed morel, as the resemblance is vague. If in doubt about a species of mushroom, throw it out. Many species are highly poisonous and no one should take the risk.
