In early to mid April
depending on the spring temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine many
Kentucky natives hit the woods in search of a spring delicacy that has
been enjoyed for generations, the morel mushroom. The morel mushroom is
a sought after delight by many not just by those from Kentucky, it is
featured on many cooking shows which boast its delicious flavor.
There are several names morel mushrooms are known by such as: dry land
fish, johnny jump ups, and many more. The morel is found in wooded
areas in the eastern United States around tulip poplar trees, white
ash,white pine, elm, sycamore, and apple trees. After a good spring
rain when temperatures range in the mid 60s to 70s, and the sun pops
out...the morels
" POP UP"!
Morels can be difficult to see due to the camouflaging affect with the
winters leaf coverage on the forest floor yet they do have very
distinctive features. Seasoned eagle eyed morel hunters seem to have an
astute radar for locating the hard to see rascals. It takes a dedicated
hunter to find these tasty delights.
Like all mushroom hunting and eating you must be very careful because
there are impostures that can be deadly. The morel, while unlike most
mushrooms, even with its distinctive characteristics you still must use
caution because there are "fake morels".
All true morels must have hollow stems from the bottom to top of the
inside of the mushroom. When you slice a morel in half it should be hollow just like the picture.
The
fake morels have lumpy almost brain like
shapes which is not typical of a morel. They also do not have a hollow
stem, they have a cottony fibrous stem. If you look at the stem of the
fake morel you can see it has almost a white pithy inside which is a
big indicator that you have a fake morel and can be very dangerous if
eaten.
Your
state parks welcome you to visit and try to find a morel mushroom in
the wild. Observation is welcomed, but please remember that what is on
the park...stays on the park. We want our guests to have a positive
experience learning more about the natural wonders that fill our parks,
so look but do not touch! Happy hunting!
Written by: Kathy Myers