Two Types of Morels

• Morels come in different varieties--and even a poisonous fake.Morille image by Nico_2 from Fotolia.com
  
  Morels are found in many states across the United States. However, Michigan is particularly known for morels, which are considered a delicacy. Perhaps it is the special mix of environmental factors that makes Michigan rich in morels. Maybe it is the Morel Festival held each year in Boyne City, Michigan. But Michigan is known for two types of morels--the blacks and the yellows. Both have individual habits and characteristics.
  
  

Know Your Trees

• The first thing is to know your trees in Michigan's woods.road - michigan image by Zachary Pelka from Fotolia.com
  
  The first and most important thing when hunting morels that you hear repeated time after time is to know your trees. You can also look around streams and river beds, and sometimes even fields and pastures. But the best morel hunting seems to center on wooded areas, in underbrush and among fallen timber. Black morels favor ash, poplar and apple trees, while yellow morels tend to grow under elm, maple and fruit trees. The tulip poplar in southern Michigan may harbor morels as well.
  
  

Season

• Spring is morel season in Michigan.fields of michigan image by James Lemmon from Fotolia.com
  
  "Morel Mushrooms start growing when the temperature, humidity, nighttime temperatures, soil and other factors are just right," states Michigan Interactive. In Michigan, the season usually starts late in April; temperatures begin to climb to the 60s (degrees Fahrenheit) in the day and the 40s or 50s at night. These early morels "shouldn't be eaten because they can cause upset stomachs," warns University of Michigan botanist Ellen Weatherbee. Next arrive dark brownish-black morels in late April to early May. "But the ones that people really want to eat," states Weatherbee, "are the white morels that are usually found in the second to third week of May."
  
  

Collection Tips

• Morels thrive under apple trees.apple tree 2 image by Przemyslaw Koroza from Fotolia.com
  
  Morels hate clay and thrive in sandy, nutritious soil. After burn-offs and under thick dead leaves in the forest provide the ideal environment. Morels also enjoy moisture, so after a rain is perfect for morel hunting. When morel hunting, remember that morels tend to cluster; if you find one, there is likely several nearby. Always cut or pinch the morel from the growing stem rather than pulling the mushroom up so that the morel can grow again. Also, collect morels into a mesh bag (such as an onion sack) or loose woven basket to allow the morels to breathe and spores to shake loose and possibly grow more morels.
  
  

Warning

• Beware of morel "look-alikes."spring mushroom image by Vasiliy Koval from Fotolia.com
  
  It is critical to make sure that you have collected morels that are safe to eat. The time of season or location can provide clues to the likelihood that a morel is safe; in addition, unsafe morels look entirely different if you know what to look for. Unsafe morels have stems that look "like cotton batting, unlike true morels that have hollow stems," as the University of Michigan reveals. Unsafe morels caps also seem to just sit on top of the stem rather than attaching. Check with an expert if unsure--never eat a mushroom you do not know is positively safe.