How & Where to Find Morel Mushrooms

What’s Up, Hungry People?

There’s gold to be found in the foothills of Ohio. Tucked away in pastures and hidden amongst the bark of old elm trees are one of the tastiest mushrooms you can find in the wild: morels.

Morels have a complex and earthy umami flavor, likened to roasted nuts or even ramen noodles. With a short and delicate growing season, not only are morels extremely hard to find, but they are also completely hollow, making them one of the most expensive mushrooms in the world, ranging anywhere from $60-90 per pound for fresh and nearly $250 per pound when dried.

The Hunt Begins

So we crossed our fingers and headed out to Ohio’s eastern farmland to do some foraging. Seasoned morel hunters will likely keep their morel spots a secret, but lucky for us, we have Mark. Mark is a lifelong farmer and resident of good old Barnesville, Ohio—and he also happens to be my future father-in-law.

A seasoned country boy cow farmer, Mark knows his huge plot of land like the back of his hand. With a man like Mark on our side, we felt assured we would find us some morels—and WE DID!

They may not all be big, but they are morels! The smaller ones are especially tender and delicious, so even though they aren’t fully grown, we’ll still be able to cook something delicious with them.

Where to Find Morels

The best spots to find morels, according to Mark, are on the south sides of hills under dead or decaying elms and apple trees. You know the morels are coming when may apples start appearing—usually in late April and peaking sometime in early May.

For us city folk, these are what may apples look like:

Ideally, morels will grow around decaying elms that have dropped most of their bark. They can grow in the brush around these trees and can be tucked beneath downed branches and leaves.

Into the Pasture

With our first find under our belts, we continued into the pasture, dodging cow pies along the way. It was easier to spot the elm trees by looking down through the trees from along the tree line. And Mark had no problems leading us straight through thorn bushes and brambles to find the perfect trees to search.

Finding these pristine morels was like finding a little bit of gold in the woods. Fully grown and beautiful, I was lucky to spot these gorgeous morels.

Morels blend in perfectly with the leaves, so it takes a sharp eye to spot them amongst the detritus on the ground. And if you’re anything like Nick or Mark, you’ll walk right by most of the good ones without even noticing them. Thankfully, they had me with them to finally spot the motherlode of morel patches.

Early Season Success

We were a bit early in the morel season, so even finding the few that we did was an incredible thrill. I know I’ll be back out and foraging the next time we go down to the farm. They are lucky to have the ability to forage for these bad boys on their own land. Many places no longer allow for foraging, especially public parks or private property, so be sure to double-check the laws to make sure you have permission to forage on the land.

And of course, in the days after our adventure, I was sent pics of the morels they started finding:

Looking Forward

One thing is for sure, we’ll definitely be heading back out into the wilderness to find more Molly moochers in the future.

I even made myself a shirt, special for foraging for my new favorite fungus! I love having a Cricut so that I can make myself these silly shirts for basically no other reason than my own amusement.

Tips for Foraging Morel Mushrooms

Foraging for morel mushrooms can be a rewarding adventure if you know where to look and what to look for. Here are some tips to help you successfully hunt for these elusive fungi:

1. Know the Season

Morels have a short growing season, typically appearing in late April and peaking in early May. Keep an eye out for May apples, as their appearance often signals the start of morel season.

2. Location, Location, Location

Morels thrive on the south sides of hills, under dead or decaying elm, ash, poplar, and apple trees. Look for trees that have dropped most of their bark, as morels tend to grow around decaying wood.

3. Weather Conditions

The best time to hunt for morels is after a rainstorm followed by warm temperatures. Moist soil and a bit of sunshine create the ideal conditions for morels to pop up.

4. Sharp Eyes

Morels blend in with the forest floor, so be prepared to search carefully. They can be hidden under leaves, branches, and in tall grass. Train your eyes to look for their distinctive honeycomb-like caps. Once you spot the first few, it gets easier to see the rest as you hunt.

5. Dress Appropriately

Wear long sleeves, pants, and sturdy shoes to protect yourself from thorns, ticks, and other potential hazards in the woods. Bring a walking stick to help navigate through dense underbrush.

6. Use a Mesh Bag

Carry a mesh bag to collect your morels. The holes in the bag will allow spores to scatter as you walk, helping to propagate future mushroom growth in the area.

7. Respect the Environment

Always forage responsibly. Do not disturb other plants, and leave some mushrooms behind to ensure the area remains productive for future foragers and wild animals that also enjoy them as a snack – apparently wild turkeys LOVE morels!

8. Learn to Identify False Morels

False morels can be toxic. True morels have a hollow stem and a honeycomb-like cap attached directly to the stem. If you’re unsure, it’s best to leave it alone or consult an expert. Here’s a guide on what to look for when it comes to identifying false morels.

9. Take a Guide

If you’re new to foraging, consider going with an experienced guide. They can teach you how to identify morels and the best spots to find them. Thankfully, we had Mark with us not only to help us identify the mushrooms, but also ensure we didn’t get lost while looking for them.

10. Check Local Regulations

Ensure that foraging is allowed in the area you plan to hunt. Some public lands and private properties prohibit mushroom foraging, so always check the rules and get permission if necessary. Fortunately, we had access to nearly 600 acres of land that Mark owned and generously allowed us to forage on – in fact, he encourages us to get out there and go mushroom hunting every time we make the trip to visit.

11. Stay Safe

Carry a map, compass, or GPS device, and let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. It’s easy to get turned around in the woods.

12. Enjoy the Process

Foraging for morels is as much about the journey as it is about the find. Enjoy the time outdoors, the thrill of the hunt, and the satisfaction of discovering these delicious mushrooms.

Happy Foraging, Hungry People!

Foraging for morel mushrooms is an adventure that combines the thrill of the hunt with the joy of discovering nature’s culinary treasures. With a little knowledge, a keen eye, and some patience, you can find these elusive fungi and enjoy their unique, earthy flavor. Remember to respect the environment and local regulations, and take the time to truly savor the experience of being outdoors.

Whether you’re a seasoned forager or a beginner just starting out, these tips should help you on your quest for morels. The satisfaction of finding these mushrooms, coupled with their delicious taste, makes all the effort worthwhile. So grab your gear, head out to the woods, and happy foraging!

We’d love to hear about your own foraging adventures and any tips you might have. Share your stories and photos in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the joy of morel hunting together.