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What It Takes To Find Morel Mushrooms

submitted by OoklaTheMok to Mushrooms 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:17:33 ago (+20/-0)     (www.youtube.com)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma0emdcTypU

It's that time of year again folks.


33 comments block

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[ - ] Fascinus 6 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:55:16 ago (+6/-0)

Tip for noobs: Watch out for False Morels: https://learn.freshcap.com/tips/false-morels/

I once harvested a few Early Spring False Morels that were in the middle of a dense patch of true Morels.

They were distinct enough from the real deal that they stood out and, at the time, I was unaware that there were poisonous lookalikes. That, and their proximity to what was obviously the real deal led me to a false sense of security.

Since I was new to foraging at the time, I took them to an experienced mushroom hunter and, with a quick glance at the bag, they didn't stand out enough for him to notice them.

I could tell something was off when I experienced a mild anaphylactic response after eating a risotto I made with the day's haul, which prompted me to look into the matter further.

Though they're not deadly poisonous, it was a much needed lesson on my part which I have not forgotten.

[ - ] lord_nougat 3 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 16:56:24 ago (+3/-0)

Immorels!

[ - ] OoklaTheMok [op] 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 16:05:33 ago (+2/-0)

Great tip! I guess I should have included that. I forget that everyone has to start somewhere. Thanks for that, Fascinus.

[ - ] Weredawg 3 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:21:00 ago (+3/-0)

I've only found three, two in my back yard and one off a mountain bike trail, but goddamn they were good.

[ - ] NumbDigger 1 point 3.0 yearsMay 6, 2022 07:49:39 ago (+1/-0)

I’ve never found them. It makes me a bit crazy as I’ve looked for a few years now.

[ - ] Yargiyankooli 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 16:47:20 ago (+2/-0)

On vacation now, hoping to get back in time to find some!

[ - ] lord_nougat 0 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 16:57:12 ago (+0/-0)

Being on vacation sounds cool. I hope I get to be on vacation again some day.

[ - ] Yargiyankooli 1 point 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 17:03:19 ago (+1/-0)

I hope you do too. It is a necessity to try and avoid this faggot world for a brief spell every once in a while.

I have seen very few nogs, no rainbow flags, very few masks, since I got here.

[ - ] Fascinus 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:23:21 ago (+2/-0)

Last year was a total bust for us. My oldest son found a few prime specimens and that was about it.

Pretty much everyone we talked to had the same story. The best case I heard was something along the lines of "we got 5lbs this year where we got 25lbs last year".

Though it's just getting started, this season is already looking much better.

[ - ] OoklaTheMok [op] 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:26:10 ago (+2/-0)

That's awesome. I can't get to my good spot any longer. It's become too dangerous with sink holes from mining. I used to get so many that I would sell them to the local restaurants and had my fill too. Those were the days.

[ - ] lord_nougat 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:28:59 ago (+2/-0)

Back before the end of the world there was a mushroom guy at our local farmer's market. He had all sorts of super delicious things every week, and occasionally these. I do hope he comes back someday.

Some other people have been trying to start a new farmer's market, but it's in a different [arguably sort of more convenient] spot, but with just a tiny fraction of the booths selling stuff. The last outfit went out of business [like most small businesses, really], so this new one is trying to take over and get it going again... but I digress...

[ - ] lord_nougat 1 point 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:18:37 ago (+1/-0)

Badger, badger, etc.

[ - ] OoklaTheMok [op] 1 point 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:21:25 ago (+1/-0)

I found some Dryad saddles already, so it's time in my area, at least.

[ - ] Fascinus 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:30:38 ago (+2/-0)

I've always heard them called "Elfin saddles". Fluted grey stalks with black saddle caps (Helvella vespertina)?

I tossed a few I had chopped up into a Stroganoff-like casserole I made primarily with Coral Tooth (https://www.mushroomexpert.com/hericium_coralloides.html).

The saddles added a truffle-like flavor which complemented the hericium nicely.

[ - ] lord_nougat 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:32:34 ago (+2/-0)

That sounds exceptionally delicious.

[ - ] OoklaTheMok [op] 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:36:38 ago (+2/-0)

Hell yes, it does. I just love hunting for and identifying them. If they are edible..BONUS!!!

[ - ] Fascinus 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 16:03:45 ago (+2/-0)

It was. The best part of that particular meal was that I used everything I harvested that day; mushrooms, herbs and all. The land had provided everything in perfect proportion to make a spectacular meal.

[ - ] lord_nougat 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 16:55:33 ago (+2/-0)

Oh man, there's nothing better than that!

[ - ] OoklaTheMok [op] 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:35:17 ago (+2/-0)

The ones I'm talking about are also called pheasant back mushroom. They are a polipore. Polyporus squamosus is the latin name for them.

[ - ] Fascinus 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:44:18 ago (+2/-0)

That's a new one for me. I'll keep an eye out for them.

[ - ] OoklaTheMok [op] 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:46:52 ago (+2/-0)

They are the only mushroom in the world that smells like a watermelon rind or cucumbers. They are like a consultation prize if you don't find morels.

[ - ] Fascinus 1 point 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:56:01 ago (+1/-0)

That sounds amazing!

Thanks for letting me know about them.

[ - ] OoklaTheMok [op] 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:48:07 ago (+2/-0)

And to add, there are no poisonous look alikes.

[ - ] Fascinus 1 point 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 16:00:37 ago (+1/-0)

That's a major bonus for me. As cautious as I am, I have made mistakes.

I usually stick to distinct varieties with no poisonous look-alikes and, while I am able to identify many, avoid Amanitas entirely.

[ - ] OoklaTheMok [op] 1 point 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 16:08:47 ago (+1/-0)

If your looking for a great foraging book, I recommend "Mushrooms Demystified" by David Arora. Great book and can't recommend it enough.

[ - ] Fascinus 1 point 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 16:18:14 ago (+1/-0)

Couldn't agree more, though it's a bit large and heavy to serve as a good field guide.

Bonus: The cover photo features an exceptionally large Morel.

I like to bring a copy of "All That the Rain Promises and More", also by David Arora, with me on outings and refer to the more comprehensive "Mushrooms Demystified" if/as needed at home.

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/197528/all-that-the-rain-promises-and-more-by-david-arora/

"All That the Rain Promises and More" is loaded with high-quality color plates for many common species and features a handy identification guide that may be especially useful to beginners.

[ - ] OoklaTheMok [op] 1 point 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 16:26:13 ago (+1/-0)

That is a great book. I also own a few of the Peterson field guides for edible and medicinal plants and such. All good ones just to have a reference for what you're looking for. They definitely help. I camp a lot during the summer and they come in handy every year.

[ - ] lord_nougat 1 point 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:26:04 ago (+1/-0)

No fair. We just get inkytops and various weird unidentifiable unappetising looking toadstooly things 'round here mostly.

[ - ] OoklaTheMok [op] 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:29:19 ago (+2/-0)

It's not hard to make your own morel beds. You just need the right spot because they don't like direct sunlight. Vermiculite, sand, planting soil and some hardwood chips, like cherry or apple and the like. Raise it above the lawn and next season...Profit.

[ - ] OoklaTheMok [op] 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:41:05 ago (+2/-0)

Fair warning, m'lord. If you get shaggy mane inks (Coprinus Comatus) do not drink 3 days before and ten days after ingesting them or your going to have a hard few days. they make you sicker than hell.

[ - ] lord_nougat 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:47:06 ago (+2/-0)

Interesting. I forgot the bit about the drinking but remembered the rest.

I think that when I read about them I saw that and just realised I can't ever eat those, and they don't even sound particularly tasty anyway. But they're neat to see pop up all pretty and then get all grotesque pretty quickly.

[ - ] OoklaTheMok [op] 2 points 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 15:50:52 ago (+2/-0)

They are neat, but I avoid them because alcohol. I like drinking and no mushroom will change that. lol

[ - ] lord_nougat 1 point 3.0 yearsMay 5, 2022 16:55:04 ago (+1/-0)

I'll drink to that!