Foraging Morel Mushrooms: Identification & Look-alikes

Morels can blend into their surroundings, but once you learn to identify them, you'll begin to spot them with ease.

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Morels come up in spring to early summer, depending on where you live, and are fairly widespread.

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They grow along waterways, in recently burned areas, along path edges, or in woodlands.

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Morels have a pitted, deeply ridged cap and a hollow interior and stem.

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There are 2 morel look-alikes you should know:

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Verpa bohemica can cause gastric distress and is potentially toxic. It has a pitted cap, except it hangs free of the stem.

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Morels contain a toxin that is only destroyed by cooking. They MUST ALWAYS be cooked before consuming.

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Want to learn more about foraging for morels?

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