If you haven't had any luck finding Morels this season, don't worry, you've got time. I've had several folks new to this blog and the outdoors asking me what all the buzz is about, so let's talk about it.
Morels are considered a delicacy and certainly the most popular edible mushrooms that naturally grow in Iowa. They are not just found here but all over the United States, and they typically only show for a few weeks in the spring, but can be found anytime the conditions are right. People will cover miles of thick woodland cover and steep terrain to pick a patch of these funny looking fungi.
As far as mushrooms go, they taste simply delicious! Morels are the fancy steak of mushrooms and there are many ways to prepare them. One of the classics is to saute them in butter (I like to throw in a little garlic and onion) and serve them as a side dish. If you add some flour, water and beef broth you can make a smooth, savory mushroom gravy. This works perfect for steak and mashed potatoes. They are also quite delicious breaded and fried. You can find more recipes linked on the right.
The hunt is fun, challenging and anyone can do it. It is a thrill to find one hiding in the undergrowth and it's a rewarding feeling foraging for food. Folks have sometimes compared it to a grown-up Easter egg hunt where the prize is a camouflage cap perfect for the frying pan. It's also something the whole family can do. It's a great way to introduce someone to the Iowa outdoors.
Later this week I'll blog about the specific locations I've found Morels hiding so far this year, and I'll make a forecast for the rest of the season.
Some of my family members and I were out seeking these delicious little treats in SW Iowa this weekend and we found a veritable treasure trove. Most of them were in low-lying, moist areas with minimal morning sun and a lot of afternoon sun, generally flat areas with a slight west-facing slope. We also found quite a few on east-facing slopes in full sun, valleys with no sun and a few in random locations, so keep your eyes peeled. We'll probably try to go out again sometime the rest of the week as half the fun for us is traipsing around the woods. Keep up the good work Chris, the people of Adel and Winterset appreciate your hard work!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to have some time and get out and find more morels. I have always had them fried, but am going to trying sauteing them in butter, onions, garlic and jalapenos next time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tips and I'm very interested in hearing the conditions that you have been finding your morels in.