Morels

(Morchella)

Morels are considered to be one of the most desired wild mushrooms in the world. Similar to chanterelles, morels cannot be farmed like most store bought mushrooms. Instead, they are gathered in the wild. Morels are the fruiting body of mycelium, which has a complex symbiotic relationship with trees. In the spring, chefts, commercial harvesters, and enthusiasts hunt for these elusive teasures.

The two most important features to examine when you're looking for morels are the shape of the cap and the interior of the mushroom. A true morel will have a hollow on the inside. The cap of a morel is very distinct and is ridged and pitted inwards. Depending on the environment, morels vary in color from brown to black. If the morels are growing in a burn area they tend to be darker in color.