It’s that time of year again when we set out on the hunt for morel mushrooms in Hocking Hills. Ohio is home to more than 2000 types of mushrooms and Hocking Hills is one of the best places to find these special treasures, particularly the morel mushroom. Have you ever searched for the great morel? Springtime brings the perfect weather for these delightful shrooms and is one of Hocking Hills’ hidden treasures. Read here for more on how to find your own morel mushroom and what to do when you find one!
But first what is a morel mushroom?
The morel mushroom offers a unique shape and a woodsy-like taste. Their season runs between late March and early May, with their peak in April.
How to find a morel mushroom
We went on a quick hunt and like many, I found ONE! Yep, we found one on our first hunt. Not bad for a first-time morel hunter. So how did we find it? Morel mushrooms grow in great numbers on east-facing hills, typically found near oak, elm, and ash trees within damp soil. They tend to be most prominent just after a good spring rain.
How do you identify a morel mushroom?
Typically, a cone-like shape is your first clue along with deep dark holes or pits adding to their texture. It sometimes also helps to bring along a plant guidebook to help identify what you are looking at. After picking, be sure to put in a bag with good air circulation to keep them fresh.
Eating morel mushrooms
The best part about picking morel mushrooms is then going home to eat them but be sure to cook them first. They are considered a gourmet mushroom with a complex taste. Make sure to clean thoroughly before cooking. One of the most popular ways to consume is fried in butter.
Happy hunting and I hope you enjoy this cool, damp spring and find lots of morels while visiting our Hocking Hills bed and breakfast. Make sure to make your reservation for a morel-getaway and hunt to your heart’s delight!