Author: Doug
Spring Time in North America can only mean one thing for lovers of Morel Mushrooms; it\'s time to get excited about the prospect of the 'hunt' and the delight of preparing and cooking morel mushrooms for family and friends. There are not a lot of secrets with this mission but there are a few tips that can make a difference between bland or grand!
Finding or 'Hunting' for Morel Mushrooms starts with understanding how they grow. The morel, like many of its mushroom cousins, is as mysteriously unique as they are delicious. Mushrooms are not vegetables and in fact they are not even plants. They do not require either soil or light to grow. All that they need is some form of decaying organic matter like wood or decaying leaves, so begin the 'hunt' in areas where you have moist sandy soils and a bed of that good old rotting stuff at work. Identifying the morel is the easy part. The black morel is most prized but they can also have a yellow to light gray shade of color. The most distinguishing feature is in the shape of the cap and the cap is honey combed and pitted in design. If you find one that does not have pits or cavities and it looks smooth and shiny, pass; these are false morels. Finding the Morel is a little more of a challenge. If you can, it\'s best to hunt with someone who has experience in identifying and harvesting this wonderful organic food. Also when you pick them take care to preserve the habitat. Don\'t pull them from the ground. The best way to pick the morel is to cut the stem or twist it so you leave the base in the ground. Old time 'shroomers' will also tell you to carry your morels in a mesh bag, which also allows for the morel spores to be layered back on the forest floor as you continue with your walk and hunt.
Preparing your morel mushrooms for cooking is a little different than with other types of mushrooms. Most mushrooms, like crimini or chanterelle are so porous that if they are soaked in water they will quickly absorb it and get soggy. That why most good cooks suggest the best way to clean mushrooms, without sacrificing their taste, is to clean them using minimal water, preferring to wipe them with a damp cloth or paper towel. Although morel mushrooms don\'t collect much dirt growing in the areas of organic matter they are found, they do need to be soaked, to kill off any insects or other organic matter that may be attached. A bath in a bowl of salt water will do the trick.
You can cook morel mushrooms in any number of ways. Here are two favorites:
Pan Fried or Saut̩ed РFavored by many and great side dish. Melt about 4 Р5 tablespoons of butter and add your morel mushrooms. Do NOT add salt, but sprinkle with some organic dried sage. Cook over a medium-low heat until mushrooms are golden brown and tender. Salt and pepper to taste when serving.
Deep Fried – A stand alone dish or great appetizer. Cut morel mushrooms in half. Prepare them like you might any deep fried dish using an egg wash and flour type bath. I like to use Panko rather than flour, but have found that a blend of the two (Panko and flour) works wonders. Dip the morel in the egg and coat in the Panko. Best to use a deep fryer or cast iron skillet and make sure the oil is heated to 375 degrees. Fry each piece, turning once in the oil. Drain on a rack and add seasoning as soon as they are removed from the oil. Herby is a wonderful organic seasoning blend that adds a wonderful finished flavor.
There are many ways to prepare and cook morel mushrooms. It\'s best to cook them within a day or two of when they are harvested but they can be kept longer with proper storage, and of course, like any other type of mushroom they can also be canned or dried. Want to know more about this wonderful spring time delight, check out this site: http://thegreatmorel.com and look for recipe/cooking links.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cooking-tips-articles/finding-and-cooking-morel-mushrooms-4406788.html
About the Author
Doug retired from his position as the General Manager / CEO of one of the largest real estate franchise networks in the country a dozen years ago. He continues to play golf and enjoys the opportunity to fish and hunt in the water wonderland of his home state, Michigan. Through out his life he has always been somewhat of a closet chief and prides himself as a Grill Master so it is not surprising to family and friends that he and his wife of thirty five years have opened Organic Spices Rack, an on line store that sells quality spices, herbs and seasonings for the kitchen and grill.
Another site for morel mushroom recipes is on Facebook. Share your recipes or read many from around the internet. For hunting tips visit morel mushroom info.
Showing posts with label morel mushrooms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label morel mushrooms. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Tips For Preserving and Cooking Morel Mushrooms
This time of the year, as spring is arriving, millions of people worldwide are subject to an obsession with morel mushrooms. It is primarily the taste of these elusive mushrooms that is responsible for the mania. It has been said that the difference in taste between a morel and an ordinary mushroom is similar to the difference between cheese and chalk. The taste of morels is rich, creamy, earthy. Chefs worldwide prepare unique creations using this rare fungus, and experiencing unique morel creations in gourmet restaurants is a highlight of spring dining. Here are some tips for saving, preserving and cooking these delicious rare mushrooms. And also some precautions you should be aware of.
Morels are a wild mushroom, and like all mushrooms need to be cooked before being ingested. It is also important to know how to correctly identify these mushrooms, as there are many morel look alikes that are poisonous. Protect yourself by taking the time to study wild mushrooms. Use mushroom identification guide books and visit some of the better morel sites on the web to learn the difference. If you are hunting wild mushrooms for the first time, it is wise to go with an experienced friend who knows the difference between morels and the deadly varieties of mushrooms. You need to know what you are eating, and be very particular. If the mushrooms show any sign of decay, throw them out, as bacteria can be harmful. Cook morels thoroughly before eating, and eat only a small quantity at first to test for any allergic reaction. Do not mix different types of wild mushrooms at one eating. Do not consume alcohol at the same time. Some people are allergic to mushrooms that are generally safe. Start out by eating small quantities and see how your body reacts.
If you find them yourself in the woods, or buy morels, it is important to keep them dry and cool. Heat can damage them. Do not transport morels in the trunk of a car or glove box. Do not store in plastic bags. Any container in which you place your morels should be breathable. An onion or mesh bag is ideal. Morels need to be kept clean of dirt, but it is not wise to soak them in water as this can damage them. Morels can be stored for long term use by drying in a commercial food dryer or on a mesh in the sun.
The most popular way to prepare morels for eating is to fry them in butter or olive oil in a cast iron pan. You can bread them with flour or corn meal, and add onion or garlic, salt and pepper. You can combine them with bread or use them in omelets, although that dilutes the flavor. It has been written that "there is something almost cruelly tantalizing about morels. No other mushroom in the world, save perhaps the white truffle of northern Italy, offers quite the degree of flavor and fragrance of a fresh morel." Gourmet chefs have created many tantalizing dishes using this rare ingredient. The Food Network website has more than 60 morel recipes, ranging from morel pies and tarts to stroganoffs, omelettes, soups and sauces. More exotic are morels in puff pastry and in cream tarts.
Another gourmet site with many morel recipes is Epicurious.com featuring creations such as Fettuccine with Morel and Asparagus, Wild Mushroom Pizza, Morel Ragout, Steaks stuffed with morels, Morille a la Creme, as well as numerous omelettes and sauces. FoodNetwork.com, Cooks.com, and many other sites offer a multitude of recipes to stimulate your imagination and tastebuds to create new taste experiences with this rare spring treat.
For more morel mushroom recipes and information on this springtime delicacy, visit Gourmet Morel Mushroom Recipes at morelmushroom.info. As well you will find tips on morel mushroom hunting, such as when to look for morels in your area, how to look and find them, how to transport, preserve and cook.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Briggs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6171682
Morels are a wild mushroom, and like all mushrooms need to be cooked before being ingested. It is also important to know how to correctly identify these mushrooms, as there are many morel look alikes that are poisonous. Protect yourself by taking the time to study wild mushrooms. Use mushroom identification guide books and visit some of the better morel sites on the web to learn the difference. If you are hunting wild mushrooms for the first time, it is wise to go with an experienced friend who knows the difference between morels and the deadly varieties of mushrooms. You need to know what you are eating, and be very particular. If the mushrooms show any sign of decay, throw them out, as bacteria can be harmful. Cook morels thoroughly before eating, and eat only a small quantity at first to test for any allergic reaction. Do not mix different types of wild mushrooms at one eating. Do not consume alcohol at the same time. Some people are allergic to mushrooms that are generally safe. Start out by eating small quantities and see how your body reacts.
If you find them yourself in the woods, or buy morels, it is important to keep them dry and cool. Heat can damage them. Do not transport morels in the trunk of a car or glove box. Do not store in plastic bags. Any container in which you place your morels should be breathable. An onion or mesh bag is ideal. Morels need to be kept clean of dirt, but it is not wise to soak them in water as this can damage them. Morels can be stored for long term use by drying in a commercial food dryer or on a mesh in the sun.
The most popular way to prepare morels for eating is to fry them in butter or olive oil in a cast iron pan. You can bread them with flour or corn meal, and add onion or garlic, salt and pepper. You can combine them with bread or use them in omelets, although that dilutes the flavor. It has been written that "there is something almost cruelly tantalizing about morels. No other mushroom in the world, save perhaps the white truffle of northern Italy, offers quite the degree of flavor and fragrance of a fresh morel." Gourmet chefs have created many tantalizing dishes using this rare ingredient. The Food Network website has more than 60 morel recipes, ranging from morel pies and tarts to stroganoffs, omelettes, soups and sauces. More exotic are morels in puff pastry and in cream tarts.
Another gourmet site with many morel recipes is Epicurious.com featuring creations such as Fettuccine with Morel and Asparagus, Wild Mushroom Pizza, Morel Ragout, Steaks stuffed with morels, Morille a la Creme, as well as numerous omelettes and sauces. FoodNetwork.com, Cooks.com, and many other sites offer a multitude of recipes to stimulate your imagination and tastebuds to create new taste experiences with this rare spring treat.
For more morel mushroom recipes and information on this springtime delicacy, visit Gourmet Morel Mushroom Recipes at morelmushroom.info. As well you will find tips on morel mushroom hunting, such as when to look for morels in your area, how to look and find them, how to transport, preserve and cook.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Briggs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6171682
Friday, April 15, 2011
Tips To An Enjoyable and Successful Morel Mushroom Hunt
Morel mushroom hunting tips from Jim Briggs:
Of all outdoor sports, morel mushroom hunting is one of the least expensive. You don't need any special equipment, and you won't need a hunting license. The only requirements are comfortable clothes and a bag in which to place your finds. However, there are some preparations you can make which will ensure that your morel hunting adventure is a safe and enjoyable experience. In this article you will learn what clothes you should wear, and what items you need to bring with you to ensure that you will stay safe and comfortable, and have the correct tools that are essential for a successful morel hunt.
It's best to wear old clothes in which you are comfortable, as they may get stained or ripped. Wearing long pants and sleeves will prevent direct contact with threatening plants such as poison ivy, brambles, etc. Wear an old t-shirt underneath in case you get hot and need to remove the long sleeved shirt. In early spring the weather can be unpredictable. It could be sunny, it could be raining or there could still be snow on the ground. Bring rain gear just in case. Why let rain ruin your hunting experience? Wear comfortable shoes. Wear glasses rather than contact lenses.
Protective eyewear can keep branches out of your eyes. Wear garden gloves to protect your hands and a hat to protect your head from the sun and tree branches and to keep off the ticks. Don't forget insect repellent as well as a small first aid kit. Remember the rule that if you don't bring it you will certainly need it. And if nature calls unexpectedly a small roll of toilet paper will be essential. Bring a small trowel to dig a hole and keep nature undisturbed.
An onion sack or mesh bag is ideal for storing morels. Special bags have been designed for morels that allow the spores to fall back to the ground after harvesting. The bag should allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup which can damage the morels. Never place your find in a car trunk or glove box, where humidity and heat will lead to a rapid deterioration after picking. Bringing ice filled coolers with some sheets of cardboard to put between the morels and ice will ensure that your mushrooms stay cool and fresh as you transport them home.
A walking stick will help to clear paths and is ideal for poking around in the leaves and grasses that may be hiding these elusive mushrooms. Bring your camera to record your finds. A GPS unit is recommended to record the location of your find, as morels tend to reappear in the same area in subsequent seasons.
Use common sense safety procedures. It is wise to bring maps and a compass, and a whistle. Never go mushroom hunting alone. If you don't have a GPS unit, bring a notebook with pen to record the location of your finds. Bring a small pack with food and water. Plan your trip in advance, allowing ample time to return safely. Make sure that you have familiarized yourself with all legal regulations, that you have permission to enter the land where you will be searching for the mushrooms. Be sure to have enough gas in your gas tank. Spring trails can be dangerous. A rope or winch can help removing your vehicle from muddy roads that may become impassable.
A sharp knife or scissors will enable you to harvest without destroying the delicate roots of the morels. Do not disturb the mycelium by pulling the mushroom from the ground. Pinch the mushroom at the base of the stem and cut off carefully and cleanly. Brush off any dirt, and keep your harvest dry.
A general rule is that the ideal time to begin hunting for morels is when the daytime highs in your area have been in the 60's, the night time lows are in the 40's or above, and there has been some rain. For more information on finding morel mushrooms, dates for the season, morel maps, indicator trees, how to look, where to look and how to cook the mushrooms with links to hundreds of recipes, visit morelmushroom.info.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Briggs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6171458
Of all outdoor sports, morel mushroom hunting is one of the least expensive. You don't need any special equipment, and you won't need a hunting license. The only requirements are comfortable clothes and a bag in which to place your finds. However, there are some preparations you can make which will ensure that your morel hunting adventure is a safe and enjoyable experience. In this article you will learn what clothes you should wear, and what items you need to bring with you to ensure that you will stay safe and comfortable, and have the correct tools that are essential for a successful morel hunt.
It's best to wear old clothes in which you are comfortable, as they may get stained or ripped. Wearing long pants and sleeves will prevent direct contact with threatening plants such as poison ivy, brambles, etc. Wear an old t-shirt underneath in case you get hot and need to remove the long sleeved shirt. In early spring the weather can be unpredictable. It could be sunny, it could be raining or there could still be snow on the ground. Bring rain gear just in case. Why let rain ruin your hunting experience? Wear comfortable shoes. Wear glasses rather than contact lenses.
Protective eyewear can keep branches out of your eyes. Wear garden gloves to protect your hands and a hat to protect your head from the sun and tree branches and to keep off the ticks. Don't forget insect repellent as well as a small first aid kit. Remember the rule that if you don't bring it you will certainly need it. And if nature calls unexpectedly a small roll of toilet paper will be essential. Bring a small trowel to dig a hole and keep nature undisturbed.
An onion sack or mesh bag is ideal for storing morels. Special bags have been designed for morels that allow the spores to fall back to the ground after harvesting. The bag should allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup which can damage the morels. Never place your find in a car trunk or glove box, where humidity and heat will lead to a rapid deterioration after picking. Bringing ice filled coolers with some sheets of cardboard to put between the morels and ice will ensure that your mushrooms stay cool and fresh as you transport them home.
A walking stick will help to clear paths and is ideal for poking around in the leaves and grasses that may be hiding these elusive mushrooms. Bring your camera to record your finds. A GPS unit is recommended to record the location of your find, as morels tend to reappear in the same area in subsequent seasons.
Use common sense safety procedures. It is wise to bring maps and a compass, and a whistle. Never go mushroom hunting alone. If you don't have a GPS unit, bring a notebook with pen to record the location of your finds. Bring a small pack with food and water. Plan your trip in advance, allowing ample time to return safely. Make sure that you have familiarized yourself with all legal regulations, that you have permission to enter the land where you will be searching for the mushrooms. Be sure to have enough gas in your gas tank. Spring trails can be dangerous. A rope or winch can help removing your vehicle from muddy roads that may become impassable.
A sharp knife or scissors will enable you to harvest without destroying the delicate roots of the morels. Do not disturb the mycelium by pulling the mushroom from the ground. Pinch the mushroom at the base of the stem and cut off carefully and cleanly. Brush off any dirt, and keep your harvest dry.
A general rule is that the ideal time to begin hunting for morels is when the daytime highs in your area have been in the 60's, the night time lows are in the 40's or above, and there has been some rain. For more information on finding morel mushrooms, dates for the season, morel maps, indicator trees, how to look, where to look and how to cook the mushrooms with links to hundreds of recipes, visit morelmushroom.info.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Briggs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6171458
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Treasure Hunting for Morel Mushrooms
Hunting for morel mushrooms typically runs from early April and runs through June depending on your geographical location. The Great Lakes region in the United States is the most popular hunting grounds for morel mushrooms but they have also been found in almost all of the lower 48 states.
Most hunters will agree that the weather has the most effect on the availability and quality of these elusive mushrooms. Typically the day time temperature around 60 to 70 degrees, night time temperatures not less than 40 degrees and the soil temperatures of about 50 to 60 degrees with good ground moisture levels are ideal for moral growing.
Moral mushrooms are found in small patches under dead or dying elms, ash, apple and even pine trees. The seem to like to hide under or near thickets or other plant small plants growing in the area but since the ground cover varies a lot each patch of mushrooms you come upon may be growing in totally different conditions. Once you find a good spot you will need to check it year after year.
After a forest fire the moral mushroom seems to grow abundantly for the next two or three years and a lot of commercial pickers will follow the forest fire reports and first hunt in these recently burned areas.
Morel mushrooms can last for about two weeks before it starts to decay if the weather is good. Morels have been known to grow as much as one half of an inch in 24 hours. Since the shrooms do not have a use-by-date on them it is necessary that you examine each one collected for any decay. Look under the caps for any signs of decay. Many collectors will use the 50 percent rule when dealing with these mushrooms; if 50 percent is still good then bag it. It is also recommended that you do not keep them for more than three or four days before eating.
To harvest simply pinch or twist of the mushroom at ground level. It is recommended that your collection bag be a large open weave design. Some hunters believe that the open bag will facilitate the spoors falling to the ground, during your travels, allowing for a crop next year. Others think this is an old wives tell but at the very least the open weave design will allow tiny nasty forest critters to fall off the mushroom.
After harvesting, take them to a sink and rinse them in cold water to remove any foreign particles which include bugs. Then cut then lengthwise and rinse them again. Sore the clean mushrooms in a bowl with a cloth draped over them.
If this is your first time hunting, you should always go with someone who has several years shroom hunting experience. They can show you how and where to hunt successfully and in addition they can show you what a good moral looks like. Never eat a mushroom before you check to see if it is poisonous or not. Many good web sites exist that have very good pictures and description of the edible and poisonous verities of mushrooms.
Attending a Moral Mushroom Festival are excellent sources of information for the newbie and seasoned hunter alike. Muscoda, Wisconsin is the self-styled Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin and this may be a good place to start.
Some of the other festivals are:
Mansfield, Indiana
April 28-29, 2007
Irvine, Kentucky
April 28-29, 2007
May 4, 5, 6, 2007
Richmond, Missouri
May 4-5, 2007
Magnolia, Illinois
Mesick, Michigan
May 11 thru May 13, 2007
Lewiston, Michigan
May 12th, 2007
Boyne City, Michigan
May 17 - 20 2007
Happy Treasure Hunting.
Most hunters will agree that the weather has the most effect on the availability and quality of these elusive mushrooms. Typically the day time temperature around 60 to 70 degrees, night time temperatures not less than 40 degrees and the soil temperatures of about 50 to 60 degrees with good ground moisture levels are ideal for moral growing.
Moral mushrooms are found in small patches under dead or dying elms, ash, apple and even pine trees. The seem to like to hide under or near thickets or other plant small plants growing in the area but since the ground cover varies a lot each patch of mushrooms you come upon may be growing in totally different conditions. Once you find a good spot you will need to check it year after year.
After a forest fire the moral mushroom seems to grow abundantly for the next two or three years and a lot of commercial pickers will follow the forest fire reports and first hunt in these recently burned areas.
Morel mushrooms can last for about two weeks before it starts to decay if the weather is good. Morels have been known to grow as much as one half of an inch in 24 hours. Since the shrooms do not have a use-by-date on them it is necessary that you examine each one collected for any decay. Look under the caps for any signs of decay. Many collectors will use the 50 percent rule when dealing with these mushrooms; if 50 percent is still good then bag it. It is also recommended that you do not keep them for more than three or four days before eating.
To harvest simply pinch or twist of the mushroom at ground level. It is recommended that your collection bag be a large open weave design. Some hunters believe that the open bag will facilitate the spoors falling to the ground, during your travels, allowing for a crop next year. Others think this is an old wives tell but at the very least the open weave design will allow tiny nasty forest critters to fall off the mushroom.
After harvesting, take them to a sink and rinse them in cold water to remove any foreign particles which include bugs. Then cut then lengthwise and rinse them again. Sore the clean mushrooms in a bowl with a cloth draped over them.
If this is your first time hunting, you should always go with someone who has several years shroom hunting experience. They can show you how and where to hunt successfully and in addition they can show you what a good moral looks like. Never eat a mushroom before you check to see if it is poisonous or not. Many good web sites exist that have very good pictures and description of the edible and poisonous verities of mushrooms.
Attending a Moral Mushroom Festival are excellent sources of information for the newbie and seasoned hunter alike. Muscoda, Wisconsin is the self-styled Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin and this may be a good place to start.
Some of the other festivals are:
Mansfield, Indiana
April 28-29, 2007
Irvine, Kentucky
April 28-29, 2007
May 4, 5, 6, 2007
Richmond, Missouri
May 4-5, 2007
Magnolia, Illinois
Mesick, Michigan
May 11 thru May 13, 2007
Lewiston, Michigan
May 12th, 2007
Boyne City, Michigan
May 17 - 20 2007
Happy Treasure Hunting.
David Cowley has created numerous articles on Treasure Hunting. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Treasure Hunting. Visit Treasure Hunting
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Morels LIve a Secretive Life
Morels live a secretive life, hiding from humans
Like elves and leprechauns, the little beings live a secretive life in the woods. They blend in with all the forest debris littering the ground so it takes a sharp set of eyes to discover their hiding places...
read the rest of the article at the Cadillac News...
Like elves and leprechauns, the little beings live a secretive life in the woods. They blend in with all the forest debris littering the ground so it takes a sharp set of eyes to discover their hiding places...
read the rest of the article at the Cadillac News...
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