Prime-Time For Morel Mushrooms

(Potosi) This is a special time of year for many who enjoy the Missouri outdoors.

People are scanning the forest floor for those delectable edibles.

Washington County Conservation Agent John Lowe says morel mushrooms should be popping up as we speak.

There are at least three species of morels in Missouri.

All are hollow-stemmed mushrooms with a somewhat conical cap or head covered with definite pits and ridges, resembling a sponge, pinecone, or honeycomb.

In black and yellow morels, the bottom of the head is attached directly to the stem.

In half-free morels, the bottom half of the cap hangs free from the stalk.

In all cases, the stems of true morels are completely hollow.

However, there are lookalikes, so no exactly what you are looking for.

Don’t confuse true morels with similar-looking species that could make you sick or possibly even kill you.

The conservation department says do not eat any wild mushrooms unless you’ve identified them as safe and edible and you have cooked it thoroughly.