Friday, December 5

    Morel mushroom facts

    Morchella is an edible mushroom which has an appearance of honeycomb in the upper portion which consists of network ridges with pits. It is hollow. The bottom portion hangs from the whitish stalk. Morels differ in size and shape. Cylindrical to cone shapes morels are the most common ones. Round morels and pencil shaped morels are not common.

    Name Morel Mushroom
    Scientific Name Morchella spp.
    Native It is found all over the Northern Hemisphere especially in North America, Europe, Central America and Asia.
    Common/English Name Common morel, yellow morel, morel, morel mushroom, true morel, sponge morel and sponge mushroom
    Name in Other Languages West Virginia: molly moochers
    Kentucky: hickory chickens
    Finnish: huhtasieni
    Plant Growth Habit In forested areas around dead apple trees, elm trees, under wood scraps, Sycamore and Ash trees.
    Soil Moist, sandy
    Stem Hollow, thick, stout, white;  Length: 2″ – 4″, Thickness:  ¾” – 1 5/8″
    Stalk White – cream color
    Spores deposit Elliptical, smooth, deep cream-yellowish, located in pits
    Fruit shape & size Honeycomb or sponge, Height: 3-5 inches
    Fruit color Light tan, gray and black
    Flesh color White
    Cap shape and size Rounded, subglobose – ovoid, Height: 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm)
    Cap color Cream, tan, gray-brown or black
    Flavor/aroma Earthy, nutty, steak
    Varieties/Types
    • Black morels
    • Half-free morels
    • Yellow morels
    Fruit Season Spring
    Major Nutritions Iron, Fe 8.04 mg (100.50%)
    Copper, Cu 0.412 mg (45.78%)
    Vitamin D (D2 + D3) 3.4 µg (22.67%)
    Phosphorus, P 128 mg (18.29%)
    Manganese, Mn 0.387 mg (16.83%)
    Zinc, Zn 1.34 mg (12.18%)
    Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.135 mg (10.38%)
    Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 1.486 mg (9.29%)
    Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.09 mg (6.92%)
    Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 0.29 mg (5.80%)
    Health Benefits
    • Iron deficiency
    • Cognitive health
    • Treat Arthritis
    • Thyroid health
    • Bone health
    • Enhance mood
    • Liver ailments
    • Cure diarrhea
    • Supports vision
    • Maintains cholesterol
    Calories in 1cup (66 gm) 20 Kcal.
    Traditional uses Morels are used in traditional Chinese medicine in order to treat excess phlegm, indigestion, shortness of breath and croup.
    Precautions      
    • One should properly identify the morel species.
    • Morels can be harmful when poorly cooked with an experience of neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms.
    • Morels may cause food poisoning in some people.
    • Some Morels are toxic which may lead to death of a person.
    • Some people might experience allergic reactions with the consumption of Morels.
    How to Eat
    • Morels could be prepared with wine sauces or cream and serve a side dish to meats.
    • It could be deep fried, sautéed and dried.
    • Morel mushrooms could be served as an appetizer.
    • Sear the morels in the oil by adding shallots, minced onion, garlic, butter and soy sauce.
    •  Morels could be added to wine sauce, soups, stews and pasta.
    • Morels could be fried by dipping in the egg and rolling in the butter.
    • It could be fried with flour and butter.
    • It can be sautéed with oil and garlic.
    Other Facts
    • Morels are rare and edible.
    • Morels can be dried and kept for future use.