Morel “Black” – (Morchella angusticeps)

Morels are the most recognized and sought after mushroom on the planet, rivaling truffles in their elusiveness and difficulty in cultivation. Fortunately they are now being grown with some degree of success and luck, when you follow specific directions for the bed preparation. Black morels also like to associate with tree compatible with their microbial interactions, such as Elm, Tulip Poplar, and many more specific to your region. If you have these trees and no morels, try this technique to see if they will produce morels in your area. Will not fruit in climates experiencing less than 200 chill hours (total hours below 32 degrees F, check your weather data) at 4 inches depth. Making the beds are simple and inexpensive, and if they fruit you will have bragging rights to your very own private morel patch! Since morels are hollow and have a pitted cap, they hold onto sauces and bread coating very well, we saute them in butter, add heavy cream and basil, a splash of red wine, grated romano cheese, and a drop of vanilla, then ladle the mixture over pasta or rice. Mmmmmmm!