Morel Mushrooms – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are morel mushrooms?

Morels are a wild mushroom especially coveted by chefs, gourmets, and mushroom enthusiasts worldwide. Many consider them a top-tier mushroom thanks to their earthy and nutty flavor with a rich, woodsy, and distinct taste that isn’t overpowering. They’re meaty but tender, not too soft or too chewy. Because they’re seasonal, fragile, and extremely perishable, they also tend to be pricey.

Morels are a unique type of fungus, actually more closely related to a truffle than a mushroom. They feature a cone-shaped cap and a spongey texture that resembles a honeycomb, typically growing between 1-4in tall and ranging in color from pale cream to dark gray. Their surface is pitted on the outside and hollow on the inside, all the way down through the stem, which can be short or tall. They can be as small as your fingertip or as large as a grapefruit. Find same-day delivery for morel mushrooms now.

Where did morel mushrooms originate?

Morel mushrooms grow wild and have been historically difficult to cultivate. They grow in warm, wet, wooded areas throughout North America and are fond of ash, aspen, elm, and oak trees. You can usually find them growing on the edges of wooded areas. Morels also like to feed on the deadwood left after a forest fire or a wooded location that’s recently been disturbed.

While morels don’t like soggy soil, they do thrive on moisture, making an area near a stream or creek an ideal location to find them. They also grow well in Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan, where they have their own regional nicknames like dry land fish and hickory chickens.

What is the nutritional value of morel mushrooms?

Morel mushrooms don’t just taste delicious; they’re low in calories and high in antioxidants, fiber, and protein. They’re also packed with lots of vitamins and minerals, including:

• Iron
• Copper
• Manganese
• Phosphorous
• Zinc
• Vitamins D, E, and B6
• Folate
• Niacin
• Riboflavin
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Selenium
• Thiamine

How do morel mushrooms grow?

When are morel mushrooms in season?

What should I look for when buying morel mushrooms?

Morel mushrooms should be plump with a moist stem. They should feel firm and slightly springy and give off a rich, earthy scent. The darker the mushroom, the nuttier and earthier its flavor will be.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for morel mushrooms via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for morel mushrooms.

How do you store morel mushrooms?

Place them in a paper bag loose and with lots of room to breathe. Use them immediately, or store them in the fridge for up to a week. If the mushrooms are especially dirty, soak them in cold water; otherwise, just rinse. They can become mushy when wet, so be careful when cleaning. Don’t miss dirt that might be hiding in the little pockets. Pat dry.

Dried morels can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Just add some water until they plump up enough to use. Or toss your dried mushrooms in the freezer.

When it does come time to eat your morels, don’t eat them raw. This can upset your stomach and even cause cramps, so always cook them first. Their flavor goes well with asparagus and other springtime vegetables.

How to tell if morel mushrooms are bad

What can I substitute for morel mushrooms?

Morels are rare, and subsequently, very expensive. If you can’t find morels in your favorite store, consider these mushroom substitutions for your recipe that calls for morel mushrooms.

• Oyster mushrooms: Have a similar tender texture
• Shiitake mushrooms: Also wild, the taste is similarly rich and earthy. When dried, they have an intense smoky flavor
• Chanterelle mushrooms: Expensive option, not similar to morel but has its own unique flavor
• Maitake mushrooms: Wild, delicately textured, meaty taste

Are morels worth the trouble?

Morels are difficult to farm and tough to find in the wild. Because they’re hollow, they’re more lightweight than other mushrooms, requiring more of them to make a pound. They’re also highly perishable, requiring refrigeration soon after being picked to preserve them.

But because their taste is so exquisite, morel fans believe they’re absolutely worth the trouble. This meaty, nutty mushroom is a highly sought-after culinary delicacy. Luckily, Instacart makes it easy to get them delivered straight to your door with same-say shopping. Order your fresh produce now for delivery or pick-up.

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Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.