If you’ve ever wandered through the woods in search of the elusive morel, you’ll know the thrill of discovering these culinary treasures. Like all mushrooms that are hollow on the inside, they can be tricky to clean as they can be home to many bugs that think morels are their hotel.
Lern more how to ID Morel mushrooms
For any amateur mushroom hunters out there, identifying morels is no easy task and can be extremely precarious if you don’t know what you’re doing.
It is for this reason that the guide on how to clean morel mushrooms should always start in the forest.
In fact, for all mushrooms that you pick yourself, the cleaning process should start in the forest.
So let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Inspect the morels in the forest
Once you have plucked the morels from their hiding(literal) place in the forest, take a moment to inspect them carefully. Look for any signs of decay or mould.
If you find any:
- If the rest of the mushroom is hard and firm when lightly squeezed, simply cut off those parts.
- If any of the parts don’t feel firm, throw the morel away.
Remember, as with meat, you want to avoid anything that’s past its prime. If you see signs of severe decay, throw the mushroom away. Or better still, don’t pick it at all and leave it where you found it so that it can shed as many spores as possible while it still can ;).
Give the mushrooms a gentle shake to remove any surface dirt or debris, and don’t forget to cut off the soil-filled stem ends – leave some for the forest floor!
How to clean morel mushrooms at home? (video)
Step 1: Brush away dirt
When you return from your foraging expedition, inspect the morel mushrooms once again for any visible dirt or debris. Use a soft brush or toothbrush (I have one just for cleaning mushrooms) to gently wipe away surface dirt. Even apparently clean mushrooms may require some cleaning as dirt and bugs can hide in crevices of morel mushrooms.
Step 2: Cleaning morel mushrooms
Now it’s time to dive deeper. Cut each morel in half lengthwise to reveal the interior, making it easier to clean thoroughly. Brush the insides just as meticulously as the outsides.
Step3: Optional Rinsing & Drying
For particularly dirty mushrooms, a quick rinse followed by thorough drying is key. Gently pat them dry with paper towels, being careful not to crush their delicate structure. Let them air dry on a clean kitchen towel for a few minutes to ensure they’re completely moisture-free before cooking.
Storing Morel Mushrooms
To keep your morels fresh and flavorful, store them properly:
- Refrigerate them promptly in a paper bag or breathable container to prevent moisture buildup.
- Use them as soon as possible for the best taste and texture.
- Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to spoilage. Opt for paper or mesh bags instead.
Cooking morel mushrooms
It is very important to mention that you should not eat raw morel mushrooms. They are poisonous to humans and can even be fatal if not cooked properly or long enough. I’m always in favour of cooking them for at least 15 minutes to ensure that the toxins are completely eliminated. Morel mushrooms are a delicacy and everyone should try them, but be careful and know how to prepare them.
Morel mushroom recipes
Turli Tava, a savoury delight that combines the earthy notes of morel mushrooms with a medley of vibrant vegetables. Bursting with flavours and textures, this hearty dish promises a gastronomic experience like no other.
Up your pizza game with the exquisite addition of morel mushrooms. Whether paired with creamy cheeses, fresh herbs or savoury meats, these mushrooms add a depth of flavour that transforms a simple pizza into a gourmet masterpiece.
Turbo Tasty but very simple recipe for a pasta sauce with the luxurious addition of morel mushrooms.
Great resources to learn more about magnificent Morel mushrooms:
Speisemorchel 123pilzsuche
Common Morel mushroom
False Morel Mushrooms
Morel Mushroom Identification
Gyromitra esculenta and Gyromitra gigas
Turbo Tasty’s Collection of Wild Mushroom Recipes
Among the many wild mushroom recipes on my blog, canned wild mushrooms (pickled chanterelle recipe), chanterelle & sparassis crispa soup, sparassis crispa recipes stand out from the crowd. If you are interested, please check them out.
