Usually, morel mushrooms are found in wooded areas, especially around dying or dead trees. But, some morel hunters report finding them in fields, landscaping mulch in busy metro areas, and old orchards. An experienced Michigan morel mushroom hunter will tell you that one of the best things you can do when you’re looking for morels is to walk slowly.
The weather has a huge impact on when the mushrooms grow. They require daytime temperatures of at least 50 degrees and nighttime temperatures of at least 40 degrees. They prefer dampness, so search for them a few days after a warm spring shower.
During the Boyne City morel festival, hunters take to the woods in hopes of winning the top prize, which is awarded to the hunter who finds the most mushrooms. Also, you can find out everything and anything you want to know about this delectable mushroom.
For novice hunters, it can be hard to tell the difference because false morels grow in the same spots as true morels. But true morels are hollow inside — a good way to distinguish them as real — and false morel mushrooms are often wrinkled or ridged.
Morels can be kept in the fridge for up to a week or so, but we recommend eating them soon after you pick them for the best flavors and freshness. Keep them fresh in the fridge in a brown bag or a dish with a moist paper towel over them to prevent them from rotting.