Morchella Americana: California’s Only True Blonde Morel
California’s Only True Blonde Morel
There is a huge range of wild edible mushrooms in Northern California. Avid mushroom foragers like to add new kinds of mushrooms to their resumes. Sometimes, this means searching for rare mushrooms that aren’t even particularly flavorful.
When it comes to Morels, though, the effort is always worth it. These mushrooms are difficult to cultivate and yet they are some of the tastiest mushrooms out there. This is why they are among the most sought after wild edible mushrooms. A lot of mushrooms are slimy or slippery, which is off-putting to a lot of people. The unique meaty texture of Morels is one of the reasons why people who usually don’t enjoy eating mushrooms often like them.
Morels are difficult to find and difficult to farm, which is why they are usually quite expensive. In fact, they are often reserved for fancy meals that involve expensive wines and high-quality meats. The good news is that you can get these exotic-looking mushrooms for free if you know where to look. When you are hiking around, keep an eye out for these small and pitted mushrooms. Morels are famously difficult to spot because they tend to blend in with the ground around them.
Blonde Morels, however, are much easier to see on the ground. Morchella Americana is the only kind of true Blonde Morel that can be found in Northern California. Blonde Morels have microbial interactions with trees like Ash and Elm. This symbiotic relationship is the main reason why they are so difficult to farm. Picking morels in their natural environment is the cheapest and most satisfying way to get a hold of them.
This kind of Morel possesses that same earthy taste that people have come to expect from Morchellas. The caps of Blonde Morels are heavily pitted. These mushrooms are hollow on the inside, making it possible to stuff them with meat, cheese, and other kinds of foods that combo well with their famous flavor.
California’s only true Blonde Morel sometimes resembles the Morchella Rufobrunnea. However, the caps of Blonde Morels usually have a rounder shape to them. Their pits are also more circular, as opposed to the elongated pits that are common on other kinds of morels.
Fresh Blonde Morels will keep for about a week when they are refrigerated. With that being said, it’s always best to cook your mushrooms up as soon as possible. Make sure to flush any dirt or debris out of the pits and check for worms before you start cooking.
It’s usually best to chop the bottom off of wild mushrooms. The stems of Blonde Morels are tasty and fully edible. Frying Blonde Morels is one of the best ways to enjoy their nutty flavor and meaty texture.
Like most mushrooms, Blonde Morels are extremely nutritious. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, they are high in both protein and fiber. Adding these mushrooms to your diet will improve your health as well as the flavor of your meals.
Want to find your own? We have mushroom foraging classes all season in Marin, Sonoma, and the Santa Cruz Mountains.