Morel mushroom season has started in northern Michigan, supported by recent rainfall and slightly warmer temperatures. Aaron Grenchik, an assistant at Great Lakes Treats, said, "The ground temperature needs to be a minimum of like 42 degrees in order for the morels to start actually fruiting." Warmer conditions in the coming week may lead to more sightings of the mushrooms, as reported by WWMT.
Mushroom hunters are advised to be attentive when searching for morels, as they can be difficult to find. "It's definitely like an Easter egg hunt. It's a little bit of gold fever," said Grenchik to WWMT. In addition to spotting the rare morel, hunters must also watch out for the poisonous false morel. Grenchik suggests checking for a hollow interior and a distinct cap attachment to the stem as indicators of the real morel.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on their Facebook page, they have released a map at www.Michigan.gov/MiMorels to help people find good locations for morel mushroom hunting. They advise hunters to "always prioritize your own safety," especially in areas affected by recent ice storms in northern Michigan. Even if mushrooms are not found, Grenchik stated, "You're looking for these mushrooms. You don't find any. But then suddenly you realize you just got the best fresh air in the last week. And you know, getting out in nature is a home run either way," as mentioned by WWMT. Fresh morels can be purchased at the Sara Hardy Farmers Market in Traverse City, where Great Lakes Treats sells them.
