Spring has sprung and it is time for us all to get out and stretch our legs.  If you are looking for new activities that get you outside consider searching for morel mushrooms.  Morel foraging is an exciting option for those wanting to enjoy nature’s bounty. Morel mushrooms are one of the ‘safe seven’ meaning they are easy to identify and safe for consumption. The activity involves slowly meandering through the woods searching closely around the base of dead elm trees.  If you are lucky you could find a ring of morel mushrooms ready to be foraged.  And if you are unlucky you still win because you get to spend a relaxing day outside.  Either way you cannot lose! A word of caution; morel foraging can be very competitive and slightly addictive (the activity, not the mushrooms).

In Chinese medicine the nutritional benefits of mushrooms are well worth the hunt. Mushroom is one of the leading foods recommended by Chinese medicine practitioners for enhancing immunity.  Mushrooms can aid in digestion and are also used to reduce bloating and edema.  Morels can be prepared fresh or dried and used later.  Morels are savory and delicious and best of all if you find them, they are free!

There are restrictions on where you can forage so be sure to check before you start your search.  Be sure and know exactly what you are looking for, Morel mushrooms are easy to identify but is important to take some time and be clear on what to look for. All the information you would need can be found on the Internet or at the library, including tips on how to find and prepare morels.

Helpful sites:

www.thegreatmorel.com/info.html

www.morels.com/minnesota/guestbook.html

http://www.midwestweekends.com/plan_a_trip/nature/wildflowers/morel_mushrooms.html

http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/05/23_galballye_morels/