Morel Mushrooms are a type of mushroom that you are able to eat. These kinds of Mushrooms are black or sometimes white.

Morel Mushrooms grow by trees, under leaves, or near the mountains. Usually, the Mushrooms grow on the edges of wooded areas, especially around oak, elm, ash and aspen trees. They can also be found on south-facing hillsides, ground disturbed by human or natural activity, logging areas, burn sites, loamy soil, old apple orchards, streams and creeks and dying trees.

They grow in the springtime and if some are bad after picking them, they can be squished into small bits and put back where they were found to be able to grow more. Another thing to do is freeze and dry them. Before re-picking, the bad mushrooms, first wait for the white ones to grow back in the black ones' place.

Morels usually don’t grow very big, but one was recorded by the Iowa DNR as 15 inches tall, 14 inches in circumference and 1.5 pounds.

“Morels are extremely scarce, and can often cost over $40 per pound when fresh,” according to Maddi Langweil in Maristcircle.com. “Terrapin, a farm-to-table restaurant in Rhinebeck, which offers a spring pasta dish and a soup with Morel Mushrooms.”

Since morels are flavorful they can be cooked many different ways.

“Sautéed, doused with white wine and cream sauce with lots of fresh herbs and served on toast is a quick and easy way to enjoy them,” according to greatbritishchefs.com. “Traditional mushroom pairings such as beef, bacon and eggs work well.”

Morel Mushrooms contain a lot of vitamin D. They are also a low-fat, plant-based food that makes part of a healthy diet as an ingredient or as a meat substitute.

The Morel's begin to make changes as it starts to age. Depending on weather conditions the morel can survive for up to two weeks before it begins to decay.

Usually, Morel Mushrooms grow in the same place for a few seasons in a row, but when the spot dries up, a new location needs to be found.

Beware of false Morels. “symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, bloating and fatigue if eaten” according to michigan.org. “Untreated, people may go on to develop confusion, delirium, seizures and comas.”