The Bonnie Blue Forager: Looking for Morels

 I have been hunting for Morels... That classic treasured uncultivated delicacy! My siblings and I have been obsessed with these rare treats.  It is driving us a little crazy, as we have been on our 57 acre property for 3 years and are still learning all its habits!!  So...today, when my brother came running full speed, and told me that he had found some cup mushrooms in our mulch, of course I came running!  I studied these fascinating mushrooms, and blew in the middle of them, delighted to watch a delayed spurt of spores come spewing out!  I  ran and grabbed our best mushroom identification book, and the mushrooms turned out  to be Disciotis venosa, also known as Cup Morels!   Morels in appearance they are not!  I have a lot of fabulous siblings who love to go forage with me, so you can imagine the excitement.  Everyone wanted to see these peculiar Cup Morels!  Mom said that she was nervous that the book said that they are hard to identify correctly, and that they are somewhat poisonous unless thoroughly cooked.  Another day without real Morels. I guess I will have to keep building my other morals??? Bad joke! Sorry!  I  have mushroom collected for a while, and have a little experience, but I haven't found any convincing information on the virtues of Cup Morels.   They do have a faint smell of chlorine, as the book said they would, and are by the edge of the woods.  Please feel free to share any advice or thoughts.  Has any one else tried these? Well, tomorrow is another day in the woods. In the meantime, enjoy some pictures of Cup Morels. 


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