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Early morel

Verpa bohemica

A species of Thimble morels, Also known as Wrinkled thimble morel

The early morel can be found in wooded areas of North America, Asia, and Europe. It is called the Early morel because it is one of the first mushrooms to emerge early in spring. It is distinctive for its wrinkled and thimble-like cap.

Cap Diameter:

1 - 3 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Early morel

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Attributes of Early morel

Cap Diameter

1 - 3 cm

Height

10 - 24 cm

Cap

Cap 2 - 4 cm high, 1.5 - 3 cm across; nearly conical, or bell-shaped; brown, undersurface whitish; wrinkled longitudinally

Cap Shape

Bell-shaped

Cap Surfaces

Visible lines or stripes

Stem

Stem 8 - 22 cm long, 1.5 - 3 cm thick; cylindrical, equal; creamy white to dull yellow; smooth to granular; sometimes discoloring orangish when handled

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth to slightly fibrous

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Thin; loosely stuffed with wispy fibers in the stem; whitish

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Yellowish

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Bronze

White

Cream

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal, Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil

You can find Early morel by these plants:

Populus, Elms, European aspen

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed throughout northern North America

Endangered Species

How to Identify Early morel

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Early morel

Early morel typically flourish in hardwood forests, also occasionally spotted beneath coniferous trees.

Distribution Area of Early morel

North America,continental Europe

Hunting Values of Early morel

Poisonous when raw.

Uses of Early morel

Early morel is recognized as an edible mushroom but with notable precautions. It's sought after during its brief spring season and valued for its culinary potential. However, due to its similarity to toxic species and potential gastrointestinal irritants, it should only be consumed in moderation after proper identification and preparation. Enthusiasts often collect early morel, but always with a reminder of the safety risks involved.

Scientific Classification of Early morel

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Similar Species to Early morel

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Snow morel

Similar Species

Early morel

How to Differentiate Between Snow morel and Early morel?

Early morel: Cap is attached only at the top of the stem.

Snow morel: Cap is broadly attached along the stem.

Early morel: Cap is more conical.

Snow morel: Cap is rounder or more irregular in shape.

False morel

Similar Species

Early morel

How to Differentiate Between False morel and Early morel?

Early morel: The cap is attached only at the top.

False morel: The cap is broadly attached to the stem.

Early morel: Cap is more conical or bell-shaped.

False morel: Cap is brain-like or more irregular in shape.

Tips for Finding Early morel

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When is the Best Time to Find Early morel

Search for early morel in early spring, when days begin to warm but trees are not yet fully leafed out. Favorable temperatures are between 50°F (10°C) and 60°F (15°C) following a period of rain.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Early morel

Moist, rich, well-drained soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Early morel

Look for early morel in areas with abundant hardwood trees, especially near fallen branches and tree stumps.
Inspect the base of trees, as early morel often emerge in these locations.
Search after a period of rainfall, as moisture can encourage the growth of early morel.
Gently move aside leaf litter and debris on the forest floor to uncover hidden specimens of early morel.
Carefully observe the ground for the unique shape of early morel, as they can sometimes be camouflaged among fallen leaves and twigs.

How to Clean and Preserve Early morel

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How to Clean Early morel

To clean early morel, briefly toss in water, preventing absorption and sogginess. Remove dirt by agitating gently in a large bowl of water, or rinse in a colander, avoiding prolonged soaking. Pat dry immediately after to maintain integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Early morel

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 18 months

Store in a cool, dry, airtight container away from direct light and with minimal humidity.

Dehydrator drying: Preserves by using low, steady heat ensuring consistent results

Oven drying: Utilizes low temperature setting for gradual moisture removal

Air drying: Natural method leveraging airflow and low humidity, suitable for less moist varieties

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Early morel

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Brief submersion in boiling water, then cool and freeze.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Early morel

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cardboard Box Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Crisper Drawer Storage

Temperature

1 - 3 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

2 - 4 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to absorb excess moisture but allow breathing, reducing spoilage.

Cardboard Box Storage: Place in a perforated cardboard box to maintain humidity balance and prevent condensation.

Cloth Wrapping: Encase lightly in a clean, damp cloth to keep moisture consistent and limit dehydration.

Crisper Drawer Storage: Utilize crisper drawers with humidity control set to high, if available, for ideal environmental conditions.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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Can you eat early morel?

Is early morel dangerous?

What color is early morel?

How big does early morel get?

When does early morel appear?

Where does early morel grow?

More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Early morel

Yellow morel

Morchella esculenta

White morel

Morchella americana

Black morel

Morchella angusticeps