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Bell morel

Verpa conica

A species of Thimble morels, Also known as Thimble morel, Early morel

The bell morel can break easily to reveal a cotton-like pith inside. It forms mutually beneficial relationships with the roots of certain trees and is thus found primarily in forests. This species is sometimes known as an "early morel" because it appears in springtime.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 4 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Bell morel

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Attributes of Bell morel

Cap Diameter

2 - 4 cm

Height

3 - 15 cm

Cap

Cap 1.5 - 3 cm across; convex, irregularly thimble shaped; brown; bald, smooth or somewhat wrinkled; often with a slightly outcurved margin when mature

Cap Shape

Convex, Bell-shaped

Cap Surfaces

Smooth, Slimy or slightly sticky

Stem

Stem 3 - 12 cm long, 5 - 20 mm thick; equal; creamy white to yellow

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Thin; brittle; cottony pith inside stem whitish

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Pale orangish

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Bronze

Cream

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal, Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil

You can find Bell morel by these plants:

Willows, Hawthorns, Elms

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland

Species Status

Fairly widely distributed in North America

Endangered Species

How to Identify Bell morel

Fruiting Body Cap Stem

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Habitat of Bell morel

Bell morel typically thrives in environments under hardwoods and occasionally conifers, often near stream banks or moist areas with leaf litter.

Hunting Values of Bell morel

Should be cooked before eating.

Uses of Bell morel

Bell morel is a wild mushroom appreciated for its culinary potential, especially in the spring season when it's commonly foraged. However, it's categorized as 'Edible with Precautions' due to potential confusion with toxic species and possible gastrointestinal irritants if not cooked properly. Enthusiasts should ensure correct identification and thorough cooking before consumption to mitigate health risks. Its collection value lies in its gastronomic appeal among knowledgeable foragers.

Scientific Classification of Bell morel

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Similar Species to Bell morel

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False morel

Similar Species

Bell morel

How to Differentiate Between False morel and Bell morel?

Bell morel: Cap is narrowly attached to the stem at the apex but free-hanging around the sides.

False morel: Cap is more broadly attached along the stem.

Bell morel: Smooth or slightly wrinkled.

False morel: Highly convoluted and brain-like.

Bell morel: Hollow when sliced open.

False morel: Chambered or cottony inside.

Tips for Finding Bell morel

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When is the Best Time to Find Bell morel

Search for bell morel in early spring, as temperatures start to rise but before trees fully leaf out. Ideal conditions are after a rain, with soil moist but not waterlogged.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Bell morel

Rich, moist, well-drained soils.

What are Some Tips for Finding Bell morel

Search in areas with ample leaf litter under hardwood trees.
Look near the banks of streams where the environment is consistently moist.
Check around fallen trees and decaying wood, as these are common habitats.
Probe gently through leaf debris; bell morel may be partially obscured.

How to Clean and Preserve Bell morel

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How to Clean Bell morel

Gently clean bell morel by first cutting in half or leaving whole. Swish in cold water to remove grit, then place on paper towels to drain. Do not soak, as water can damage the delicate structure.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Bell morel

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 18 months

Store in airtight containers, in a dark, cool place, with low humidity.

Dehydrator drying: Ensures even and thorough drying given its high water content.

Oven drying: Set to the lowest temperature to gradually remove moisture without cooking.

Air drying: Requires a dry, warm area with good airflow to prevent spoilage.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Bell morel

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanch for 2-3 minutes, then cool quickly and freeze.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Bell morel

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cardboard Box Storage

Temperature

1 - 3 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

90 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

3 - 5 days

Paper Bag Storage: Allows for moisture absorption and air circulation, reducing spoilage while maintaining texture.

Container with Absorbent Lining: The towels absorb excess moisture, preventing sogginess and bacterial growth.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Minimizes moisture accumulation while letting air flow, helping to preserve freshness.

Cardboard Box Storage: Protects delicate caps from pressure and absorbs moisture, extending shelf life.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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