Morchellaceae: True Morels and the Hollow Test

What defines Morchellaceae

True morels, genus Morchella, have a pitted cap that looks like a honeycomb. The pits and ridges are attached directly to the cap.

Cut one lengthwise and it is completely hollow, one clean chamber from the tip of the cap to the base of the stem.

The hollow test

The hollow test is the fastest way to separate a true morel from a dangerous false morel. A true morel is empty inside. A false morel is chambered, wispy, or stuffed with cotton-like tissue.

Cook them, every time

Raw or undercooked morels upset the stomach even when correctly identified. Cook them thoroughly, and skip the alcohol the first time you try a new patch.

Warning

Never eat a morel raw, and never trust a morel that is not hollow inside. Confusing it with a false morel can be fatal.

Season and habitat

Morels are a spring mushroom, often near ash, elm, and old apple, and in the year after a burn. They vanish as the soil warms, so the window is short.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are morels safe to eat raw?

No. Even correctly identified morels cause stomach upset when raw or undercooked. Always cook them thoroughly.

How do I tell a true morel from a false morel?

Cut it lengthwise. A true morel is completely hollow with one open chamber. A false morel is chambered, cottony, or stuffed inside, and its cap looks brain-like rather than pitted.

When do morels fruit?

Spring, usually as the ground warms after the first mild rains. They favour ash, elm, and old orchards, and often appear the year after a fire.

Browse related groups