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MOLINE, Illinois — The hunt will soon be on for the popular morel mushroom! These often sought-after mushrooms require some fairly picky growing conditions that are not easy to duplicate, which is what has turned the hunt for them into a sport that many enjoy today!
While their appearance may not look very appetizing, they are considered a delicacy. Their flexibility is quite high in the culinary world, being used in wine sauces, pasta and even soup! Farmers markets across the country are often filled with these mushrooms, and they often come with a premium price attached.
We need three things:
It's no secret that we have had quite a bit of trouble lately sustaining any kind of warmth here in the Quad Cities. We've had several blasts of cooler air that have brought widespread 40s and 50s for several days. Not to mention, temperatures have often dropped below freezing at night. This is likely leading to the delayed start of mushroom sightings here locally. In years past, we've seen them as early as late March.
The forecast for the last two weeks of April holds more promise for ideal growing conditions, including several days in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Even a day in the 80s is likely for April 23. This will help boost soil temperatures to even warmer levels, spurring more mushroom growth in the weeks ahead. Those temperatures are currently holding in the 45- to 50-degree range, which is ideal.
The Quad Cities has also been in the midst of a moderate drought that continues to show big signs of improvement. A more wet and active pattern April 20-25 will help improve conditions further for morel sightings.
According to The Great Morel, sightings of morel mushrooms are already occurring just south of the Quad Cities in parts of central and southern Illinois. As temperatures continue to warm, more sightings to the north and in the Quad Cities region are likely.
Forest areas that are open to the public offer a great environment for mushrooms. Here are some tips for hunting:
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