Bigfoot's Friend

Among foragers, for many generations, there has been a great debate about harvesting methods when it comes to the highly sought out morel mushrooms.

Some mushroom lovers can have peaceful disagreements on the topic, while others believe there can only be one way.

The Great Debate

This hot topic of great divide is simply whether it is correct to pluck morel mushrooms out of the ground, or if you should cut the stem of the mushroom to not disturb the mycelium underground.

It seems like something that could be reasonably disagreed upon, right?

Apparently not. I’ve seen some heated debates where insults were thrown over differing opinions on whether picking the mushrooms will damage the long term growth of the species or not.

It’s an honorable stance, although it may not be factual.

Many foragers have conducted their own studies on the topic, testing the two methods and recording the outcomes to find their own answers.

However, morel mushrooms are known to be unpredictable in their growth patterns which makes it difficult to fully lean on any of these research projects.

But I’m not here to push mushroom harvesting propaganda, so here are the theories and the facts.

Pros and Cons of Cutting

The Theories.

The idea behind cutting the mushroom at the stem is that this method isn’t harmful for the mycelium underground and can even promote regrowth of the mushroom. Some foragers really take this idea to heart, seeing the alternative methods as a way of damaging the mushrooms in the long run.

The Facts.

So for arguments sake, let’s talk about the factual pros and cons of cutting the mushrooms at the stem.

Pros:

• Cleaner mushrooms – You wont be taking as much dirt home with you.
• Leaving a bit of the stem leaves a bite or two for the bugs and wildlife!
• This method leaves the ground, moss, bugs, and other tiny organisms relatively undisturbed.

Cons:

• You’ll have one more tool to carry and occupy your hands.
• It takes two hands to cut the mushroom so it’s a little more effort for a cleaner product.
• That tool is also a sharp object so you’ll need to be cautious not to accidentally hurt yourself while you’re walking or hiking.

Pros and Cons of Picking

The idea behind simply picking the mushroom is that it is no different than picking an apple off of a tree. Since mushrooms grow from a huge underground organism instead of individual root systems, it is believed that this not only does no harm to the mycelium, but that it also helps spread spores from loose, falling dirt.

The Facts:

Here are the pros and cons of picking the mushrooms as well.

Pros:

• Plucking the mushrooms out of the ground is much quicker than cutting the stem, and you can do it one handed.
• The excess dirt on the mushrooms traveling along with you can promote growth in new areas.
• All you need is a bag to keep your harvest in. No extra tools required!

Cons:

• This method is a little dirtier, because loose dirt tends to stick to the base of the mushrooms when they’re picked.
• Because of the excess dirt, this method requires extra cleaning before consumption.
• When the mushroom comes out of the ground it disturbs the dirt, moss, and tiny bugs around it.

What Research Says About Harvesting Morel Mushrooms

I’ve done some extensive research and the main conclusion from the few researchers with published studies on the topic is that neither method harms or promotes growth.

Picking the mushrooms does not harm the mycelium or its ability to produce, and cutting the stem does not promote any additional growth.

Either way is correct, and the mushrooms are going to continue to grow when, and wherever they choose to.

Remember to always forage responsibly!

An Alternative Technique.

My husband and I have taken to a different harvesting practice – pinching.

With this method, you can skip the sharp tool and do minimal damage to the surrounding ground by pinching the mushroom off at the base of the stem!

It’s easy, it’s practical, it’s the best of both worlds!

What’s your go-to technique for harvesting morels?

So in conclusion, you should continue to harvest these wonderful little fungus whichever way suits you best!

Thanks for reading, and happy foraging!

-Jessica C.