Black Morel: A Forager's Treasure for Gourmet Dishes

About

Black morel mushrooms, scientifically known as Morchella elata, are a highly sought-after variety of edible fungus celebrated for their distinctive taste and unique appearance. With a deep, honeycomb-like surface that appears almost burnt or charred, black morels possess an inky cap that sets them apart visually from other morel varieties. Their earthy, smoky flavor and meaty texture have made them a favorite among gourmet chefs and foragers alike. Found predominantly in North America, these elusive mushrooms tend to emerge in the spring, often flourishing in forested areas recently affected by wildfires. As with all wild mushrooms, extreme caution must be exercised when foraging, due to the potential danger of misidentification.

Look Alike Species

	Specie:	Differences:
	Morchella Esculenta Edibility: edible	Morchella Esculenta has a more rounded cap, and the ridges and pits on the cap are more irregular compared to the elongated, regular pattern of Morchella Elata.

Specie:

Morchella Esculenta

Edibility:

edible

Differences:Morchella Esculenta has a more rounded cap, and the ridges and pits on the cap are more irregular compared to the elongated, regular pattern of Morchella Elata.

Nutrition Facts (Raw)

Serving Size g

Amount Per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0.6 g1%

Saturated Fat 0 g0%

Trans Fat 0 g

Cholesterol 0 mg0%

Sodium 21 mg1%

Total Carbohydrate 5.1 g2%

Dietary Fiber 2.8 g10%

Total Sugars 0.6 g

Protein 3.1 g6%

Vitamin A 0 µg 0%•Thiamin B₁ 0.1 mg 8%

Riboflavin B₂ 0.2 mg 15%•Niacin B₃ 2.3 mg 14%

Vitamin B₆ 0.1 mg 6%•Folate B₉ 9 µg 2%

Vitamin B₁₂ 0 mg 0%•Vitamin C 3 mg 3%

Vitamin D 206 µg 1030%•Vitamin E 0 mg 0%

Vitamin K 0 µg 0%•Calcium 43 mg 3%

Copper 0.6 mg 67%•Iron 12.2 mg 68%

Magnesium 19 mg 5%•Manganese 0.6 mg 26%

Phosphorus 194 mg 16%•Potassium 411 mg 9%

Selenium 2.2 µg 4%•Zinc 2 mg 18%

Vit A 0 µg 0%•B₁ 0.1 mg 8%

B₂ 0.2 mg 15%•B₃ 2.3 mg 14%

B₆ 0.1 mg 6%•B₉ 9 µg 2%

B₁₂ 0 mg 0%•Vit C 3 mg 3%

Vit D 206 µg 1030%•Vit E 0 mg 0%

Vit K 0 µg 0%•Calcium 43 mg 3%

Copper 0.6 mg 67%•Iron 12.2 mg 68%

Mg 19 mg 5%•Mn 0.6 mg 26%

Phosph. 194 mg 16%•Pot. 411 mg 9%

Selenium 2.2 µg 4%•Zinc 2 mg 18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

References

ShroomSpy

Austin, TX

Morchella Elata

Common Names: Black Morel, True Morel, Morel Mushroom

About

Flavors

Textures

Fragrances

Physical Characteristics

Caps:

Gills:

Look Alike Species

Specie:

Differences:

Edibility:

Specie:

Edibility:

Nutrition Facts (Raw)

Mushroom Ratings

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References

Structure and hepatoprotective activity of Usp10/NF-κB/Nrf2 pathway-related Morchella esculenta polysaccharide

Traditional Uses of Wild Edible Mushrooms among the Local Communities of Swat, Pakistan

Heterothallism and potential hybridization events inferred for twenty-two yellow morel species