Mushroom hunters search high and low for Morels, and a lucky few have secret spots where they know a bounty will grow every year. Try asking any hunter where their spot is and you’ll be greeted with silence. No mushroom hunter will ever give up Morels.

It’s understandable. A Morel’s flavor is delicate, but only in that it lingers around for such a short while. It’s gone the moment you swallow.

Chewing is another matter. The flavor is mighty when chewing. It’s a mushroom that’s truly worth the hunt. However, some home gardeners get lucky. It’s not unheard of to buy woodchips for a garden and then after a rain find little armies of Morels springing up.

Sauté Morels in butter and top with a bit of salt and cracked pepper for a classic preparation, or toss with pasta and serve in a cream sauce with generous shavings of Parmesan.