Morel Mushrooms Are in Season

Many readers of The Monticello News may recall an article last year about morel mushrooms to be found in Jasper County. Well it’s that time of year again and the mushrooms started popping up last week. On March 23 and 24, Tim Zech and others picked 200+ morel mushrooms in the Jasper County woods…some within a mile of the Monticello square! Morel mushrooms only appear for a couple weeks in the spring each year. They grow in river bottoms often found in the same area with privet hedge. Mushroom hunters can enjoy finding these mushrooms the next week or so before the temperatures get too warm when they will retire until next spring. Morel mushrooms make great table fair…either lightly fried or sautéed and eaten plain or as a garnish with steak or in soups. Morel mushroom hunting is a great way to spend the day in and around Jasper County for both young and old. Go get them before it’s too late!