Those Delicious Morels!
 
 

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May 15th 2012
Morel Mushroom Update
for the Montmorency County area

Well, we've finally got the right temperature zone but still have yet to recieve any rain to speak of. The crunch of the dry leaves isn't a very good sign for encouraging new popping shrooms.
    Some folks are finding good reward but most folks I've spoken to (including myself) haven't had much luck.  The grays are now coming up but there are still blacks being found, though quite sparce. Trilliums are up but the numbers of blossoms are quite minimal.
   So far my favorite picking spots have provided me with 11 morels after about 12 hours of searching. Granted, I don't have good eyesight but usually even I can pick enough to nibble on year long. Certainly not the case this year however I am still optimistic that I'll find the hidden stash somewhere in the woods. 
   I'm hearing some good messes are found in neighborhood yards amidst the grass and along the west side of structures. Bordering woodlines on the north and east side of the yards are also producing some finds. Note the use of the word, "some".
   Please be aware the tick season has already begun, so do a "tick check" when coming out from the hunt.

We're currently under a "Red Flag Fire Danger" so be careful with any sparks or flames.  That will give an idea how dry it is out there!

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Former Update -
May 9th, 2012
Picking is still rather slim but some folks are lucky enough to find a good mess. Blacks are still out and today I got word of a find of some Gray's. Ideal temps around the 70º mark with sunshine is expected this coming Sunday - Tuesday along with nighttime temps in the 50's. Hoping that this coming warmup after some recent rainfall will tickle the shrooms to pop. There are alot of people counting on that. After 6 hours of looking and only 9 shrooms to show, I sure am ready for easy picking!

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Former Update -
April 27th 2012
April had delivered mild dry days creating a fluffy crunchy leaf ground cover. Not so favorable to get the 'shrooms popping. We had a couple brief but good soaking rains last week that should have helped but we still need more rain. Temperatures are becoming more favorable but still have some nippy nighttime temps in the low 20's / high teens until Monday the 30th when things start warming up favorably. Rain is expected Wednesday May 3rd under nice temps which should be a nice recipe for getting the mushrooms popping.
What we'll get is yet to be determined. Blacks have been up for about 3 weeks (which is quite early) but certainly not in numbers and most are rather small. 

A few folks have found some brave early morels but the finds are infrequent with scarce numbers. Some folks have found nice numbers but most have sadly conveyed their finds weren't worth mentioning. I'm expecting and hoping this will change any day now.

Check the local ORV Trail Report  for current ground conditions and weekend weather forcast. We're looking for more rain, nighttime temps in the high 40's - 50's and daytime highs above the 60º mark for good growing conditions of those tempermental morels.. Last year we had similar weather and conditions. The morels finally popped just into May and it was a bumper crop. Possibly this year will follow suit.

 
MAKE SURE you know what you are picking!  Then, enjoy!!!
Hollow stems are what to look for

   click on image for larger view

Keep and eye out for remaining elk sheds during your Morel Mushroom search. Animals such as the porcupine and squirrels nibble on bones and antlers as a source of calcium. So they don't stay around for long out in the woods unless they're somehow overlooked. (which isn't that uncommon)
 We aren't the only ones searching for those antlers. 

Drying Morels for Storage -    Using a large brown paper bag, rip or cut the bag to lay out flat on a table.   Place fresh morels about on the brown paper bag surface being careful not to pile the mushrooms atop one another. Spread out evenly to begin the drying process.    Stir morels, flipping some over before bedtime  /    Repeat stirring/flipping processs of fresh morels about 3 times a day for  3 to 5 days (when shrinkage is apparrent to the bulk of the mushrooms)  //   Then stir/flip mushrooms twice a day for another 2-3 days or until significant shrinkage and drying has occurred.  //  When shrooms feel hardened and dry & have a hollow "tune" when handling them, place the lot into a large brown paper bag and leave open for several more days, periodically shaking the bag as to assure complete and even drying.   // When the mushrooms are thoroughly dry,  fold up the brown paper bag and store in the pantry  or somewhere that doesn't recieve direct sunlight and/or moisture.  Under kitchen sink is not the place for storage.
   Be sure to use a Brown Paper Bag!. Can keep dried shrooms for up to 2 years or so and still taste great.   Brown bags are recomended over white or other colored paper bags that use bleach and/or dye's that could impact not only the flavor but leech into the mushroom.  Nobody wants to add nasty stuff to their diet.
     Same goes for plastic containers.  Never store any mushroom or herb in a plastic container unless as frozen.  I'd recommend to store them in a glass container instead of plastic, just make sure the container is protected from light and sealed properly.
     The dried morels can be re-hydrated by simply plopping them into a container of cold water.  Let 'em sit and soak up the water, periodically stirring them for about 15 minutes.  (feel the morels by gently squeezing them to assure they have softened up) 
   Drain the water good and then cut each in half or quartered. Place cut pieces into container of water, stir up with finger and drain.  Repeat if it makes you feel more comfortable.   After draining, dump onto a paper towel or clean dish cloth for a moment to capture any excess moisture from the rinsing.    They'll now be ready to enhance your cooking recipie's or simply saute' in butter or margarine, salt and serve! (do not saute' with high heat!)  Of course you can moderate the saute' process to suit your own dietary needs or desires to tickle the tastebunds with their "meaty" sort of flavor.

Nothin' like some tasty morels to enhance your venison, beef or poultry dinner all year long!     Dried morels keep easily for up to a couple years or so and still retain that wonderful flavor that makes 'em so desired.

Note:    As with many foods we eat, morels contain a small amount of natural strictnine.  It is not advised to devulge in huge quantities as this will just stockpile the strictnine in your body and thus get you to the point of feeling naucious or getting sick when eating the morel.  This usually takes years to get to that point though.     Don't cheat your tastebuds for the long term and eat 'em in moderation    If you've never eaten the morel, it is advised to try a light or modest portion the first time.  Your body will tell you if they don't agree with you. If you think you might be allergic to them, simply wet the inside of your forearm and briefly rub the morel on your skin.  If a rash develops, you are likely to be allergic to them and you'll know then what NOT to do. Always see your physician if you suspect an allergic reaction.
 

Morel Mushroom Growing Kit - 
     CREATE A MOREL MUSHROOM GARDEN IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD 

 Grow Morel Mushrooms
 

Happy Morel Huntin',, 
'n Happy Eatin' !!

  Use this search engine 
to expand your knowledge

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It's pickin' season for
BLUEBERRIES!
(update 7/20/10)
~ ~ ~ Another goofy spring but alas the blueberries faired through without much frost damage. Regular bouts of precipitation along with hot muggy spells have done wonders on this years crop. 

Last year, well I didn't even update the page I was so depressed. The frost zapped the bulk of the crop and after finding and eating 8 blueberries I felt compelled to raise the white flag and leave the rest to the birds and bears and other critters that needed 'em more than I.

Alas, this year is quite different and I'm pleased to say we've got a bumper crop this year! After March and April being so warm with NO precipitation the woods were under Red Flag Fire Danger throughout. Then May still was quite dry but at least we had a little precipitation to give the new growth a push. We missed the unusal killing frost that puts a hit to the blueberries. They faired through and the blossoms were in numbers when we finally started getting some good rains!

Season started for the early pickers around the 4th of July. Much earlier that whatever some call the "norm". We're probably at peak season this week with peak picking along with it by the ear shot. There looks like a good 2 weeks left of easy picking thanks to a suprising number of green berries yet to ripen on the bush.

Because blueberries are in the woods, the critters of the woods are too so be alert for the non-typical moment of an encounter. Keep a keen eye and ear open for that 'just in case' situation where you might happen upon a bear that also craves these beloved fruits but don't let that spoil the moment.  ("Bear Bells" can be worn to make sure the chances of any encounters would be pert near illiminated)
There still is a tasty reward awaiting you out in our great north woods! 

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Sad Note ~ If you haven't gone out yet or have heard, there has been a disheartening amount of tree "harvesting" around the NE tip of the mitt and if you get to your favorite picking spot and it's still there, be thankful and get on your knees to thank God.  Fortunately they can't get all the trees so you may just have to wander around a bit to find a new hot spot.  Click HERE for the updated image for the area where the above pictures were taken.

Come on out into the real world 
and tickle your tastebuds with Natures Candy!
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WHERE TO FIND THEM - WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE:

 

This region generally hosts a huge selection of BlueBerrie pickng grounds on Various State Land locations.  Generally you'll want to stay away from the hardwood forest lands because the soil just doesn't have the content of acid which they seem to thrive in.
Matured Jack Pines, Red Pines and Austrian Pines are the indicator species where underneath and around them you'll find the low bush blueberries covering the ground in a blanket of green. There are plenty of area's practically void of most other plant species (like ferns) because of the shade created by heavily wooded pines. It's here where you will find some of natures tastiest candy!

HuckleBerries and BlueBerries grow together distinguished by their color and taste as well.
HUCKLEBERRIES are much darker in color,, almost black in appearance

BLUEBERRIES are a light 'sky blue' in appearance and the leaves of the bush are a tad lighter color of green than their cousin the huckleberrie.

CLEANING & STORAGE: 

Clean up your berries berries by dumping them in a large pot of cold water. Most the stems, leaves and even the green berries will float, making it easy to scoop out the nasties. Then pour into a large collander and allow to drain thoroughly. 

Another method for cleaning the berries is an old indian method submitted by a resident local "Runing Moon".  Simply lay out a wool blanket and pour the berries on it. Carefully lift one end and lightly shake it to roll the happy berries down into the collection pan. This will separate the twigs, leaves and sand as they stick to the wool of the blanket.

If you don't wish to can them or eat 'em right away, they do hold much of their flavor if frozen properly. Place cleaned berries into plastic butter containers. Just be sure to 'push' the excess air out by pressing in the center of the lid while closing it up tight. I don't advise washing them prior to freezer storage as this may result in "clumping" if they aren't thoroughly dry.The berries will not stick to one another, thus making it easy to scoop out the frozen berries at your desire all through the winter. Nothing like enjoying the sweet tastes of summer during Christmas breakfast in the middle of our cold winter months!  Yummmmmmm!!!

Storing the berries in zip lock baggies can be quite risky, as they seem to be vulnerable to freezer burn during long-term storage. This method should be okay for short term freezing but I do not advise for any long term storage. (depends on your freezer)

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While out picking, respect the source of your tastebud delights 
as not to damage the bushes or the remaining green 
 unripened fruits as so they can continue to grace us with the tasty delights in abundance for years to come. 
 

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Be it blueberrie muffins, pankcakes, over cereal or ice-cream or just by themselves!  They're just plain  Mmmm MMmmm Good!!! 
Sssshhhhh,,,, they're good FOR you too!

Check out some recipe's and 'food for thought' below. 

Recent happenings had me searching through the data base of this internet when low and behold, I discovered that these tasty little treats are much more better than just in the tastebuds. Blueberries are called what is an 'antitoxidant', a sort of oxygen delivery vehicle.Note: Cancer loves sugar, and hates oxygen!.  Fruits and vegetables are the good stuff we need to heal up, clean and wipe up the crud we seem to accumilate in our modern diets of chemicals, dyes and who knows what else they stick in our food & snacks. These findings aren't new by any means of the word except to that of my own personal data base in my noggin'.  Its been this way for all of the plants and herbs that grow here and around the world.   It is just up to us to learn to use them as they were intended by our Maker.  Enjoy  the Links I've got here for you.  From yummie recipe's to scientific information on the importance of these sort of fruits in our diet to combat and prevail over cancer, prevent and or inhibit symptoms passed off to aging such as motor-skill loss and memory.  We need as much help as we can get since these and so many other 'animals' out there such as depression, anxiety and stress that are constantly gnawing at our lives.  Eat smart, live good, and savour every smile that comes from that delightful feeling when you relish the  tastes of Natures Candy. BLUEBERRIES HELP YOU KICK BUTT ON CANCER AND OTHER AILMENTS Antioxidant Capacity and  Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables Blueberries, the Leader of the Pack by Ronald L. Prior, Ph.D.  USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts Fight the enemy with KNOWLEDGE!  Cancer Related  Links Alternative & Conventional Reference and support for victims and their loved ones Alternatives to  Pharmeceuticals (always check with your professional) Antioxidant Capacity, Vitamin C, Phenolics, and Anthocyanins after Fresh Storage of Small Fruits.   Wilhelmina Kalt, Charles F. Forney, Antonio Martin, and Ronald L. Prior.  The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 1999, 47,   4638-4644.

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NorthernWudzman's  Banana-Blueberry Pancakes! start with the batter, either from scratch or quick-fix (mix it a little drier than normal. The blueberries & banana will add moisture to it) add (1) over-ripe banana (smoosh it up first to a paste-like mush) add 1-2 drops pure vanilla extract (optional) mix it up real good then, add a bunch of blueberries (either frozen or fresh) - - STIR up until blueberries area dispursed evennly within the batter. Pour onto griddle or fryin' pan into various shapes and sizes. NorthernWudzman's  Blueberrie/Peach Dump Cake (Mock Blue Banana) Use a rectangular cake pan - ungreased Dump a can of sliced peaches including da' juice  Dump about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of sugar in, and mix it allll up. / spread out evenly Dump about a pint or two of huckleberries 'n blueberries on top and spread out evenly Sprinkle a box of white or yellow cake-mix evenly over da' berries. Cube up a stick of butter an toss 'em over the cakemix somewhat evenly Dump a bunch of crushed walnuts atop the cakemix 'n butter,, spread evenly  Bake at 350F for about an hour and 15 minutes 'then remove and allow to cooool Great as a hot topping over vanilla ice cream!!! Grab up a bunch of friends and become gluttons for the evening.  You'll have fun trying to convince them there isn't a bit of banana in the ingredients. NorthernWudzman's Cool Blueberry Treat Graham Crackers, Blueberries and Milk Just dump in a bowl with a tad of sugar and a couple dashes of cinnamon. Holy Smokes! Is this goooood!!! Sarah's  PineApple-Cherry Dump Cake same as the description above except replace the peaches with pineapple, and the blueberries with cherry pie filling.  Rich in natural blue antioxidants, Wild Blueberries deliver as much antioxidant power as five servings of other fruits and vegetables. Just 1/2 cup a day has more of what your body may  need to help fight cancer, heart disease and memory loss from aging. And remember, Frozen Wild Blueberries are healthy, delicious and easy to use right out of the freezer. Quoted from  5 easy ways to serve blueberries --- Mildred Trueman's Blueberry Bang Belly Page (Recipe's from New Brunswick Blueberrie territory! Yummmmmm!)   wildblueberries.com     More Recipe's >>>>

If you don't have a cabin, or friends to shack up with the following 
motels and lodges can accomodate you here in Atlanta

• Atlanta Motel   989-785-4509
• WinSans Motel    989-785-2337
• Elk View Cabins   989-785-4896

 We're at the doorstep of some royal raspberry picking this year thanks to regular and periodic rains along with bouts of hot 'n humid weather.  The fruit is now just beginning to ripen and from what bushes I've seen, they're loaded with some yum!   It'll be at least another week or so before the pickin' should be in it's prime.
 
 

Blackberry blossoms somewhat poppin' but have yet to show full blossom this year. As it is currently looking the fruit should be ripening come late August if we continue the trend we're on with temperature, humidity and precipitation.  I'll try to update pickin' time but if there is no update posted, always take advantage of your tax money and call a biologist at the regional MDNRE. 

Ya might want to don some high boots and jeans to spare the unpleasant stab of a thorn that stuck it's way into your body.   That takes the fun out of pickin', but I suppose it's "always somethin' " my old friend Sarah used to say.  Indeed, so why let a few pokes and picks ruin' the moment.  The reward is plenty of tasty jams 'n pies to be cooked up.  Nothin' like a raspberry swirl to savour over at Christmas dinner.  You'll be sure to recall the memories of when you picked those very berries with a smile on your face and the taste of delumpcious raspberries on your tongue. 

JUNEBERRIES didn't do so hot this year.  The birds and squirrels faired best for pickin'.  .The berries weren't as plump as they could be, but are still fine for wines 'n pies 'n whatever tickles yur fancy.
 

*** note***  Always use care and respect when harvesting the variety of Natures' Candy from her store.  Respect Her, and She'll continue to Bless us!

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More Recipe's and Links!
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Berries with chocolate sauce (mf) 

White Chocolate and         Raspberry Swirl Fondue   recipe by the Global Gourmet

Raspberrie Cake   by Migros Türk 

Raspberrie Recipe's        at seattletimes.com