Found Food: Urban Morels 1 Nov 08 |
The last thing you'd expect to see -- edible wild mushrooms growing in an urban setting. |
Thriving among the weeds and fallen leaves wild morel mushrooms. |
In the wild, Morels are often found in burned-over areas within redwood forests. |
But occasionally they can be found growing in urban settings too. |
The reason why can be found in the wood chip dressing spread by the gardeners. |
Burnt forest debris is often converted into wood chips and sold commercially. |
Sacks of wood chips often contain a variety of wild mushroom spores. |
Morels are one of the most tasty, sought after wild mushrooms found in North America. |
Growing in an urban setting is not likely to affect the morel's edibility, but use good judgement when collecting. |
If you compare the size of commercially sold morels to those found growing wild, |
you'll note a remarkable difference in size and quality. |
So the next time you're hurrying across campus to a meeting, |
Take time to notice what's growing in the grass or amid the wood chips along the walkways. You just might stumble upon what's for dinner! |
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