Fungi After Fire: Discovering Morels after a burn off.

Expect the Unexpected! After the Fire

When my mate called me up to go for an early spring forage, we had no idea what the afternoon had in store for us. On arriving at our fungi spot we were surprised to see a large area had been burnt off. Curiously we decided to investigate the area as I was interested to see if the usual early season orchids were affected.

It had been at least 12 months since the burn off, and nature had started to reclaim the scorched landscape in the most delicious way—morel mushrooms! At first, we found one.... Then two, three, four. These elusive fungi, renowned for their honeycomb-like appearance and earthy flavor, often thrive in post-fire environments. Once we got our eyes in, we found a great haul and were eager to get home and see if they lived up to their reputation.

Morchela sp. After many seasons searching without luck..... Finally!

Cooking with Morels: Simple & Delicious

Once you've gathered your haul, morels can be cooked in various ways, but simplicity often lets their earthy flavor shine. One of the easiest and tastiest methods is sautéing them in olive oil. Simply clean the mushrooms, heat some good-quality olive oil in a pan, and sauté the morels until golden and crispy. Sprinkle with a bit of salt, and you have a savory, satisfying dish that’s perfect as a side or even the star of a meal.

If you’re looking to preserve your morel harvest, drying them in a dehydrator is a great option. Once dried, they can last for months and rehydrating them in warm water or broth brings back their full flavor and texture, ready to be used in soups, sauces, or pies once more.

Whether cooked fresh or stored for later, foraging and enjoying morels offers a delicious reward from the ash of the forest. Keep an eye out next season—you never know what tasty treasures the fire might leave behind! Have you ever tried Morels? Let us know what you thought in the comments.

Morchella sp. The elusive Morel.