Maureen D. - Missouri Morels are among the most highly prized of all the Wild Harvest Mushrooms. The reason is plain. Their great value derives also from their elusiveness. While they often grow in profusion they may be very difficult to see - especially for the inexperienced.
Morels grow in temperate latitudes around the world, in both conifer and hardwood forests.
In North America they emerge first along the West coast in Early spring and later in much of the forested East, from the Appalachians up through the Great Lakes region, with scattered harvests into the Summer and Fall months. The majority of harvest offered for commercial sale typically comes from Washington and Oregon with limited availability from Great Lakes and eastern states locations. The aroma should be an earthy woodsy smell. These are from the woods. Morels are widely appreciated by gourmets, who savor its earthy flavor.