Gathering Basketfuls of Moss and Moss Caps observed in Altai Region
Lord of the 'Shrooms: Uncovering the Altai Region's Elusive Morels
Ride the wild ride of the Altai region's morel and morel cap hunt! Months of planning, days of foraging, and minutes of fruition - that's the thrill of the chase for any serious mushroom enthusiast. But beware, it ain't a walk in the park; imagine a steep climb, a dense forest, and a snake or two lurking about. Sounds like fun? Let's dive in!
The Altaian forest wasn't just a playground for woodsmen and fur trappers back in the day; it's also a treasure trove for flavorful, exotic morel mushrooms. And boy, are they a squirm-worthy sight! The folks over at the VK group "Mushrooms and Mushroom Pickers of the Altai Region" have noted a surge in mushroom pickers hunting down morels and their caps among the region's forests. Some have even fell for false morels, but hey, c'est la vie!
Now, where to find these rascals? Well, you might discover them growing in mixed or deciduous forests with a splash of aspen, poplar, or willow. However, the morels have a sweet tooth for aspen. Cherry trees also seem to be their plus-one at the mushroom dance, with their presence adding an ideal touch of moist, cool conditions. And, if you can guess it, morels love water - rivers, lakes, bogs, snow-melt; they're all up for the waterworks!
Fire y'all's pine-scented burners, because these little shrooms savor fire sites in coniferous forests during the first and second year post-fire. That's right, they love the burnt earth, the ash and char, and prefer the tree to be alive post-fire! As for the Egoevsky district and nearby locals, pay heed, 'cause there were fires in your forests in 2023! Experienced pickers report a thriving cone morel population around ant hills - whaddya know!
The mushroom season in Altai usually begins on May 1st, lasting a spirited 2-3 weeks. But keep in mind, Mother Nature's a whimsical witch; she'll play with the date and duration, depending on whether it's an early, cool spring or a scorching hot one.
Now, for any newcomers to this game, here's a lesson on morels versus morel caps: A morel has a single stem and cap (comparable to a mushroom in size and appearance) while the cap is attached to the stem. Remember, the cap is the leftie, and the morel is the rightie!
Morels taste like a gamey, umami revelation, reminiscent of chicken or mushrooms, but intensified. When prepared right, they're soft as butter, and when mixed with a stir fry or risotto, they're a delectable journey to the forest floor. On the other hand, their caps ain't much to write home about.
In the heart of Altai, keep your eyes peeled, your boots muddy, and your wits about you. Happy hunting, my friend! Oh, and remember, watch out for ticks and snakes; it's not all fun and games out here. Happy toilet break! 😉💩 🌼🍄🐍
- Morels, the elusive Altaian treasure, have attracted a growing number of pickers, as noted by the VK group "Mushrooms and Mushroom Pickers of the Altai Region."
- These flavorful mushrooms prefer to grow in mixed or deciduous forests, especially those with aspen, poplar, or willow trees, and can also be found near cherry trees that provide ideal moist, cool conditions.
- Morels are fond of water-rich environments like rivers, lakes, bogs, and snow-melt, and they particularly thrive in fire sites in coniferous forests during the first and second year post-fire.
- In the Egoevsky district and nearby localities, experienced pickers have reported a thriving cone morel population around ant hills, especially after fires in 2023.
- The mushroom season in Altai usually begins on May 1st and lasts for 2-3 weeks, but is subject to Mother Nature's whims, with the start and duration dependent on the weather conditions.
- For those new to morel hunting, it's important to know that a morel has a single stem and cap, while the cap is attached to the stem, and the cap is the leftie, while the morel is the rightie.
- Morels offer a gamey, umami flavor, reminiscent of chicken and mushrooms, and when prepared correctly, they provide a soft, buttery experience when included in stir fries or risottos.
- As you embark on your morel and morel cap hunt in the Altaian region, keep safety in mind: watch out for ticks and snakes, and don't forget to discard any fallow leaves when using the toilet in the wilderness.
