Produce Briefs...
Galia Melon
The Galia melon has a lightly netted golden yellow rind with a pale glacial green succulent flesh that has a signature spicy sweet flavor with tropical and perfumed aromatics.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Dried morel mushrooms are typically available year round.
Current Facts
Morels, Morchella esculenta, belonging to the genus Morchella, are not actually considered mushrooms in the true sense of the mushroom taxonomy classification. They are the fruiting body of a soil habitating fungus. Dried morels are considered to be one of the best fungus to reconstitute as their conical shape with spores allow for a near perfect replication of the raw form. The drying process infuses a smokier quality to the morel, effectively making it an even richer mushroom.
Description/Taste
Hollow from stem to crown, morels have honeycomb-shaped spores throughout their fruiting body. Their color ranges from a muted grey to dark brown depending on species and simply, age. Morels impart a superior meaty and earthy flavor with a smoky and woodsy aroma not achieved with other mushrooms.
Applications
Dried morels must be reconstituted and can never be eaten raw. Reconstitute in warm water, stock or wine. Morels need not be overly cooked to truly showcase their flavor. A simple saute with butter, salt and pepper is the best way to experience the rich flavors and aromas of the morel. Prepare with cream or wine sauces, serve with pastas or a side dish to meats. Morels require a five to ten minute longer cooking time than other mushrooms due to their chewiness and especially if mature. A spring season mushroom, morels pair especially well with fresh English peas, asparagus and herbs such as chives, tarragon and parsley. Store dried morel mushrooms in an airtight container until ready to use.
Geography/History
Morels have been resistant to commercial cultivation. Their sole marketability relies on wild harvesting. Unlike true mushrooms they do not have a symbiotic relationship with trees and thus can be found growing in forests throughout the Northern hemisphere. Morels are one of the first fungi to colonize forests that experienced fires the prior year. Morel foragers actually seek out these scorched forests knowing they may provide a bumper crop.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Marriott Marquis & Marina San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-234-1500 x6113 |
| Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-238-9880 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Mission Bay Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 858-488-0501 x14 |
| The Smoking Goat | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
| J six | San Diego CA | 619-531-8744 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Dried Morels. One
is easiest, three is harder.
