LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo. (KSDK) - Veteran Lincoln County mushroom hunters Callie Ruckel and Tony Johnson said last year was actually a better mushroom crop.
But they showed us their bounty Friday, and it appears to be pretty good yield.
Ruckel and Johnson explained how they prepare them.
"Cut them in half and soak them in salt water. I always roll mine in egg, and put them in the fryer or just deep fry them," said Ruckel.
Johnson had a slightly different recipe.
"I use saltine crackers instead of flower," said Johnson," smash them up and grind them up and dip them in egg. Then roll them in crackers and then fry them like that."
Missouri Conservation Agent Kevin Eulinger is Lincoln County mushroom expert. Eulinger said we've had the right combination of sunlight and moisture to generate a good crop this year.
Eulinger said you can generally find morel mushrooms in creek bottoms, and low-laying areas near creeks. He said you will also find them near certain trees, silver maples, and dead Elm trees, and also around apple orchards.
Eulinger said mushrooms grow on decaying tree roots.