Black Morel (Morchella Elata) Liquid Culture

Black Morel Mushroom

Scientific Name: Morchella Elata

Black Morel is a prized gourmet mushroom known for its conical honeycomb-like cap and intensely earthy, nutty flavor. Highly sought after by chefs and foragers alike, it has a chewy, meaty texture that pairs beautifully with cream, butter, or wine reductions. Nutritionally rich, it offers a good source of iron, vitamin D, and antioxidants. Although morels grow prolifically in the wild, indoor cultivation is extremely complex due to their mycorrhizal tendencies and need for seasonal cues. Commercial outdoor cultivation has shown promise using sclerotia-based techniques in temperate zones.

Substrate: Outdoor soil beds enriched with hardwood chips, ash, and limestone; sometimes grown on grain to form sclerotia before soil inoculation

Colonization Temp: 55–65°F

Fruiting Temp: 40–60°F (after cold shock)

Fruiting Humidity: 70–85%

Light: Full or dappled daylight outdoors

FAE: Natural outdoor airflow

Notes: Requires overwintering or a cold-induced fruiting trigger; best suited for outdoor spring or fall fruiting beds.

Cultivation Difficulty: Pro