Anyone sell morels?

[MaxGoldman]

So it's my second year morel hunting and last year I thought we found a pretty nice pile last year, kept some for ourselves and pretty much gave all the rest away to friends who wanted to try them. I had a few people tell me I should sell them to fancy restaurants so this year I like the idea of getting some gas money back, question is I'm new to the game and have no clue where to start/how it works/who buys them. Thought I'd post here and get some info on the selling process from those who do it. I can understand if people don't share places that buy them in that it's basically competition ha but any direction on where to start would be appreciated . I see a few people post c list ads to line up buyers as one option. I won't be sad if we aren't able to sell any this year since the hunt for them was an absolute blast, but it'd be nice to get a foot in the door for future years.

I did some scouting around today and now that I know more what I'm looking for in finding these tasty treats I saw that we missed a lot of potential last year since we didn't spend too much time. Realized my gpa's farm is just littered with dead elms!

[jentz]

All I can say is if you want to sell,you need to google it.There are buyers in this state and further.The thing is? What is your intention posting that here? Mentioning you get so many and and have a steady supply? If its the latter.I can help.Pm me, if Pm's are availably here.If not post back.

[leech~~]

Morel's are a short lived commodity which the supply qty and quality are hard to guarantee for very long. If your going to try and sell to "fancy restaurants" you better plan on getting a few setup a head of time and hope the supply you sell them is fresh without mold so people don't get sick. I have heard a few complaints posted on that other site about people who bought a pound from someone and half of them where molded already. Just picking them and holding them in a paper bag for a week until you find a buyer is not as easy as it sounds. Good luck with your new Morel Bizz!

[Lunker]

I'm sure it depends on location, but there are buyers besides "fancy restaurants". For example in my area the fur trader buys and so does the co-op. I hunt morels for fun and to eat some, but brought some in to sell for my father-in-law last year. If I remember correctly they were going for 25 a pound or something near that. Prices vary daily based on supply/demand/condition of the mushroom.

[MaxGoldman]

Hmm sounds like the whole restaurant side could just be a pain ha, I wasn't sure how common it is for morel hunters to sell their find or if most people just enjoy them all. I may just put a c list ad up this year and see where that goes and keep "hunting them for fun" the top priority. Thanks for the info, I still enjoy learning as much as I can so if there are more experiences to be shared I'm listening!

[fishwater]

The purpose of this fact sheet

The purpose of this factsheet is to provide the legal requirements related to the harvesting, sale, and purchase of wild mushrooms.

Regulations on Wild Mushroom Sales

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has specific regulations for individuals who harvest and wish to sell wild mushrooms. To learn more about becoming an MDA approved source, or to inquire about an MDA license, call the MDA Dairy and Food Inspection Division at

651-201-6027.

There are specific regulations in the Minnesota Food Code (Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4626) regarding wild mushrooms. The Minnesota Food Code requires that all food sold or served to the public must be obtained from an approved source.

Minnesota Food Code

Links to the many Minnesota Rules that pertain to food safety.

Who may sell wild mushrooms?

Qualified mushroom identification experts

The Minnesota Food Code states that a food establishment may only purchase wild mushrooms from an approved source where each mushroom is individually inspected and found to be safe by a mushroom identification expert.

The Minnesota Food Code defines a mushroom identification expert as someone whose knowledge of mushroom species has been “…verified and approved by the regulatory authority through the successful completion of a wild mushroom identification course provided by either an accredited college or university or a mycological society.”

Individuals that harvest and sell mushrooms grown only on their own or rented land may not be required to be licensed, but must still comply with all other applicable rules and regulations, including documentation of training as a mushroom identification expert.

According to Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4626, cultivated wild mushrooms species are considered to be from a safe source, if they are grown, harvested, and processed in a facility that is regulated by the food regulatory agency that has jurisdiction over the operation. Wild mushrooms, including those from independent harvesters, that are sold in packaged form by a regulated processing plant are also considered to be from a safe source. These plants are licensed by MDA, and they employ one or more recognized mushroom identification experts.

Which Wild Mushrooms may be Sold by an Individual Harvester in Minnesota?

Morels

The morel mushroom is currently the only wild mushroom that may be sold directly to markets, restaurants, or consumers in Minnesota. No mushroom identification experts have been certified to sell any wild mushrooms except morel mushrooms at this time.

[MaxGoldman]

I found this out after I posted fishwater, thanks for sharing. Only thing I found on becoming certified was a class from last year that was $125 for a 4 hour session. However, I didn't dive in too deep or call the # since I don't plan on dealing with it this year at least. I'll just go out and enjoy getting some experience hunting and harvesting them for now .

[leech~~]

Maybe they will come up with a new Reality show like the ginseng smugglers!

"Minnesota black market Morels" Get your guns out boys here comes the Gov!

[MaxGoldman]

Haha leech I was just joking about that the other day with some friends. I saw there are some shops down by la crosse and la crescent that buy morels and it got me thinking that's probably a pretty big deal and competitive down there in bluff country.

[Bureaucrat]

You should sell $50 nylon bags and give the mushrooms away for free.