By Trish Svoboda

The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) and K-State Research and Extension are collaborating to provide online courses designed to assist individuals in obtaining the required certification to sell wild morel mushrooms.

Morel mushrooms, which can be difficult to find, are highly sought after by chefs and mushroom lovers. However, there are several species known as false morels that resemble them but are toxic.

The purpose of these courses is to guarantee that wild morel mushrooms sold in Kansas are safe for consumption. According to the existing rules of KDA’s food safety and lodging program, each mushroom harvested from the wild for sale must undergo an individual safety inspection by a registered mushroom identifier.

After finishing the course and successfully passing an online test, participants will be officially recognized as registered morel identifiers in Kansas, thereby complying with this regulation.

The classes will be offered online through Zoom twice on March 21, the first class from noon to 1 p.m., and a second class from 6-7 p.m.

Registration for the classes is now open at https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety and costs $5. Participants will receive the Zoom link for the training after registering.