Verpas are mushrooms, known as false morels, they appear in the Spring shortly after the snow melt but before true morels pop up.
Verpa bohemica found in South East Manitoba, Canada.
Closely following the snow melt, mushroom foragers begin to keep an eye out for the signs that the picking season is about to begin. Verpas, or early morels are one of the signs that the beloved true morels are about to start. So far, I've come across two varieties of Verpas, Verpa conica, and Verpa bohemica. Verpas have a cap that is attached only at the tip of the stalk. The cap hangs around the stem, like a thimble cap. The length of the body is hollow, lined with a "cottony" interior. They also have a brittle texture, so if harvesting, be gentle as they are easily crumbled in a bag being carried while foraging.
Verpas are often found in the same areas as true morels. Quite often, they are found 1-2 weeks earlier than black morels in the exact same location. Verpas are found in mixed hardwood habitat, and cottonwood stands. Here in Manitoba, I've had the most luck in cottonwood (poplar) stands, or aspen forests. They are found in the soil, among the deadfall in forests.
Below is an example of Verpas vs. Black Morels. This harvest was picked in cottonwood stands in Southern Manitoba. Morels are the top half, Verpas the bottom half of the photo below.
Verpa bohemica have long been enjoyed as an edible in Europe. In North America, there are mixed views on this; as some people have reported digestive disturbances after consuming. One piece of advice I've received from foragers who enjoy adding Verpas to their menus; is to parboil the verpas for at least 10 minutes before adding to their desired dish. Another seasoned forager suggested drying the verpas first, then rehydrating them to cook with. Many foragers just enjoy the hunt and the hints that the Verpas provide, guiding them to the true morels later in the Spring.
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