How to become an expert morel mushroom hunter in 1 day

Michiganders can learn how to identify edible mushrooms in a single day and make a large profit in the process — the legal kind.

The beginning of spring is when the highly coveted morel mushrooms begin to sprout. Morel mushrooms only grow during a very limited window — between March and May — making them a rare commodity.

Morel mushrooms, referred to as the "sacred mushroom" by Chef Alex Guarnaschelli in an interview with Food Network, can sell anywhere from $24 to $42 for 2 ounces on Amazon. A pound can cost up to $170 on Amazon. Prices depend on the vendor but due to the rarity, morels bring top dollar.

More: Debuting Thursday, Asaysia restaurant a test for Detroit brand and dining scene

More: Healthy Table: Strategies for healthy lifestyle include developing a plan and get moving

The Midwest American Mycological Information works in partnership with Michigan Farmers Market Association and the Institute for Sustainable Living, Art, and Natural Design) to offer training and certification in identifying wild mushrooms.

Michigan requires certification because there is great danger if those who harvest wild-foraged mushrooms don't know how to identify the safe mushrooms from the poisonous. There are also some varities, such as false morels, that can kill you

The training is a one-day program that runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. The morning session includes lessons ranging from fungal biology to review of every species of wild-foraged mushroom approved for sale in Michigan.

There is a one-hour lunch period and an optional hour to review notes, ask final questions to the mycologists and study. Once participants feel prepared, they can take a test to qualify for the state Mushroom Identifier Card.

The test is intense. Ideally, candidates for certification should study beforehand and use the workshop as a review.

Participants must score an 80 percent or higher to be deemed an expert certified to sell wild mushrooms to restaurants and businesses. Consuming the wrong mushrooms can result in severe illness and death.

The cost of the test for certification is $175 and $85 for non-certification.

The test is composed of 50 questions which include multiple choice, fill in the blank and true and false.

Workshop dates are:

April 14. Les Cheneaux Culinary School, 186 S. Pickford Ave, Hessel, MIch., 49745.

April 21. Michigan State University - Molecular Plant Sciences Building, 1066 Bogue St., East Lansing, Mich., 48823 (class will be held on first floor auditorium, room 1200).

April 28, The Marquette Food Co-Op, 502 W. Washington St., Marquette, Mich. 49855.

Contact Brandon Patterson: BPatterson2@freepress.com follow him on Twitter: @iAmBrandonPatt