This mushroom is deadly poisonous raw, but can be boiled or dried to eliminate its toxins making it edible. Still, it isn't easily digested and causes gastrointestinal distress for many who eat it.
False Morel (Gyromitra Esculenta):
From a chemist's standpoint this mushroom is extremely fascinating. It contains the toxin gyromitrin which breaks down to produce a small amount of highly volatile MMH or rocket fuel. It's highly toxic when fresh and requires some attentive care and caution during preparation. Even after boiling the mushroom can contain carcinogens. While drying, the vapor from this mushroom can accumulate causing gyromitrin poisoning which can be fatal.
Knowing The Difference...
Notice how a true morel looks more like a honeycomb and less like a brain...
False Morel True Morel
See the difference?
Toxic Species of False Morel
Conifer False Morel:
Snowbank False Morel:
Gabled False Morel:
Thick Stalked False Morel:
Saddle Shaped False Morel:
Early Morel:
Umbrella False Morel:
I chose some close comparisons, but just so you aren't nervous the next time you go looking for morels here are some unmistakable specimens of True Morel:
Morel (Morchella Esculenta):
Black Morel (Morchella Elata):
Great for stuffed mushrooms!
Morels are one of the most prized and sought after specimens, usually holding the highest value in the market in spite of its mild toxicity while raw. I can't imagine why a person would need to limit themselves to boiling deadly vapors out of a potentially toxic false morel for a meal, there are plenty of other options! But there are still people who eat them. They are an interesting family of fungi to say the least. Thanks for reading everyone! Now you can go out and seek morels with confidence!
@fractalobserver. Thanks for reading!