The Morel mushroom could be called America’s mushroom as this is found more extensively throughout the US than any other species of mushroom. This mushroom species is popular for its extraordinary taste. Here are a few facts about the morel mushroom.

 

What are they?

 

This is a class of edible mushroom which looks rather like a honeycomb. Although these mushrooms are classified as edible, they should not be eaten raw. This is due to the fact that they contain traces of hydrazine toxins. Only a thorough cooking can remove these toxins from morels. However, it has been reported that morels can cause some  stomach ache even after cooking when they are consumed along with alcohol.

 

Also, when someone is consuming this mushroom variety for the first time, he/she is advised to eat only a small amount  to prevent any allergic responses. Many doctors suggest that morels should be checked for decay and cleaned thoroughly before consuming.

 

Where to search for them

 

Everyone is aware that mushrooms are fungi, and hence these mushrooms live by helping dying plants in their decomposition process. The mushroom spores of morels have the ability to establish themselves in decaying plant matter. These mushroom spores can be found on the bark of trees or fallen timber. It is to be noted that morel mushrooms prefer dark conditions and can be found under layers of decomposing leaves or other plant refuse.

 

These are false morels!

 

When searching for morels, there is an important thing to be remembered. There are false morels out there, which are poisonous in nature. These are known to cause severe gastrointestinal problems and, when consumed in large  quantities, they may lead to the loss of muscular coordination. These false varieties contain a gyromitrin-like toxin substance, which is cancer causing in nature.

 

True morels vs. false morels

 

There are few ways to differentiate between a true morel and a false morel. When searching for edible morels it helps to remember these differences in order to avoid false positives like Gyromitra esculenta. The first thing to be examined is the cap. In the false morel varieties, this cap will be wrinkled, whereas, in the true variety, it will resemble a net. In some of the false varieties, the cap will be darker in color and bigger in size when compared to a true morel. Also, the cap of the false varieties will be attached only at the top, while, in the true morels, the cap will be found attached at the bottom.

 

True morel mushroom will be hollow inside the stem while false one isn’t. Also, false morels can be crushed more easily than true ones. Finally, false morels will be brown or red in color. All these pointers have to be remembered by anyone who wants to obtain these edible morels, which are most commonly found in French cuisine.

 

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