| Morel | ||||||||||||||
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
| Gyromitra esculenta |
The false morel (Gyromitra esculenta) is a toxic mushroom of the Helvellacea family. Resembling more of a brown brain than the tan sponge-like appearance of the regular morel, it is a controversial, but generally uneaten mushroom amongst mushroom hunters. Nonetheless, it is consumed. Those in America who consume it refer to it as the "beefsteak mushroom", and it is moderately widely sold in Scandinavia. This is believed to be at least partially regional. It usually has no toxic effects at all. However, there have even been (albeit rare) cases of lethal false morel poisoning. There seems to be a fine threshold between little or no symptoms, and symptoms so severe that they require hospitalization.
False morels contain a chemical called gyromitrin, which is metabolized to monomethylhydrazine, a powerful reducing agent often used in rocket fuel. In addition to having immediate toxic effects, MMH is believed to be carcinogenic. To help try to nullify the effects, those who choose to risk eating this mushroom generally parboil it twice, to evaporate the gyromitrin; it gives off a chocolate-scent. However, that scent is the toxin itself, so even breathing the smell of the mushrooms cooking can be dangerous.
Certain subspecies of false morels can reach masses of several kilograms.