Beware the dangers of false morels in spring mushroom hunts
Spring mushroom hunting, despite the sunny weather, can be dangerous. Toxic false morels appear in the forests and are often mistaken for genuine morels. How can you recognize them?
Spring is when morels emerge in the forests, prized for their flavour and high price. However, you might come across the dangerous false morel (Gyromitra esculenta) among them. This toxic mushroom is often confused with the morel, leading to serious health issues.
False morel - what kind of mushroom is it?
The false morel, or brain mushroom, is a highly toxic fungus. It contains gyromitrin, a toxin that can damage the liver, kidneys, and other organs. Consuming this mushroom can result in severe health problems and even death. Therefore, forestry officials from the Czarnbór Forestry Department warn against picking it.
The false morel is particularly dangerous because its toxicity is not immediately noticeable – the symptoms of poisoning might not appear until several hours or even days after consumption.
Morels and false morels - what are the differences?
Identifying the false morel is difficult, as it resembles a true morel. Morels have fruiting bodies covered with distinct honeycomb-like holes, while false morels have a more wrinkled surface. The colour of a false morel tends to be redder, distinguishing it from the brown and beige morels.
The smell of the false morel can be misleading. It emits a pleasant aroma even though it contains toxic volatile substances. Symptoms of poisoning might appear even after a few days, including headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, and weakness. If poisoning occurs, immediate medical assistance is necessary.
It is important to remember that morels are protected and can only be collected in certain areas. Their price can reach CAD 160 per kilogram, making them an attractive target for mushroom hunters. However, safety should be a priority during spring forest excursions.
