Gyromitra esculenta

"Perilous Feasts: The Gyromitras, The "False Morels"

The Gyromitras, once the focus of furious controversy in Europe; although known to be risky (causing anything from pleasant dining to untimely death) they were fraudulently sold in markets as "Morels" - and even touted in cookbooks as safe and delicious - practices long condemned by mycologists toting up the resultant traumas and its tragedies. The discovery of the Gyromitra toxin MMH led to the restriction or banning of their sale in most countries.

The Conifer False Morel, Gyromitra esculenta (above) misnamed "esculenta" is safely eaten only when prepared carefully after driving off the toxin. Those who dry it, or cook it in quantity, may be afflicted by its fumes!"

In publication, Page 34: "Reflections on the Fungaloids" by B.L. Williamson, Ottawa, 1992. ISBN 1-894572-65-3