How to tell Black morel from Snow false morel

Gyromitrin poisoning — serious and potentially fatal.

Active toxins: GYROMITRIN (acetaldehyde N-methyl-N-formylhydrazone) — the main toxin In the stomach it turns into monomethylhydrazine (MMH) — the same compound used as rocket fuel MMH is a liver toxin, hemolytic agent, neurotoxin, carcinogen (IARC Group 2B)

Heat lability — INCOMPLETE: When boiled (100°C), it partly evaporates with the steam NOT ALL molecules are destroyed Air-drying (for years) works better than boiling, but not completely either No processing method guarantees safety

Cumulative toxicity: Small doses from repeated meals build up in the liver Regular eaters risk cirrhosis, liver cancers and blood cancers

Individual sensitivity varies widely: Some people can eat a lot with no visible symptoms Others get fatal poisoning from a single serving Genetic variation in the enzymes that metabolize hydrazines

Latency period: 6-12 h (sometimes up to 24 h) — later than with the death cap

Symptoms: Phase I (6-12 h): nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache Phase II (12-72 h): jaundice, dark urine (hemoglobinuria), hepatitis, hemolysis, fever Phase III (3-7 days): in severe poisoning — liver failure, kidney failure, methemoglobinemia, neurological disorders (seizures, coma)

Fatality rate: up to 10-15% after eating a significant amount without timely treatment.

First aid: 1. AMBULANCE — 112 or your local emergency number, without fail, even if you subjectively "feel better" — phase II is still ahead 2. Keep a sample of the mushroom for identification 3. Activated charcoal in the first 1-2 h 4. In hospital: high-dose intravenous PYRIDOXINE (vitamin B6) — the antidote for hydrazine poisoning (25 mg/kg, slowly) 5. Rehydration, monitoring of liver, kidneys and blood 6. Hemodialysis in severe cases

PREVENTION: don't eat false morels. The modern consensus is a complete ban as food, regardless of tradition. In Germany, Switzerland and Spain the common false morel is banned from sale. Poland and Ukraine are gradually moving the same way. There's no culinary value that would make up for the risk.