Josep Piqueras Gran Via de Carlos III, 62, 6-2 • 08028 Barcelona, Spain •
[email protected] Abstract: Morel mushrooms (Morchella species) are widely considered excellent and delicious culinarily by foragers and chefs alike. Most would be surprised to learn that morel mushrooms can be toxic. This is no “urban legend.” The aim of this article is to clear up what is fact and fiction about morel toxicity, with references to scientific study of morel-related disorders from experiences and case studies in Spain. Key words: Cerebellar syndrome, Morchella, Neurological toxicity, Toxic effects Introduction Although it may be surprising to speak of toxicity in the case of well-known edible mushrooms like morels, the truth is that in recent years news about possible health disorders caused by Figure 1. Wild Morels (Morchella elata), courtesy P. Iglesias. these ascomycetes has been spreading. Eight years ago I published an extensive names with which they are known: Morel hemolysis: review in a mycological journal (Piqueras, Ariganys, Cagarrias, Calves, Colmenillas, myth or reality? 2013). Since that time confusion and Crespillas, Crispas, Gallardas, Guchi By now, who has not heard of the misunderstanding of morel toxicity has chyau, Guchhi, Huhtasienet, Karraspinas, possible hemolytic consequences that persisted, and worse, a serious poisoning Morcheln, Morels, Morilles, Morronglas, may occur as a result of consuming raw occurred in Valencia, Spain in 2019, Murgues, Múrgules, Pantorras, or undercooked morel mushrooms? In attributed to morels. For these reasons I Rabassoles, Spugnole, Xirupatos. Morels practically all the books on mushrooms, have decided that this topic is deserving lend themselves perfectly to drying, so the chapter on ascomycetes mentions of review and an update.