Morel Hunters Beware: FALSE Morels Could Send You to the ER

It's that special time of year when Iowans go tramping through the woods in search of a rare delicacy. The morel mushroom. Some, like myself, think it's crazy to call something categorized as a fungus a delicacy. But if you've ever had one fried in flour and butter, you know they're worth the hunt. But if you're new to the morels, be aware that not all mushrooms are your friends.

Radio Iowa reports that Dr. Benjamin Orozco with Gundersen Health warns that 'false' morels are also sprouting up across Iowa, and these 'shrooms are far from edible. Dr. Orozco notes that false morels are poisonous, and consuming enough of them can cause seizures and even death.

How Do You Spot a 'False' Morel Mushroom? 

Many false morels look similar to the real morel mushroom. Dr. Orozco told Radio Iowa that to make sure your morel is the real deal, cut it in half. The inside of a real morel mushroom should look like the picture below.

If the inside of the mushroom is solid or there is material within the mushroom, it is a false morel. A true morel also has a continuous stalk that goes all the way up into the cap.

Radio Iowa reports that if you are new to morel hunting, talk with an experienced mushroom hunter or club to find out what to look for and watch out for. Maybe they'll even take you to their secret morel hot spot!