Morel – Morchella esculenta

[Mystic Wolf]

Morel – Morchella esculenta (L) Pers.

Morchella are macrofungi and are also called morels, as they exhibit a morel-like upper cap structure. Morels contain abundant essential amino acids, vitamins, and biologically active compounds, which provide substantial health benefits.

This species just like the other species of Morchella is edible. But it is recommended that it be scalded with boiling water before being prepared. Morchella esculenta has a unique, conical cap about 1" to 5" in height with a mustard brown colored, honeycomb-like appearance.

This mushroom grows in the spring after warm rains, in April and May, in light woods and shaded grassy areas. They are also gathered in the wild in wooded areas. Scandinavians refer to morels as "truffles of the north."

Morchella esculenta is a genus of edible mushrooms also known as Guchi, morel, common morel, true morel, morel mushroom, yellow morel, sponge morel, etc. It is one of the most important and economically beneficial wild species of mushrooms.

Studies have shown that extracts from morel mycelium are effective in combating oxidation.  This is primarily accomplished through the scavenging of damaging molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide radicals.

Antioxidants from morel mushrooms have also been shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation – a process involving tissue damage which, if left unchecked, can lead to inflammation and cancer.

Studies have shown that extracts from morel mycelium are effective in combating oxidation.  This is primarily accomplished through the scavenging of damaging molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), including the superoxide, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide radical.

Antioxidants from morel mushrooms have also been shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation – a process involving tissue damage which, if left unchecked, can lead to inflammation and cancer.

Research shows, however, that an aqueous-ethanol (water and alcohol) extract from cultivated morel mycelium has the remarkable ability to enhance the internal antioxidant defense system, thereby protecting against toxicity caused by the chemotherapy and antibiotic drugs. When supplied with an extract of morel mycelium, however, protection is provided against liver damage, and antioxidant reserves can be restored.
This suggests that morel mushroom mycelium may provide therapeutic use as a liver-protecting agent.

Immune system activity
A 2002 study analyzed the immuno-stimulatory property of a unique polysaccharide isolated from the morel mushroom.  Known as galactomannan, this compound comprises 2.0% of the dry fungal material and may work on both innate immunity and adaptive immunity by enhancing macrophage activity.

Conclusion
In summary, morel mushrooms are excellent wild foods to add to your diet.  While they can be rather expensive at the supermarket, foraging provides a better option (in my opinion), though caution must be taken so as not to confuse this mushroom with the toxic false morel (genus Gyromitra).  The biggest difference is that morels are hollow when cut in half lengthwise, while Gyromitras, which are typically a shade of reddish-brown, are stuffed or chambered. 

[Mystic Wolf]

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