Amazing Mushroom #003 - White Saddle (Helvella Crispa), the weird ambiguous edible

monskor (35)in #nature • 7 years ago

*Please, never consume any wild mushrooms. Many edible species have deadly lookalikes. I don't want you to get hurt because of a post you read on the internet, so have a professionnal help you identify your finds. This being said, go out and try to find these mushrooms and take pictures of them. Do not assume you identified a mushroom properly by simply looking at it. Some mushrooms are illegal to pick, make sure to understand your local laws about the subject.

*DO NOT EAT THE MUSHROOMS. Be safe.

Amazing Mushroom #003 - White Saddle (Helvella Crispa),

This weird lookig mushroom is often lost in fallen leaves, but once in a while you will see them along footpaths. It was first described by naturalist Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in 1772. It's name was originally a type of Italian herb but it became associated with morels. It can be dried and stored for later use in recipes. It contains toxic substances, but can be edible when prepared properly, making it a risky bet for some.

Edible: yes, but not as good as morels. Considered by many as a poor quality edible. They must be well cooked to reduce toxicity.
Toxic: yes, the mushrooms contain gyromitrin, a toxin and possible long-term carcinogen that attacks the liver and nervous system. It's effects are reported to be very random from one person to the other depending on where the mushrooms where picked. It is also said to contain monomethylhydrazine, which can cause severe sporadic intoxications. When eaten raw, it also troubles digestion.
Cap size: 2-5 cm.
Color: yellowish white, creamy
Habitat: borders of deciduous forests
Season: August until the end of November
Lookalikes: apparent to some morels, but it's cap is very distinctive

Useful Links:

Sources:

Mauch, Hans & Konrad Lauber. Champignons. 1975. Petit Atlas Payot Lausanne. p. 174.
Blanc, Myriam. Le Petit Livre des Champignons. 2012. Éditions du Chêne. p. 70.

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