Morel
Useful properties and use of morel mushroom
Botanical characteristics of morel
Morel is a marsupial mushroom with a beautiful ovate-rounded cap. The hat has a yellowish-brownish color and small cells that look like a honeycomb. The cylindrical hollow stem, as a rule, is always lighter than the cap. Morel boasts white flesh with a pleasant aroma and incomparable taste.
These mushrooms prefer deciduous and coniferous forests. They can be found in Australia, North America and, of course, Eurasia. These early mushrooms appear immediately after the snow melts. They prefer soil that is rich in lime. Since these mushrooms cannot be eaten raw, they are considered conditionally edible. To neutralize toxic acids, it is recommended to boil morels for at least 15 minutes or dry well.
Useful properties of morels
Morel contains various trace elements and vitamins, as well as a unique polysaccharide substance. Due to their composition, morels have a great effect on visual acuity. Various modern preparations based on morels not only strengthen the eye muscles, but also prevent the lens from becoming cloudy.
It should be mentioned that these mushrooms not only increase appetite, but also significantly enhance the work of the gastrointestinal tract. Morels are excellent at cleansing blood and lymph. Along with this, the presented mushrooms are an excellent healing and tonic agent.
Application of morels
Since ancient times, morels have been used in the treatment of hyperopia and myopia, as well as in various diseases of the joints and rheumatism. They are indicated for the restoration of the immune system.
To restore vision and treat various diseases, it is recommended to regularly consume these mushrooms, and for at least 6 months. Before using them, it is recommended to thoroughly clean them, soak them in water for one hour, and then boil and rinse them in running water.
Dried morels
A spring mushroom such as morel can be easily dried for long-term storage, since it is hygroscopic. Any dry and well-ventilated area is suitable for storage. Keep in mind that mushrooms absorb moisture easily, so store them in cardboard boxes or thick paper bags. A fragrant powder is prepared from dried morels, which is an excellent seasoning for a wide variety of dishes, as well as an excellent medicine for the treatment of many diseases.
Morel common
Morel appears in early spring in parks, deciduous forests and clearings. The height of its ellipsoidal cap with folds can reach 15 cm, and its diameter is 10 cm. Interesting cells of irregular shape are formed in the folds of the cap. Its color varies from gray to ocher-brown.
The delicate light pulp has a wonderful aroma. The cylindrical hollow stem of the mushroom is slightly widened at the base, it often has a yellowish tint. When fully ripe, it becomes velvety and longitudinally wrinkled. Ellipsoid spores are usually smooth and colorless. The common morel grows only in well-lit places.
Morel edible
Edible morel has a hollow brownish leg and a chic elongated cap. Its waxy pulp is quite brittle, it has an interesting taste and pleasant aroma. The edible morel is found under bushes, in grassy places, on the ashes of fires, as well as on lawns, along roads, near fields and in parks.
These mushrooms can often be picked from March to the end of May. When boiled for 20 minutes, their toxic substances are neutralized, after which you can prepare delicious dishes from them.
Morel conical
Morel conical is common in the tundra, in forest zones and mountains. This species grows from mid-spring to late May. He feels great on a volunteer. A beautiful conical cap, about 4–6 cm high and about 3 cm thick, fuses with the stem of the mushroom with its edges.
Inside, the olive-brown cap is hollow and has a mesh-like structure resembling a honeycomb of bees. The whitish cylindrical stem is also hollow inside and has pronounced longitudinal grooves. Tasty and aromatic pulp is slightly waxy, it breaks easily.
Contraindications to the use of morels
Do not forget that such mushrooms must be boiled or dried before use. Also, be careful not to confuse them with poisonous morels. When used correctly and in moderation, morels will never harm the human body.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).
