False Morel vs. True Morel

FALSE MORELS (Gyromitra spp.) — contain gyromitrin, which metabolizes into a rocket-fuel compound; deadly and also carcinogenic with repeated exposure.

The tell: True morel: cap attached directly to the stem like a thimble, HOLLOW inside from tip to base when sliced lengthwise. False morel: cap like a wrinkled brain, chambered or cottony inside, often with a visible gap between cap and stem. Slice every mushroom lengthwise — hollow = morel.

Rule: Not hollow inside? Not a morel.