korvasieni

Korvasieni, scientifically known as Gyromitra esculenta, is a species of fungus found in the wild. It is native to Europe and North America. The mushroom has a distinctive appearance, often characterized by its irregularly lobed or brain-like cap, which can range in color from reddish-brown to dark brown. The stem is typically stout and pale.

Despite its name, which translates to "ear mushroom" in Finnish, and its traditional use in some regions, korvasieni is considered poisonous. The toxicity of the mushroom is attributed to the presence of gyromitrin, a compound that the body metabolizes into monomethylhydrazine (MMH). MMH is a highly toxic substance, also used as a rocket propellant. Symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and in severe cases, liver damage, seizures, and even death.

Proper preparation, including boiling and discarding the cooking water multiple times, is often cited as a method to reduce the toxicity of korvasieni. However, even with these precautions, the risk of poisoning remains significant, and consumption is generally discouraged by health authorities. Due to its inherent dangers, foraging and consuming korvasieni is a practice that requires extreme caution and expertise.