Gyromitra esculenta is an ascomycete fungus from the genus Gyromitra, widely distributed across Europe and North America and one of several species of fungi known as false morels. It normally sprouts in sandy soils under coniferous trees, in spring and early summer. The fruiting body, or mushroom, is an irregular brain-shaped cap dark brown in colour which can reach 10 cm (4 in) high and 15 cm (6 in) wide, perched on a stout white stipe up to 6 cm (2.4 in) high. Although potentially fatal if eaten raw, Gyromitra esculenta is a popular delicacy in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and the upper Great Lakes region of North America. It may be sold fresh in Finland, but it must be accompanied by warnings and instructions on correct preparation. It is eaten in omelettes, soups, or sautéed in Finnish cuisine. Once popular in the Pyrenees, it is now prohibited from sale for consumption in Spain. Although it is still commonly consumed after parboiling, recent evidence suggests that even this procedure may not make the fungus entirely safe; thus raising concerns of risk even when prepared properly. When consumed, the false morel's principal active agent, gyromitrin, is metabolized into the toxic compound monomethylhydrazine. The toxin affects the liver, central nervous system, and sometimes the kidneys.

Read the rest of this article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyromitra_esculenta

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1279:

The Song Dynasty in Imperial China ended with a victory by the Yuan Dynasty at the Battle of Yamen off the coast of Xinhui, Guangdong Province. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Yamen

1687:

The search for the mouth of the Mississippi River led by French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle ended with a mutiny and his murder in present-day Texas. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren%C3%A9-Robert_Cavelier%2C_Sieur_de_La_Salle

1945:

World War II: A single Japanese aircraft hit the American aircraft carrier USS Franklin , killing over 700 of her crew and crippling the ship. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Franklin_%28CV-13%29

1978:

In response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, the United Nations called on Israel to immediately withdraw its forces from Lebanon, and established the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_Resolution_425

1982:

Argentine forces led by Alfredo Astiz occupied South Georgia, precipitating the Falklands War against the United Kingdom. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Georgia_and_the_South_Sandwich_Islands

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

mandarin (n): 1. (historical) A high government bureaucrat of the Chinese Empire.

2. A pedantic or elitist bureaucrat http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mandarin

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

Do what thy manhood bids thee do, from none but self expect applause;

He noblest lives and noblest dies who makes and keeps his self-made laws. --Richard Francis Burton http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Richard_Francis_Burton