Morchella spp. – Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Recipes

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 10 min read

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Morchella spp. commonly-known as Common morel, yellow morel, morel, morel mushroom, true morel, sponge morel, and sponge mushroom, is an edible mushroom that belongs to the family Morchellaceae. It is found all over the Northern Hemisphere especially in North America, Europe, Central America, and Asia....

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

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Key Takeaways

This article explains Nutritional value of Morel mushroom raw in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Morchella spp. commonly-known as Common morel, yellow morel, morel, morel mushroom, true morel, sponge morel, and sponge mushroom, is an edible mushroom that belongs to the family Morchellaceae. It is found all over the Northern Hemisphere especially in North America, Europe, Central America, and Asia. This mushroom naturally grows in the forested areas around dead apple trees, elm trees, underwood scraps, Sycamore, and Ash trees. Black morels, Half-free morels, and Yellow morels are the three varieties of Morels.

Morel Mushroom Quick Facts
Name:	Morel Mushroom
Scientific Name:	Morchella spp.
Origin	It is found all over the Northern Hemisphere especially in North America, Europe, Central America and Asia.
Colors	Light tan, gray and black
Shapes	Honeycomb or sponge, Height: 3-5 inches
Flesh colors	White
Calories	20 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients	Iron (100.50%) Copper (45.78%) Vitamin D (22.67%) Phosphorus (18.29%) Manganese (16.83%)
Health benefits	Iron deficiency, Cognitive health, Treat pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">Arthritis, Thyroid health, Bone health

MOREL MUSHROOM FACTS

Morchella is an edible mushroom that has an appearance of honeycomb in the upper portion which consists of network ridges with pits. It is hollow. The bottom portion hangs from the whitish stalk. Morels differ in size and shape. Cylindrical to cone shapes morels are the most common ones. Round morels and pencil-shaped morels are not common.

Name	Morel Mushroom
Scientific Name	Morchella spp.
Native	It is found all over the Northern Hemisphere especially in North America, Europe, Central America and Asia.
Common/English Name	Common morel, yellow morel, morel, morel mushroom, true morel, sponge morel and sponge mushroom
Name in Other Languages	West Virginia: molly moochers Kentucky: hickory chickens Finnish: huhtasieni
Plant Growth Habit	In forested areas around dead apple trees, elm trees, under wood scraps, Sycamore and Ash trees.
Soil	Moist, sandy
Stem	Hollow, thick, stout, white; Length: 2″ – 4″, Thickness: ¾” – 1 5/8″
Stalk	White – cream color
Spores deposit	Elliptical, smooth, deep cream-yellowish, located in pits
Fruit shape & size	Honeycomb or sponge, Height: 3-5 inches
Fruit color	Light tan, gray and black
Flesh color	White
Cap shape and size	Rounded, subglobose – ovoid, Height: 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm)
Cap color	Cream, tan, gray-brown or black
Flavor/aroma	Earthy, nutty, steak
Varieties/Types	Black morels Half-free morels Yellow morels
Fruit Season	Spring
Major Nutritions	Iron, Fe 8.04 mg (100.50%) Copper, Cu 0.412 mg (45.78%) Vitamin D (D2 + D3) 3.4 µg (22.67%) Phosphorus, P 128 mg (18.29%) Manganese, Mn 0.387 mg (16.83%) Zinc, Zn 1.34 mg (12.18%) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.135 mg (10.38%) Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 1.486 mg (9.29%) Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.09 mg (6.92%) Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 0.29 mg (5.80%)
Health Benefits	Iron deficiency Cognitive health Treat pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">Arthritis Thyroid health Bone health Enhance mood Liver ailments Cure diarrhea Supports vision Maintains cholesterol
Calories in 1cup (66 gm)	20 Kcal.
Traditional uses	Morels are used in traditional Chinese medicine in order to treat excess phlegm, indigestion, shortness of breath and croup.
Precautions	One should properly identify the morel species. Morels can be harmful when poorly cooked with an experience of neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. Morels may cause food poisoning in some people. Some Morels are toxic which may lead to death of a person. Some people might experience allergic reactions with the consumption of Morels.
How to Eat	Morels could be prepared with wine sauces or cream and serve a side dish to meats. It could be deep fried, sautéed and dried. Morel mushrooms could be served as an appetizer. Sear the morels in the oil by adding shallots, minced onion, garlic, butter and soy sauce. Morels could be added to wine sauce, soups, stews and pasta. Morels could be fried by dipping in the egg and rolling in the butter. It could be fried with flour and butter. It can be sautéed with oil and garlic.
Other Facts	Morels are rare and edible. Morels can be dried and kept for future use.

Morel Mushroom Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Morchella spp.

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Fungi
Phylum	Ascomycota
Class	Discomycetes
Order	Pezizales
Family	Morchellaceae
Genus	Morchella
Species	Morchella esculentoides

History

Thousands of enthusiasts hunted morels for their excellent taste every spring and it is prized in the French cuisine by gourmet cooks. The commercial harvesting of wild morels took place due to the cultivation difficulties in Turkey, India, North America, China, and Pakistan which are found in great amounts.

Plant

The fruitbody has the appearance of a honeycomb or sponge which grows up to 3-5 inches high. It is a light tan, gray and black in color. The cap is rounded, subglobose – ovoid in cream, tan, gray-brown or black color measuring up to 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) high. It has got white flesh. The hollow stem is white and stout up to 2″ – 4″ long and ¾” – 1 5/8″ thick. It also possesses a whitish to cream stalk. The spores are smooth, elliptical, deep cream-yellowish which are located in pits. This mushroom possesses earthy, nutty, and steak flavor.

Nutritional value of Morel mushroom raw

Serving Size: 1 Cup, 66 g

Calories 20 Kcal.Calories from Fat 3.42 Kcal.

Proximity	Amount	% DV
Water	59.14 g	N/D
Energy	20 Kcal	N/D
Energy	85 kJ	N/D
Protein	2.06 g	4.12%
Total Fat (lipid)	0.38 g	1.09%
Ash	1.04 g	N/D
Carbohydrate	3.37 g	2.59%
Total dietary Fiber	1.8 g	4.74%
Total Sugars	0.4 g	N/D
Sucrose	0 g	N/D
Glucose (dextrose)	0.4 g	N/D

Minerals	Amount	% DV
Calcium, Ca	28 mg	2.80%
Iron, Fe	8.04 mg	100.50%
Magnesium, Mg	13 mg	3.10%
Phosphorus, P	128 mg	18.29%
Potassium, K	271 mg	5.77%
Sodium, Na	14 mg	0.93%
Zinc, Zn	1.34 mg	12.18%
Copper, Cu	0.412 mg	45.78%
Manganese, Mn	0.387 mg	16.83%
Selenium, Se	1.5 µg	2.73%

Vitamins	Amount	% DV
Water soluble Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.046 mg	3.83%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.135 mg	10.38%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	1.486 mg	9.29%
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)	0.29 mg	5.80%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	0.09 mg	6.92%
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	6 µg	1.50%
Folic Acid	0 µg	N/D
Folate, food	6 µg	N/D
Folate, DEF	6 µg	N/D
Fat-soluble Vitamins (Retinoids and Carotenoids)
Vitamin D (D2 + D3)	3.4 µg	22.67%
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)	3.4 µg	N/D
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)	0 µg	N/D
Vitamin D	136 IU	N/D

Lipids	Amount	% DV
Fatty acids, total saturated	0.043 g	N/D
capric acid 10:00 (decanoic acid)	0.001 g	N/D
Myristic acid 14:00(Tetradecanoic acid)	0.001 g	N/D
Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid)	0.034 g	N/D
Stearic acid 18:00 (Octadecanoic acid)	0.006 g	N/D
Lignoceric acid (tetracosanoic acid) 24:00	0.001 g	N/D
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	0.034 g	N/D
Palmitoleic acid 16:1 (hexadecenoic acid)	0.001 g	N/D
16:1 c	0.001 g	N/D
16:1 t	0 g	N/D
Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid)	0.015 g	N/D
18:1 c	0.015 g	N/D
18:1 t	0 g	N/D
Nervonic acid (Tetracosenoic acid) 24:1 c	0.002 g	N/D
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	0.286 g	N/D
Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid)	0.142 g	N/D
Alpha-linolenic acid 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (Octadecatrienoic acid)	0.142 g	N/D
Eicosadienoic acid 20:2 n-6 c,c	0.001 g	N/D

Other Fats	Amount	% DV
Campesterol	2 mg	N/D

*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weighs 194 lbs. Source:

https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/

Health Benefits of Morel mushroom

It possesses Vitamin D and Vitamin B like other mushrooms. They are rich in nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, and minerals such as iron, copper, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, and potassium. It possesses an antiviral, antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and anti-tumor growth activity that helps to prevent the body from various health ailments.

Iron deficiency

The anemia is caused due to the low level of hemoglobin and red blood cells due to which low levels of oxygen reach the cells. It leads to low energy levels, poor immunity, and brain function. WHO has estimated that about half of the 1.62 billion anemia cases are caused due to the low level of iron and others are caused due to genetic factors.

Cognitive health

Iron is essential for brain function as it plays a vital role in carrying oxygen to the brain because 20 percent of oxygen is used by the brain in the body. The deficiency of iron can affect mental functions and memory as well. The child with iron deficiency may cause cognitive abnormalities and psychomotor that make them difficult for learning.

Treat pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">Arthritis

Copper provides infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory activities that relieve stiffness and pain that are related to arthritis. It assists muscular strength, repairs connective tissue, and lowers joint pain. There is a belief that the copper bracelets could reduce the painful symptoms of arthritis so arthritis patients wear bracelets made of copper.

Thyroid health

Potassium, zinc, calcium, and copper are essential for the proper functioning of thyroid activity and also prevent hyperthyroidism. The absence of one of these minerals can lead a person to suffer from the thyroid. It leads to weight gain or loss, fatigue, appetite, change in body temperature, etc.

Bone health

Vitamin D plays a vital role in the absorption of calcium which is essential to maintain bone health. The calcium level is maintained by the calcitriol and parathyroid hormone. Vitamin K helps to maintain the level of phosphorus in the blood. The deficiency of Vitamin D leads to the bone ailments such as rickets and osteomalacia. It also increases the risk of bone fractures, broken bones, and fracture risk. সহজ বাংলা: হাড় দুর্বল হয়ে ভাঙার ঝুঁকি বেশি।" data-rx-term="osteoporosis" data-rx-definition="Osteoporosis means weak, fragile bones with higher fracture risk. সহজ বাংলা: হাড় দুর্বল হয়ে ভাঙার ঝুঁকি বেশি।">osteoporosis.

Enhance mood

The deficiency of Vitamin D results in the mood disorders such as seasonal depression, depression, insomnia, anxiety, and mood problems during PMS. The low presence of Vitamin D affects estrogen and testosterone production and imbalances it.

Liver ailments

The adequate consumption of zinc lowers the infection and damage to the liver. Zinc assists to clean the liver by eliminating wastes which help to reduce the free radical damage and assist the absorption of nutrients. This helps to keep the liver ailments at bay.

Cure diarrhea

The deficiency of zinc is associated with diarrheal diseases as well as digestive problems so the adequate consumption of foods rich in zinc helps to cure diarrhea and prophylaxis. It also enhances the immunity function so that it increases the ability of the body to counteract diseases.

Supports vision

The deficiency of Vitamin B2 increases the risk of eye ailments such as keratoconus, cataracts, and glaucoma. Vitamin B2 has the ability to prevent these eye disorders. Riboflavin drops are applied to treat the eye ailments such as glaucoma.

Maintains cholesterol

Vitamin B3 can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in dyslipidemia patients. It reduces LDL cholesterol levels which increase the chances of having a stroke, heart attack, and other heart diseases. Vitamin B3 increases HDL cholesterol levels and reduces triglycerides. It results to maintain a healthy heart by preventing heart ailments.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider

Tests to discuss with doctor

Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.