Calvatia gigantea, Mushroom
Calvatia gigantea is a distinct species, producing one of the largest fungal fruiting bodies. It is commonly known as Giant Puffball, and is usually found in late summer and autumn in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests throughout temperate regions of North and South America. Giant Puffballs have large, rounded fruit bodies, about 10-70 cm in diameter, but some can grow to 150 cm in diameter and weigh 20 kilograms. Mature Giant Puffballs have greenish brown flesh, whereas the interior of the immature puffballs is white. The Giant Puffballs are edible when young, and to distinguish it from other species, they must be cut open. Edible puffballs have a solid white interior, while some similar mushrooms have the white or yellowish interior and also have the silhouette of a cap-type mushroom and may be poisonous. Giant Puffball must be collected when young and in good condition, before the spores mature. The flesh becomes yellowish turning dark olive-brownish as the spores develop, at which point it is dangerous to consume the mushroom. Giant Puffballs taste similar to tofu or melted cheese when cooked. Remove brown portions and tough skins and do not soak puffballs in anything. It may be sauteed, broiled, or breaded and fried.  Calvatia gigantea Author: Anne Burgess (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic) | ||
|
