Emma Wilson
Puffball mushrooms are a type of fungus with a ball-shaped fruit body that bursts on impact when mature, releasing a cloud of dust-like spores. They are edible and have a mild, earthy flavour. They are commonly found in meadows, fields, and forests in late summer and autumn in temperate areas throughout the world. Puffballs have a variety of uses, including medicinal and culinary purposes, and are easy to spot due to their large size.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Description | A type of fungus featuring a ball-shaped fruit body that bursts on contact or impact when mature, releasing a cloud of dust-like spores. |
| Scientific Name | Lycoperdon |
| Other Names | Wolf fart mushroom, devil's snuff-box |
| Size | Large, some reaching watermelon-like proportions. The giant puffball can reach 1 foot or more in diameter. |
| Colour | White when immature, greenish-brown when mature. |
| Taste | Mild, earthy flavour. |
| Uses | Food, medicine, ink, anaesthetic. |
| Where to Find | Sports fields, highway meridians, meadows, deciduous forests, woods, trails. |
| Toxicity | Not responsible for any human deaths. |
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What You'll Learn
What is a mushroom puff?
A mushroom puff is a type of fungus featuring a ball-shaped fruit body that, when mature, bursts on contact or impact, releasing a cloud of dust-like spores into the surrounding area. The distinguishing feature of all puffballs is that they do not have an open cap with spore-bearing gills. Instead, spores are produced internally, in a spheroidal fruit body called a gasterothecium (gasteroid 'stomach-like' basidiocarp).
Puffballs are a form of wild edible mushroom found throughout the central and eastern United States and Canada. They are commonly found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests in late summer and autumn. They are also sometimes found in sports fields and highway meridians and can seem to pop up overnight. Puffballs are easy to spot and don't have any dangerous or poisonous look-alikes. They grow extremely large, with some reaching watermelon-like proportions.
When ripe for harvest, puffballs are perfectly white inside and out. They will start to change colour when ready to release their spores, and at this stage, they should not be eaten. The colour change can be to black, brown, green, yellow, or purple. The rule of thumb is that if the puffball is not white, do not eat it.
Puffballs have a very mild, earthy taste and are versatile in the kitchen. They are like sponges, absorbing all the flavours of your marinade or spice blend. They can be cooked in various ways, including being sliced, cooked, and then frozen to make dishes like lasagna. They can also be dehydrated or made into space-saving purees or hummus.
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Where to find them
Puffball mushrooms can be found in a variety of locations, depending on where their spores land. Unlike other mushrooms, they don't have a set spot where they grow year after year. They can be found in meadows, fields, deciduous forests, sports fields, and highway meridians. They are commonly found in late summer and autumn in temperate areas throughout the world, including the United Kingdom and North America (August to October), except for the southeast United States.
When searching for puffball mushrooms, look for large, solid mushrooms that lack gills and are shaped like ovoid blobs. They can range in size from a beach ball (giant puffball) to a golf ball (common puffball). The giant puffball, or Calvatia gigantea, can grow up to 50 centimetres wide and high, and some specimens have been recorded weighing over 23 kilograms.
Before harvesting puffball mushrooms, it's important to inspect them for larvae and insects. Turn the mushroom over and inspect the root base, cutting away any flesh with dirt attached. The outside of the mushroom should be perfectly white, and the flesh should be pure white as well. If the flesh is yellowish or greenish-brown, it is too ripe to eat and may cause digestive issues.
Once you find a good patch of puffball mushrooms, make sure to harvest them at the right time. They have a short window of edibility before they turn brown and release their spores. If you find puffballs that are too ripe, you can help release their spores by kicking or stepping on them, increasing the chances of finding more puffballs in that area later on.
While puffball mushrooms can be challenging to grow commercially, it is not impossible. To grow your own, pick a fully ripe puffball mushroom that has turned completely brown and carefully cut it at the base. Place a piece of cardboard or paper towel underneath to catch the spores. Start the germination process by filling a one-gallon jar with non-chlorinated water.
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How to identify them
Puffballs are a type of fungus featuring a ball-shaped fruit body that, when mature, bursts on contact or impact, releasing a cloud of dust-like spores. They are commonly found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests in late summer and autumn. They are widespread and common in the United Kingdom and North America.
Colour
The interior of an immature puffball is white, while that of a mature specimen is greenish-brown. The spores are yellowish, smooth, and 3-6 μm in size. They produce a white spore print when young, and an olive-coloured spore print with an unpleasant smell when mature.
Texture
A distinguishing feature of puffballs is that they do not have an open cap with spore-bearing gills. Instead, spores are produced internally in a spheroidal fruit body called a gasterothecium. As the spores mature, they form a mass called a gleba in the centre of the fruit body, which is often of a distinctive colour and texture. A gleba that is powdery on maturity is a feature of true puffballs, stalked puffballs, and earthstars. False puffballs, on the other hand, are hard like rock or brittle and are inedible.
Size and Shape
Puffballs can grow extremely large, with some reaching watermelon-like proportions or even a foot in diameter. They are usually ball-shaped, or ovoid-shaped, and can be solid and lack gills.
Edibility
Puffballs are edible when young and white inside. However, they can cause digestive issues if the spores have begun to form, as indicated by the flesh being yellowish or greenish-brown. When ready to release their spores, puffballs will start to change colour and can be black, brown, green, yellow, or purple. As a rule of thumb, if the puffball is not white, it is not safe to eat.
Habitat
Puffballs can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, deciduous forests, sports fields, and highway meridians. They can often be found in rings, which some people call "fairy circles". They grow where their spores have landed and are not bonded to a particular tree, so they can be found in different spots each year.
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How to prepare them
Preparing puffball mushrooms requires several steps to ensure they are safe to eat. Puffballs are a type of fungus featuring a ball-shaped fruit body that, when mature, releases a cloud of dust-like spores. They are edible and have a mild, earthy flavour.
Firstly, it is important to identify a puffball mushroom correctly. They are usually very large, ball-shaped, and pure white inside and out when young and edible. They can be found in fields, forests, and along highways, and do not have poisonous look-alikes. However, some immature gilled mushrooms can resemble puffballs, so it is important to examine them closely. False puffballs are inedible, as they are tough and bitter.
Once you have identified a puffball, inspect the root base for larvae and cut away any infested portions. Also, check for bug damage and bug tunneling, which can indicate the presence of worms. Cut away any affected areas and ensure that the remaining mushroom is perfectly white and firm.
After cleaning and inspecting the puffball, you can prepare it in various ways. You can cook it fresh, dehydrate it, or make it into a puree or hummus. Puffballs are versatile and can be cooked in slices, added to stir-fries, or frozen for later use.
It is important to note that puffballs should not be eaten when they are mature and about to release their spores. The flesh will turn yellowish or greenish-brown, indicating that it is no longer safe to eat and can cause digestive issues.
In summary, preparing puffball mushrooms involves correctly identifying them, cleaning and inspecting for any infestation, and then cooking or preserving them appropriately. They are a culinary delicacy with a mild flavour and can be used in a variety of dishes.
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Their culinary uses
Mushroom puffs are a type of savoury pastry made with a light, flaky dough and a filling of mushrooms, cheese, and other ingredients. They are small, individual-sized pastries, often served as a snack or appetiser. The key component, mushrooms, lend an earthy, umami flavour to the dish, and their versatility means they can be used in a variety of recipes.
Firstly, they can be a tasty appetiser or a side dish to a main course. For an elegant starter, serve warm mushroom puffs with a crisp green salad. Alternatively, they pair well with roasted meats, adding a rich, savoury element to the plate. The flaky pastry and creamy filling are a delicious contrast to a juicy roast.
Secondly, mushroom puffs are versatile enough to be a main course themselves. Serve a couple of puffs per person with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh, tangy slaw for a satisfying vegetarian meal. You could also offer a selection of savoury pastries, including mushroom puffs, as part of a larger spread for guests to choose from.
Another use is as a moreish snack, perfect for afternoon tea or a casual get-together. They can be made in advance and warmed up, or served at room temperature, making them a convenient and impressive offering. For a special touch, provide a variety of dips or spreads to accompany the mushroom puffs, such as a garlic aioli or a tangy herbed yoghurt.
Finally, get creative and experiment with different ingredients to put a unique twist on this classic dish. Try adding spices or herbs to the pastry dough, or experiment with different types of mushrooms and cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. You could even add a touch of truffle oil to elevate the dish further.
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Frequently asked questions
A mushroom puff is a type of fungus featuring a ball-shaped fruit body that, when mature, bursts on contact or impact, releasing a cloud of dust-like spores into the surrounding area.
Mushroom puffs can be found in meadows, fields, deciduous forests, sports fields, and highway meridians. They are widespread and common in the United Kingdom and North America, especially in late summer and autumn.
Yes, mushroom puffs are generally safe to eat and are considered a culinary delicacy. However, it is important to ensure that they are perfectly white inside and out, as the presence of yellow or green colouring indicates the presence of spores, which can cause digestive issues.
Mushroom puffs have a mild earthy flavour and are very versatile in the kitchen. They absorb the flavours of marinades or spice blends, making them a great addition to various dishes.
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