Giant puff ball mushrooms - anyone tried one?

[Rob_B]

We're at the lakes at the moment and came across this beauty in a field, has anyone ever tried one before?

I'm very tempted but I'm happiest when I'm not poisoning my entire family!

https://flic.kr/p/wexj93

[kalniel]

Yes. Lovely - like a mild mushroom.

[scaryjim]

There's no other mushroom that looks anything like a proper giant puff ball - the size alone sets it apart, but if you have any doubt it should be attached to the ground by a small root-like thread, and when you slice it the flesh should be buttery-white. The only thing that comes close to the appearance is called an earth ball, but they're smaller and the flesh is distinctly grey.

They are delicious - you can just cut them into big slices, fry them in some butter, and stick them in a bun like a burger.

[Rob_B]

Aaagh I'm torn, I might try it, should be solid and pure white inside yes?

[kalniel]

Aaagh I'm torn, I might try it, should be solid and pure white inside yes?

Yes.

[shaithis]

There's no other mushroom that looks anything like a proper giant puff ball - the size alone sets it apart, but if you have any doubt it should be attached to the ground by a small root-like thread, and when you slice it the flesh should be buttery-white.

It actually looks like Scleroderma citrinum but the root gives it away.

I believe that every single edible mushroom has a poisonous look-a-like.

[g8ina]

If its solid inside and smells OK then do as jim says, fry in butter, nice.

[scaryjim]

... The only thing that comes close to the appearance is called an earth ball ...

It actually looks like Scleroderma citrinum ...

Scleroderma citrinum, commonly known as the common earthball ...

from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scleroderma_citrinum



The similarity is very much superficial, and by the time it gets anywhere near the maturity and size of the sample Rob photographed the difference would be very clear. Go for properly mature samples and it's probably the second safest wild mushroom to forage, after the shaggy inkcap (and it's MUCH tastier than the inkcap ).

[sammyc]

What should happen next:

Rob_B posts that he has duly fried & consumed said mushrooms

Kalniel posts 'oh, um, Rob? actually, come to think of it, er.. no, nothing..'

[Rob_B]

No one is willing to risk it so it's a no go

[sammyc]

Ah well.. better that than we find you involuntarily 'offline'..