Giant puffball
Calvatia gigantea
mushroom
⚠️ Toxic look-alike
Never eat this mushroom unless you are certain it is not its toxic look-alike.
Not every white ball is a puffball: a death cap egg, which is deadly, or an earthball, which is toxic, can look like it, especially when small. Cut in half from top to bottom, a true puffball is white and even from edge to edge, like a marshmallow, with no mushroom outline inside; an earthball is purplish-black inside. Only large specimens, over 10 cm, white to the core; yellow, green or brown flesh is thrown away.
If in the slightest doubt, leave it. If you feel unwell after eating it, even several hours later, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911.
A large white ball sliced and pan-fried like a cutlet, while its flesh is still white and firm.
- Origin
- Meadows of Europe and North America
- Where to find it
- In meadows, rich pastures and parks, often in the same spot year after year, near nettles.
- Season (United States)
- July to October · grows in your region
- Preparation
- The earthy base is cut off, the thin skin peeled and the flesh sliced; it is pan-fried for a few minutes on each side. If you pick it yourself, have the mushroom checked by a pharmacist or a mycological society before eating it.
- Molecules
- Mushroom beta-glucansIn small amounts, not counted Ergothioneine
- Did you know?
- A single specimen can release trillions of spores.