Puff balls

[old243]

I was in my hardwood bush today. I have a spot that usually produces a few puff balls each year . Usually in September. I have been watching for them, today there were 4 nice big white ones. I harvested 2, My friend likes them , so called him . He will pick them up tomorrow. My wife has a real hate on for mushrooms , so usually I don't bother with them.

I plan on moving one of them into another spot  and spread the spores around, when the ball matures , maybe get another spot started. old243

[Brad H.]

Are these edible? If so how do you know when to pick them, and how do you cook them up?

[old243]

Puff balls can appear ,it seems almost overnight, like a lot of funguses. The ones in my bush are always in the same place. I believe they are called a fairy ring. I expect they are regenerated from the spores of the year before.  A good one is snowy white, as they mature they turn yellow , then dark brown after a few days. When dark, you can kick them apart and a lot of dust, spores are released.


My friend peels the outer skin off, then slices them about 3/4 inch thick and browns them in butter. He then eats them with maple syrup over them. There are recipes online , use in lasagna , dried etc. As my wife doesn't like mushrooms, I don't get to try them, she won't let me cook, says I am messy. That's ok as I get to do the eating

I will move one wait till it dries out then spread it around , maybe get a new spot started. old243