Giant Puffball Mushrooms

Identifying wild mushrooms can be a little tricky. There are so many different kinds with the edibles often having dangerous look alikes. Puffballs are an exception. They are easy to identify, if not exactly easy to find.

We've found them in a hayfield and the yard of a nearby church. They do come back in generally the same place, but only when the conditions are right. They are most likely to be found when it has been cool and wet for a few days and then it gets hot and humid.

We've never found one quite as large as this one photographed by Lid Licker, though they actually can get significantly larger than this. Most we've found have been about the size of a softball.

When you cut a puffball in half it will resemble cream cheese. It is soft, white and almost creamy. If the inside is yellowing or brown, the mushroom is too old to eat. For more on identifying the puffball see American Mushrooms.

They do not store well. When you find them, enjoy them while you can. If you find more than you can handle, they can be prepared and then frozen. Preparing them is easy.


Brush off any dirt. Avoid using water as it will make the mushroom soggy. If the outside is really dirty or if it is thick and brown just peel it off. Trim out any other bad spots, and slice the mushroom. Simply pan fry in a little butter. Add garlic or other spices if you like. The end result is a crispy outside with a soft, rich inside. Delicious!

Please do use care to positively identify mushrooms before eating. Few are actually deadly, but many will make your toilets your best friends for a few days.

This week Make it from Scratch can be found at Feels like home.