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Purple-spored puffball

Calvatia cyathiformis

A species of Calvatia

It's hard to mistake this mushroom for another. The aptly-named purple-spored puffball has a large, round, or pear-shaped fruiting body and is purple or chocolate-brown in color (with spores to match). Purple-spored puffballs are found in prairies and meadows across North America and Australia.

Cap Diameter:

8 - 20 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Purple-spored puffball

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Attributes of Purple-spored puffball

Cap Diameter

8 - 20 cm

Height

8 - 17 cm

Cap

8 - 20 cm wide; ; ball-shaped; tan to pale brown

Flesh

White, purple or dark brown

Spore Print Color

Purple

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Bronze

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil

Occurence Habitats

Meadows

Species Status

Widely distributed in North America

Endangered Species

How to Identify Purple-spored puffball

Fruiting Body Flesh Habit & Habitat

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Habitat of Purple-spored puffball

The purple-spored puffball is commonly found in pastures, meadows, lawns, fields, forest edges, and occasionally in open forests. It prefers grassy areas and it sometimes forms so-called fairy rings.

Hunting Values of Purple-spored puffball

Only edible when young.

Uses of Purple-spored puffball

Purple-spored puffball is a mushroom that is classified as 'Edible with Precautions' due to potential confusion with inedible or toxic species. While it may have culinary uses, foragers should be well-informed and cautious, seeking expert guidance before consumption. It's not a widely popular edible due to these safety concerns. The practical applications of purple-spored puffball are limited, and its collection value is primarily of interest to knowledgeable mushroom enthusiasts during its specific growing season.

Scientific Classification of Purple-spored puffball

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Agaricaceae

Genus

Calvatia

Toxicity and Edibility of Purple-spored puffball

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Edibility of Purple-spored puffball

The purple-spored puffball is reportedly edible, with no toxic lookalikes and a very mild flavor. Young specimens are said to be good to eat only when their interior pore surface is solid white, and not when it starts to turn a tannish color.

Similar Species to Purple-spored puffball

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Common earthball

Similar Species

Purple-spored puffball

How to Differentiate Between Common earthball and Purple-spored puffball?

Purple-spored puffball: Features a white to pale purple, spongy interior.

Common earthball: Possesses a black, hard, and tightly packed mass.

Purple-spored puffball: Generally softer when mature.

Common earthball: Remains consistently hard.

Tips for Finding Purple-spored puffball

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When is the Best Time to Find Purple-spored puffball

Search for purple-spored puffball after a period of rainy or wet weather in late summer to early fall. Ideal conditions include damp soil and cooler temperatures following the heat of summer.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Purple-spored puffball

Prefers fertile, well-drained, grassy soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Purple-spored puffball

Search in open, grassy areas, considering lawns and fields used for sports or grazing.
Look around areas where grass is not overly manicured, as these may support the growth of purple-spored puffball.
Inspect for the presence of fairy rings, which can indicate the growth of purple-spored puffball.
Explore gently rolling terrain rather than steep slopes or heavily forested regions.
Visit open woodland areas but avoid densely forested regions which are unlikely habitats for purple-spored puffball.

How to Clean and Preserve Purple-spored puffball

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How to Clean Purple-spored puffball

To clean purple-spored puffball, gently brush off any soil and debris using a soft brush. Handle carefully to preserve the mushroom's structure and avoid releasing spores. Avoid soaking as moisture can affect its physical integrity.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Purple-spored puffball

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying

Drying Duration

6 - 12 months

Store in a cool, dark place with low humidity and good ventilation to maintain quality.

Dehydrator drying: Effective moisture removal for soft, high-moisture content mushrooms within several hours.

Oven drying: Set to low temperature to gently remove water without cooking or altering mushroom structure.

Air drying: Utilize consistent airflow and low humidity environment to prevent spoilage over a few days.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Purple-spored puffball

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes, prolongs storage quality.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Purple-spored puffball

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Crisper Drawer Storage

Temperature

1 - 3 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

3 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Puffballs stored in paper bags allow for air circulation, preventing moisture buildup which can lead to spoilage.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Small holes provide ventilation and help maintain humidity levels, extending shelf life while preventing dry out.

Cloth Wrapping: Placing mushrooms over a slightly damp cloth in a container balances moisture and prevents drying.

Crisper Drawer Storage: If sold in a container, keep them there and place in the crisper drawer for a moderate humidity environment.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Purple-spored puffball

Giant puffball

Calvatia gigantea

Onion earthball

Scleroderma cepa