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Puffball

Lycoperdon curtisii

A species of Lycoperdon

When young, this small puffball features numerous spines that can be easily rubbed off. As the mushroom matures, its fruiting body becomes more smooth. Though primarily shaped into a perfect ball, it sometimes deforms as it grows in crowded clusters. It is often seen forming so-called fairy rings.

Odor:

Untried

General Info About Puffball

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Attributes of Puffball

Flesh

White, yellowish to olive

Spore Print Color

Olive

Odor

Untried

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil, Wood Chips or Mulch

Occurence Habitats

Meadows, Disturbed Lands

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

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Habitat of Puffball

Puffball thrive in grassy areas and often in disturbed grounds, such as ditches or landscaping areas with woodchips.

Hunting Values of Puffball

Only edible when young, but generally, the fruit bodies are too small to hold much culinary value.

Uses of Puffball

Puffball is recognized as an edible mushroom, but with significant caveats. It's not widely popular due to the precautions required before consumption. The edibility of puffball comes with a risk of misidentification and potential toxicity if not prepared correctly. Collectors should be well-informed and cautious, ensuring proper identification and preparation to mitigate health risks. Its use in culinary practices is limited and should always be approached with safety in mind.

Scientific Classification of Puffball

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Agaricaceae

Genus

Lycoperdon

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Tips for Finding Puffball

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When is the Best Time to Find Puffball

Search for puffball during late summer to fall when the weather is damp and cool, following rain showers. Optimal temperatures range between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Look after a period of wet conditions followed by a couple of sunny days.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Puffball

Moist, nutrient-rich, disturbed soils.

What are Some Tips for Finding Puffball

Search in tight clusters within areas of grass, especially where the ground has been disturbed.
Look for puffball in landscaping zones that use woodchips, as they may grow there.
Explore after rainfall as puffball may be more visible and easier to locate.
Inspect lowland regions and ditches as these habitats are conducive for puffball growth.

How to Clean and Preserve Puffball

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How to Clean Puffball

To clean puffball, inspect them for pure white flesh, discarding any parts with discoloration. Check and cut out the root base for larvae to extend shelf life. Remove any flesh showing tunneling to eliminate bugs, ensuring what remains is white and firm.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Puffball

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Briefly heat in boiling water, then plunge into ice water before freezing.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Puffball

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Container with Absorbent Lining

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

7 - 10 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store mushrooms in paper bags to allow absorption of excess moisture, preventing spoilage.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated plastic bags to provide ventilation and maintain moderate humidity, reducing decay.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrap mushrooms in a dry cloth to wick away moisture, maintaining texture and preventing mold growth.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Place mushrooms in a container between layers of paper towels to absorb moisture and protect from bruising.

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