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Peeling puffball

Lycoperdon marginatum

A species of Lycoperdon

It is easy to spot as it resembles a puffball but has spines that gradually peel off as it ages. This appearance gave this mushroom its common name "peeling puffball." peeling puffball thrives underneath deciduous and conifer trees, getting its nutrients from decaying plant matter.

Cap Diameter:

2 - 5 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy, generally non-distinctive.

General Info About Peeling puffball

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Attributes of Peeling puffball

Cap Diameter

2 - 5 cm

Height

2 - 4 cm

Cap

2 - 5 cm wide; round to cushion-shaped or slightly flattened; dry, covered with fairly long, whitish to brownish spines

Stem

Short, tapering

Flesh

Whitish to brownish

Spore Print Color

Olive brown

Odor

Mildly mushroomy, generally non-distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Green

White

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

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Disturbed Lands

Species Status

Widely distributed in North America

Endangered Species

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Habitat of Peeling puffball

Peeling puffball is typically found in wooded areas beneath hardwoods or conifers, as well as along roadsides and in urban environments.

Hunting Values of Peeling puffball

Edible only when young.

Uses of Peeling puffball

Peeling puffball is recognized as an edible mushroom, but with significant precautions. It's not widely popular due to potential confusion with toxic species, which necessitates careful identification by experts before consumption. Its availability peaks in certain seasons, adding to its collection value for knowledgeable foragers. While it may find a place in traditional culinary practices, the risk of mistaking it for poisonous look-alikes warrants a strong safety reminder to only consume peeling puffball when absolutely certain of its identity.

Scientific Classification of Peeling puffball

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Agaricaceae

Genus

Lycoperdon

Similar Species to Peeling puffball

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Common earthball

Similar Species

Peeling puffball

How to Differentiate Between Common earthball and Peeling puffball?

Peeling puffball: The interior starts as white and turns brown when mature.

Common earthball: The interior is dark, blackish-purple.

Tips for Finding Peeling puffball

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When is the Best Time to Find Peeling puffball

Search for peeling puffball in late summer to early autumn, particularly after periods of wet weather. Warmer days and cooler nights create ideal conditions for finding peeling puffball.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Peeling puffball

Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Peeling puffball

Inspect areas under trees, such as oaks and pines, for peeling puffball, especially where organic debris accumulates.
Search along roadsides and pathways in urban or suburban areas where peeling puffball may emerge.
Look for peeling puffball where the ground is damp and where there is ample shade provided by tree canopies.
Explore gregariously in potential zones since peeling puffball tends to grow in groups.
Check decaying wood and organic matter piles as they provide the right conditions for peeling puffball to thrive.

How to Clean and Preserve Peeling puffball

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How to Clean Peeling puffball

To clean peeling puffball, gently brush off any surface dirt. If there's any discoloration inside, discard these parts; only firm, white flesh should remain. Avoiding the skin can simplify the cleaning process.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Peeling puffball

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Blanch to inactivate enzymes, quick cool, drain well, then freeze.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Peeling puffball

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Cloth Wrapping, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Spread-Out Storage

Temperature

1 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 90 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Place mushrooms in paper bags to absorb excess moisture, preventing spoilage due to dampness.

Cloth Wrapping: Wrap mushrooms in a damp cloth to maintain humidity without direct moisture contact, reducing decay.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated plastic bags to provide airflow, reducing internal condensation and spoilage risk.

Spread-Out Storage: Arrange mushrooms on a tray in a single layer, ensuring space between them for adequate air circulation.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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