Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: bjrogg on September 21, 2017, 07:55:56 pm

Title: Fungus among us?
Post by: bjrogg on September 21, 2017, 07:55:56 pm
Anyone know what these are. They are huge. I saw them growing not far from this same spot a few years ago. I don't think their puff balls.
Bjrogg
Title: Re: Fungus among us?
Post by: tipi stuff on September 21, 2017, 08:16:30 pm
They look like giant puffballs. I've only seen two of them in my life. They are edible. I've never eaten the big ones, but have tried the smaller versions. The ones I ate were okay, but not something I have a craving for.  Curtis
Title: Re: Fungus among us?
Post by: upstatenybowyer on September 21, 2017, 08:38:39 pm
Lycoperdon giganteum aka the giant puffball. There is no other mushroom that looks like that. They proceed fairly rapidly through a transformation from "firm white flesh throughout" to "filled with dust (billions of spores)."

If harvested early when the flesh is firm and white they are edible. To me they taste like scrambled eggs. Not my favorite mushroom to eat, but some people love them.  -C-
Title: Re: Fungus among us?
Post by: bjrogg on September 21, 2017, 08:54:30 pm
Ok thanks guys. I've never actually seen them when they were in the white fleshy stage.
Bjrogg
Title: Re: Fungus among us?
Post by: Hawkdancer on September 21, 2017, 11:31:55 pm
Not sure about the Giants, but if I remember correctly, the smaller ones were dried and the spores used as a coagulant by Native Americans and mountain men.  I don't know enough to eat them myself, I'll stick to morels when I can find some. -C- >:D!
Hawkdancer
Title: Re: Fungus among us?
Post by: upstatenybowyer on September 21, 2017, 11:54:23 pm
These were in my back yard last year. The kids got a kick out of um  :)
Title: Re: Fungus among us?
Post by: ksnow on September 22, 2017, 06:03:41 am
Yep, giant puffballs.  My wife will slice them thin and dehydrate them.  Them, run them through the food processor to turn them into dust.  That is used to flavor soups, gravies and other dishes.  Make sure to get them before they turn yellow.

They also make good roving targets.

Kyle
Title: Re: Fungus among us?
Post by: Buffalogobbler on September 22, 2017, 08:36:28 am
Giant puff ball.
Slice them up into 1/2" slabs then cut length wise into 1" long pieces, if pieces still too long cut across the middle.
Saute it in butter or bacon grease, sprinkle with S+P or garlic powder or red pepper flakes.
Better yet, dredge in flour and egg or use your favorite fish batter.
Makes an interesting snack when sitting on the patio having a few beers with your pals.

Kevin
Title: Re: Fungus among us?
Post by: Zuma on September 22, 2017, 10:31:35 am
Giant puff ball.
Slice them up into 1/2" slabs then cut length wise into 1" long pieces, if pieces still too long cut across the middle.
Saute it in butter or bacon grease, sprinkle with S+P or garlic powder or red pepper flakes.
Better yet, dredge in flour and egg or use your favorite fish batter.
Makes an interesting snack when sitting on the patio having a few beers with your pals.

Kevin
Great Kevin, I'll meet you at BJ's he's got the beer and the schrooms. YUMMM!!
Title: Re: Fungus among us?
Post by: BowEd on September 22, 2017, 11:07:36 am
Giant puff ball.
Slice them up into 1/2" slabs then cut length wise into 1" long pieces, if pieces still too long cut across the middle.
Saute it in butter or bacon grease, sprinkle with S+P or garlic powder or red pepper flakes.
Better yet, dredge in flour and egg or use your favorite fish batter.
Makes an interesting snack when sitting on the patio having a few beers with your pals.

Kevin
You bet.I've eaten those at rendezvous like that before.
Title: Re: Fungus among us?
Post by: tipi stuff on September 23, 2017, 12:40:14 pm
Hawkdancer, I've heard that too, but never tried it. I don't ever think about it when I injure myself. Gotta remember to try this one day. I know there were several tribes which used it as a fire starter. You slice the fresh ones, and then press them into gun powder to catch a flint and steel spark. I have done that successfully. Curtis
Title: Re: Fungus among us?
Post by: bjrogg on September 23, 2017, 01:05:01 pm
Thanks everyone, they may end up to mature before I can get back to them. I knew I should have picked them then.
Great picture Jeff, love everyone's facial expressions.
Bjrogg