Fungus among us?

[bjrogg]

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

[tipi stuff]

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

[upstatenybowyer]

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. 

[bjrogg]

Ok thanks guys. I've never actually seen them when they were in the white fleshy stage.
Bjrogg

[Hawkdancer]

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. !
Hawkdancer

[upstatenybowyer]

These were in my back yard last year. The kids got a kick out of um 

[ksnow]

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

[Buffalogobbler]

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

[Zuma]

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!!

[BowEd]

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.

[tipi stuff]

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

[bjrogg]

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