Mushrooms, depending on the variety, are usually rich in ergosterol or provitamin D2, as well as in fiber and certain minerals, such as selenium.
The giant puffball mushroom or Calvatia gigantea is an edible mushroom found abundantly in meadows, deciduous forests, and fields around the world. While the flavor of a giant puffball mushroom is fairly bland, mushrooms have a dense, meaty texture and absorb flavors very quickly, making them popular edibles. Farmers markets may have giant puffball mushrooms in season, as can some specialty stores. If you are an experienced mushroom hunter, you can also collect them.
The fungus vaguely resembles a large meringue ball that has been dropped on the ground. When ready to eat, the giant puffball mushroom will begin to crack slightly, revealing a blinding white interior. Within a few days, the spores inside mature and the fungus begins to rot, becoming inedible. If the fungus dries up, a quick kick releases a copious cloud of dust, as many forest walkers have learned.
In many cases, a giant puffball mushroom can approach the size of a football and can weigh up to 40 pounds (20 kilograms). When sliced open, a giant puffball mushroom will be pure white with no trace of gills. Mushrooms should be trimmed to remove bad portions and brushed for debris if eaten. If you want to save the giant puffball mushrooms for later, cook them before freezing as they don’t freeze well when raw and don’t even bother to dry them.
Mushrooms can be sliced and marinated like other meaty mushrooms and can also be added to soups, stews, and sauces. When cooked, the texture is very reminiscent of tofu, and mushrooms tend to be very dense and satisfying. Many people like to add them to dishes they intend to freeze, as cooked mushrooms keep well in the freezer for several months.
Several puffball mushrooms are edible when young, and some of them are very tasty. However, several mushrooms closely resemble puffball mushrooms when young. Therefore, it is extremely important to correctly identify a puffball mushroom before picking and eating it. If your mushroom identification skills are weak, try taking a class or guided mushroom picking tour and always double check your findings with someone else. Even experienced mushroom handlers have been known to misidentify puffballs, requiring more care than other edible mushroom species.