Introduction to Mushrooms Revised April 2000
by By Michael W. Beug Email: beugm@evergreen.edu
The Evergreen State College, Olympia WA
Slide 33.
Lycoperdon perlatum, the Gem-Studded Puffball is one of the prettiest of the small to medium-sized puffballs. It is tasty when sliced dipped in tempura batter and fried or simply sliced like potato chips and sautéed until crispy. However, young puffballs can be confused with both Scleroderma species, illustrated next and with Amanita species still in the button stage. To be safe, always slice puffballs through the middle from top to bottom and confirm that each one is pure white inside and soft like a marshmallow. Scleroderma species will be firm, not soft like a marshmallow and Amanita species will reveal the developing cap, gills and stipe inside.
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