Hi all, I found this in my garden today http://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/357682153.jpg Anyone know exactly what it is? Is it edible, poisonous, etc It feels soft, outer skin looks a bit like a mushroom. It's growing under a Karaka tree near some roses and plums. It looks stunning - can't seem to find much in my books about it. Any info would be appreciated, Thanks
morticia,
Jan 15, 1:35pm
What a beauty! I don't know which varieties are edible and which aren't but they stuffed and roasted a huge one on one of those cooking shows once and it was a real meal.
lemming2,
Jan 15, 1:58pm
Pity you didn't find it earlier! It was edible when it was younger. It's often called a breadloaf puffball. Now those brown marks and holes have appeared it's too old - not poisonous, just eewww. Still, with luck you may get more in the autumn. They're delicious while the flesh is still entirely white on the inside when sliced. The brown stuff is the spores appearing, and they're what tastes bitter and nasty. Slice, fry gently in just a little butter . yum.
Thanks everyone - I will look for more and do the taste test in the autumn.
mottly,
Jan 15, 5:56pm
Fungi will react and tingle in your mouth if you put a small piece between your teeth and cheek. tingle means poisonous. no tingle means it's all good.
lythande1,
Jan 16, 4:55am
Thats a hell of a dangerous thing to say. That is not the case with all dangerous mushrooms.
bashfulbro,
Jan 16, 6:44am
Yes, sounds a bit like the guy that cut the power cord with pliers, he won't do it again.
lemming2,
Jun 11, 5:06am
Absolutely agree. If my fungi book says edibility unknown I'M not going to be the one to try it!
Since the public registrations are closed, you must have an invite from a current member to be able to register and post in this thread.
Have an account? Login here.