Giant puffball
Calvatia gigantea

Family: Lycoperdiaceae

What it is like

A mushroom. The fruiting body can be 25-100 cm across.

There are about 35 Calvatia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Europe, India, North America, Northeastern India, USA

How it is used for food

The fruiting bodies are eaten when young and white and firm-fleshed. They can be braised, fried, grilled, sauteed or cooked in other ways. They can be sliced and fried like pancakes or added to soups and salads.

Edible parts

Fungus, mushroom

How it is grown

In NW India they are harvested in April to May.

Its other names

Local names

Damabo, Mangde

Synonyms

Lagermannia gigantea (Batsch : Pers.) Rostk.; Lasiosphaera gigantea (Batsch : Pers.) Smarda; Lycoperdon giganteum Batsch : Pers.;