Giant Puffball

Last Sunday I went for a mid morning walk, usual route, but I detoured a tiny bit, because I noticed a small manmade path across the street from where I usually stop at the marsh.  I'm so glad that I did, because I found a Calvatia Gigantea or the giant puffball.

I couldn't decide if I should walk home with it or walk home and drive back.  I opted to just take it.  It was heavy.  I normally don't have a camera on me during my walks, but I brought one this time to take photos of the marsh in the fall.

I decided to save the mushroom for Monday, since that was Thanksgiving and I was going to my parents' place for dinner.  The plan was that the mushroom would get eaten and I wouldn't have to freeze it.  I was hoping it would still be white on the inside, but once I sliced off the root area, I saw the yellow turning brown fleshiness and spores forming.  Giant puffballs are easy to tell apart from other mushrooms, but they are only safe to eat when they are young and the inside is white.  Once it starts turning yellow, and then darker, it is poisonous.  Sadly I didn't get to taste my amazing find, but now that I know where it grew, I plan on returning to that spot next year.