On Sat, 23 Aug 2003 22:48:08 +0100, "shannie"
wrote:

We found a *thing* growing at the bottom of our field, it has me completely
mystified as I've never seen anything like it before. Im presuming its some
form of fungi, its white, round, about the size of a soccer ball and looks
like a big piece of marshmallow!..One of my kids actually thought it was his
ball from a distance. Can someone tell me what it is please? I cut the grass
in this field once a week, but as it hasn't rained here is almost five weeks
I haven't cut it for the past three (it's half an acre, so any excuse not to
spend a couple of hours behind a mower!) it was only ploughed, harrowed and
reseeded last year having had horses on it for many years previous. I use
this grass for mulching flower beds etc, is it ok to still use it?

You are lucky as it sounds like a giant puffball. If you cut it open
and it is solid "marshmallow" all through it is wonderful to eat. Cut
into 1inch cubes and fry in butter or in bacon fat. I consider it a
great delicacy.
If it has gone too far it will be powdery in the middle and then not
edible.
I shall be off across my local fields tomorrow to see if I can find
one, though I've only found one there once in 15 years!!


Pam in Bristol