By Cindy Walker Burton

Calvatia is a genus of puffball mushrooms (not toad stools) with ball-shaped bodies. The scientific name is Lycoperdon, which has Greek roots that literally mean wolf and break wind. Now guess the puffball’s nickname. Yep, it’s wolf fart. When the internal spores have matured, trillions are released as powder or “smoke” when hit by raindrops or when stomped. Young, fresh puffballs (like the little fella in my photo) are pure white, firm inside, and edible. The taste is comparable to mozzarella or cream cheese. But beware! If the inside of the wolf fart is green, purple, or yellow, it is an old mushroom and will make you very sick if ingested. Words of wisdom to impart: Take it to heart and be smart if you start to take part in eating a wolf fart or you may get a jump start to needing a crash cart!