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Giant puffball is now state’s official mushroom

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Illinois

Today, Governor Pritzker signed SB3514, designating the Calvatia gigantea, commonly known as the “giant puffball,” as the official mushroom of the State of Illinois.

Senate Bill 3514 began as an initiative led by elementary school students from Prairie School of DuPage in Wheaton, who embarked on a civic journey to see their chosen mushroom recognized as a state symbol.

“Today we celebrate not only a new state symbol, but the hard work and dedication of our state’s young leaders,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The giant puffball will now stand as a testament to the curiosity and determination of the bright students of Illinois, who have shown us that even the youngest among us can make a difference.”

“Thanks to the passionate advocacy of the Prairie School students, Illinois is deepening our connection to the natural world,” said Lt. Governor Julianna Stratton. “Now a cherished state symbol, the giant puffball invites us to marvel at the inherent beauty that exists in and on our land. In recognizing this state mushroom, we are collectively exploring, preserving, and passing on the joy of discovery to future generations.”

Beginning in November 2023, the students from Prairie School conducted research, collected data, and surveyed over 100 stakeholders across Illinois to determine the most fitting mushroom to represent the state. The giant puffball was ultimately chosen after the students voted in a school-wide election. To see their proposal turned into law, they actively participated in the legislative process by presenting their findings, testifying in committee hearings, and gathering public support through witness slips.

The giant puffball can be found all across grassy areas statewide and is known for its size, sometimes reaching nearly 20 inches wide. While most of the fungus remains hidden underground, the giant puffball’s large, round, white fruiting body is what people commonly see. As it matures, its thin outer layer flakes away to reveal yellow to green-brown spores inside. This unique and temporary appearance makes it one of the most recognizable mushrooms in the state. […]

“At Prairie School of DuPage, we strive to nurture life-long learners, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on, real-world challenges. When one of our students, Charlotte DiGangi, asked, ‘What is the Illinois State Mushroom’? Her question led the class to a deep investigation of the fungal biome of Illinois, the state political system and legislative processes,” said Liza Moraitis, Head of School at Prairie School of DuPage. “We encourage our students to use their observations to enact meaningful social contributions through research, investigation, and collaboration. The empowering opportunity to use personal curiosity and community activism to create positive change is a cornerstone of our education and as a responsibility as global citizens.”

* A pic…

* You can apparently eat these things…

Since the puffball’s flavor is so understated, I think they taste best with some extra seasoning. My favorite method was to saute some minced garlic in butter, then add the puffball slices and season them with salt and pepper. After cooking them for a few minutes, I flipped the slices over and added a couple of tablespoons of white wine to the skillet. I continued cooking the mushrooms until the wine evaporated and the mushrooms were golden-brown on both sides.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 12, 24 @ 1:07 pm

Comments

Sponsored in the House by Michelle “Mushroom” Mussman.

And that’s the morel of the story.

Comment by Dave Dahl Monday, Aug 12, 24 @ 1:09 pm
“While most of the fungus remains hidden underground, the giant puffball’s large, round, white fruiting body is what people commonly see.”

A fitting symbol of Illinois politics?

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Monday, Aug 12, 24 @ 1:11 pm
The recipe for the puffball seems like the mushroom version of stone soup. It will be tasty if you add many other flavorful ingredients.

Comment by OneMan Monday, Aug 12, 24 @ 1:15 pm
It’s cool that they’re edible. But I prefer to hit them with an old golf club….

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Aug 12, 24 @ 1:18 pm
This unlocked a memory from when I was barely old enough to remember anything - grandfather used to slice these up and use them as natural bandaids when he was outside working.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Monday, Aug 12, 24 @ 1:26 pm
Discovered, grilled, and eaten in the near west suburbs! Not bad.

Comment by Politix Monday, Aug 12, 24 @ 1:28 pm
So is it a crime to stomp on them now?

Comment by Bruce( no not him) Monday, Aug 12, 24 @ 2:07 pm
Dale Bowman of the Sun Times is the authority for all things outdoors including finding edible plants. someone should host a cook off for the new status mushroom.

Comment by Amalia Monday, Aug 12, 24 @ 3:33 pm
Should have easily been the morel. It’s the only mushroom talked about and desired all spring.

Comment by Jolt Tuesday, Aug 13, 24 @ 10:17 am