If you grew up in Bitola or anywhere in Macedonia, chances are you remember the little brownish mushrooms that, when squeezed, released a fine, yellowish powder. We called them babin pufeš or prdež—literally translating to “grandma’s fart.” The name alone was enough to make kids giggle. But beyond the laughter, these peculiar fungi had a special place in our childhoods, from playful discoveries to makeshift first aid.
What Are Babin Pufeš?
Scientifically known as Lycoperdon perlatum or puffball mushrooms, these small, round fungi grow in meadows, forests, and even along dirt paths. When young, they are firm and white inside, but as they mature, they transform into natural powder dispensers. With the slightest squeeze or an accidental step, their spores burst out like a tiny cloud of smoke.
Nature’s First Aid Kit
For generations, Macedonian children treated minor scrapes, cuts and abrasions with babin prdež. The fine powder was believed to have drying and antiseptic properties, helping wounds heal faster. If you fell off your bike or scraped your knee while playing царица (a game like hopscotch), an elder would often say, “Стави малце бабин пуфеш, ќе ти помине побрзо.” (“Put some babin prdež on it, it will heal faster.”)
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Did it really work? Who knows. But in an era when hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic creams weren’t always at hand, this natural remedy gave comfort and an excuse to run back outside and keep playing.
A Symbol of Nostalgia
For many of us, babin prdež is more than just a mushroom. It’s a symbol of carefree childhoods spent outdoors, where every field was an adventure and every dirt path led to discovery. We poked them with sticks, tossed them at each other and marveled at how they seemed to "smoke" when we stomped on them. It was a time when simple things brought joy, and nature provided both entertainment and solutions.
Today, kids are more likely to be glued to screens than exploring fields, but those of us who grew up with babin prdež will always remember them as tiny, magical wonders of nature and a proof that even the smallest things can leave the biggest impressions.
Do you have memories of playing with babin pufeš as a child?
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