Mushroom Drying
Mushroom Preservation
Mushroom drying is one of the most popular ways to preserve mushrooms. it accentuates some mushroom species’ flavors, making them even more intense. You can successfully dry most types of mushrooms (blue, elf, elm, golden, grey, king, and pink oyster mushrooms), but some mushrooms keep their texture better if you freeze them.
The Mushroom Drying Process
Cleaning could involve wiping, brushing or rinsing off dirt and debris depending on how dirty the mushrooms are. Bruised spots or insect damage should be trimmed with a sharp knife.
Whole mushroom caps and large mushrooms will take longer to dry and may never dry all the way through. It is best to slice large mushrooms into quarter or half an inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) slices.
Heat and good air circulation are needed to dry mushrooms.
Air Drying
Traditionally people dried mushrooms by threading them onto a string and hanging them up to dry in a warm, airy spot. You can also dry mushrooms in a wicker basket, bamboo steamer or colander, that allow air circulation underneath the mushrooms.
- Put the mushrooms as close together as you can but not overlapping.
- Place the container in a warm, dry location with good air circulation.
NOTE: This method will not work well in humid environments as the mushrooms might rot instead of drying.
Oven Drying
Use the lowest setting possible and keep the temperature below 150°F (65.5°C). Excessive heat may destroy some of the beneficial compounds in mushrooms.
- Place your mushrooms in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Turn them over every hour until they are crisp and brittle.
Dehydrator
A food dehydrator is an excellent way to dry mushrooms and requires less work than an oven.
- Lay the mushrooms out on the dehydrator racks, select a low setting between 110 and 135°F (43 and 57°C), and leave the mushrooms to dry.
- Thinner slices could be ready in four to six hours.
- Thicker pieces, halved mushrooms or mushroom caps may take eight hours or more to dry completely.
When fully dry, the mushrooms should be brittle and snap or break apart easily. If they bend instead of breaking, it’s best to keep drying them. If you store mushrooms that still contain moisture, they may rot or go mouldy.
Store your dried mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dark location.
How to Use Dried Mushrooms
Soak dried mushrooms before cooking with them. This will not only plump them up but also remove any grit, making them ready to use. Depending upon the recipe you are using them for, you can dice, chop or slice them. Simply place them in bowl, fully submerged in boiling or very hot water, cover and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes. The result will be plumped up mushrooms.
You can strain and save the soaking liquid to use in the same recipe if it calls for liquid (easily substituted for broth or water for more mushroomy flavour), or you can use it to make soups or sauces. Dried mushrooms can then be used in all ways fresh mushrooms can but add extra flavour and a more substantial texture.