John Miller
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are often dried and stored for future use. The process of drying mushrooms is called dehydration, and it is done to extend their shelf life and preserve their flavour and nutritional benefits. Dehydration involves removing moisture from the mushrooms, either through air drying or using a dehydrator. While this process is effective in preserving mushrooms, it is important to note that improper washing, cutting, and drying techniques can impact the outcome. Additionally, the quality of the mushrooms before dehydration plays a significant role in the final product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of dehydrating psychedelic mushrooms | To extend shelf life, lock in flavors and benefits, and have a constant supply for cooking |
| Dehydrating methods | Using a dehydrator, air drying, or an oven |
| Dehydrator settings | Temperature between 40°C and 60°C, time between 4 and 24 hours |
| Air drying conditions | Relative humidity of the environment below 55% RH |
| Oven settings | Temperature between 110°F and 120°F (43°C and 49°C), time between 6 and 10 hours |
| Pre-drying preparation | Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel, cut into slices of 1/4-inch thickness, ensure slices are not touching during drying |
| Post-drying treatment | Place dried mushrooms in containers or bags, store in a dry and well-ventilated place, rehydrate with hot or cold water before cooking |
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What You'll Learn
Drying psychedelic mushrooms
There are several methods for drying psychedelic mushrooms. One common method is to use a food dehydrator. Dehydrators use a gentle heat source and constant airflow to gradually and evenly remove moisture from the mushrooms. When using a dehydrator, it is important to spread the mushrooms out evenly, ensuring that none of them are touching, as this can trap moisture. The temperature should be set to a low setting, around 40-55°C, to keep the psilocybin intact. The drying time will depend on the size and thickness of the mushrooms, typically ranging from 4 to 24 hours.
Another method for drying psychedelic mushrooms is air drying. This method relies on heat and proper airflow to remove moisture from the mushrooms. To air-dry mushrooms, place them on a piece of cardboard, ensuring they are not touching, and set up a fan to blow a constant airflow over them. If the environment is dry, a fan may not be necessary. It is important to check on the mushrooms regularly and ensure they are completely dry before storing them.
Regardless of the drying method, it is crucial to store dried mushrooms properly to maintain their potency and safety. Dried mushrooms should be stored in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dark place. Proper packaging helps to prevent moisture buildup and exposure to light and heat, which can accelerate decay and reduce the concentration of psychoactive compounds in the mushrooms.
It is also important to note that not all mushrooms dry well. Some varieties, such as Chanterelles, are better frozen than dried. Before drying mushrooms, it is advisable to research the specific variety and determine the most suitable preservation method.
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Storing psychedelic mushrooms
Drying Mushrooms:
Before storing, it is essential to dry the mushrooms properly to prevent spoilage. Air drying is the cheapest and most accessible method. Place the mushrooms on a cardboard surface, ensuring they do not touch each other to avoid trapped moisture. Set up a fan to provide a constant airflow over the mushrooms. Alternatively, place them in a well-ventilated area if the environment is dry. This process can take 1-3 days.
For faster results, a food dehydrator or oven can be used at around 40-60°C (140°F). Spread the mushrooms evenly on drying racks, ensuring they do not touch. The drying time varies depending on the equipment and mushroom thickness, typically ranging from 4 to 24 hours.
Storing Dried Mushrooms:
Once the mushrooms are dried, they should be crisp and snap when bent. To store them, use airtight containers like mason jars or bottles, which are more effective at keeping out oxygen than Ziploc bags. Additionally, you can use desiccants or O2 absorbers to further prolong their lifespan. Store the mushrooms in a cool, dry, dark location, ideally between 60-70°F, to minimize degradation and maintain potency. Properly stored dried mushrooms can last for several months or even a year.
Storing Fresh Mushrooms:
Fresh mushrooms should be consumed within a few days of harvesting, as they are highly perishable and susceptible to spoilage. If you need to store them, place them in a paper bag or perforated plastic and keep them in the fridge at 35-40°F. They can remain fresh for up to two weeks on average. However, if you plan to consume them soon, storing them in the fridge without a bag is also an option.
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Preparing mushrooms for dehydration
Once suitable mushrooms have been selected, they should be cleaned thoroughly. Use a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to wipe away any dirt. Some sources suggest that rinsing the mushrooms under running water is unnecessary and may cause the mushrooms to swell due to their porous nature. However, other sources recommend a quick rinse to ensure thorough cleaning, especially for mushrooms with many crevices.
After cleaning, the mushrooms need to be sliced. Cutting them into pieces speeds up the drying process and ensures even dehydration. The recommended thickness of the slices varies, with suggestions ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thicker slices will take longer to dry.
When placing the sliced mushrooms on the drying trays, ensure they are arranged in a single layer and that none of the pieces are touching. This arrangement allows for proper airflow and helps prevent moisture from becoming trapped.
If using a dehydrator, follow the specific instructions provided with the device. Most sources recommend drying the mushrooms at a low temperature, around 40°C to 60°C, for 4 to 8 hours or until the mushrooms are crispy and dry. The drying time will depend on the thickness of the slices and the type of mushroom.
By following these steps, you can effectively prepare mushrooms for dehydration, ensuring they dry thoroughly and safely while retaining their flavour and nutritional value.
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Dehydration equipment
Dehydrators are an excellent way to dry magic mushrooms. They use a gentle heat source and constant airflow to gradually and evenly remove moisture. Dehydrators are the optimal way to dry magic mushrooms as they minimise the risk of contamination and allow for long-term storage.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a dehydrator for your mushrooms. Firstly, budget. Dehydrators can be expensive, but they are a worthy investment, especially if you plan on cultivating mushrooms regularly. Many types of food dehydrators can be used, and most store-bought food dehydrators will do the trick. They are intuitive and easy to use, and many come with a timer option, allowing you to specify the length of time for optimal drying.
Other dehydration equipment includes drying trays or racks that allow for good air circulation. These trays should be arranged in single layers, ensuring the mushrooms are spread out and not overlapping to allow for even drying. You can also use an oven with drying trays or racks, drying at 140 degrees F (60°C).
Before placing the mushrooms in the dehydrator, it is important to pre-dry them. This involves laying the mushrooms on paper towels or a clean cloth and gently blotting them to remove surface moisture. This step helps to reduce drying time and prevent mould growth.
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Rehydrating dried mushrooms
The next step is to soak the mushrooms in water. The temperature of the water is a matter of debate. Some sources recommend warm or hot water, which will speed up the rehydration process but may extract more flavour from the mushrooms. Others suggest that room-temperature or cold water preserves more of the mushroom's flavour, although it may take longer to rehydrate them. The amount of water used and the soaking time can vary depending on the type and size of the mushroom. Some mushrooms may only need a few minutes, while larger varieties could take much longer.
Once the mushrooms are tender, they should be strained and chopped. The soaking liquid can be strained and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. It can then be used in recipes such as soups, stews, sauces, pâtés, and gratins, adding a boost of flavour.
Some people recommend additional steps to enhance the flavour and texture of the rehydrated mushrooms. One suggestion is to soak the mushrooms in a mixture of sugar and olive oil for an hour after the initial water soak. Another idea is to sauté the mushrooms with other ingredients such as onions, garlic, butter, and olive oil.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to dry psychedelic mushrooms. One way is to use a dehydrator, which uses gentle heat and constant airflow to remove moisture. Another way is to air dry them, but this method is less consistent and may not work in humid environments.
The time it takes to dehydrate mushrooms depends on the thickness of the slices. Slices that are 1/4 inch thick typically take between 6 and 8 hours to dehydrate in a dehydrator, while thinner slices may take less time and thicker slices may take up to 10 hours.
The ideal temperature for dehydrating mushrooms is between 110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit (40-60°C). If using an oven, a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60°C) is recommended.
