Sarah Brown
Dehydrating mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for later use. The process of dehydrating mushrooms can be done in a few different ways, including using a dehydrator, an oven, or simply air-drying them. The ideal method will depend on various factors, such as the climate, the desired shelf life, and the type of mushroom. Drying mushrooms can also alter their potency, flavour, and effects, making them more potent by weight but slightly less potent in terms of psilocybin/psilocin content. Additionally, dried mushrooms are easier to dose accurately due to their lower water content. Overall, dehydrating mushrooms is a useful technique for extending their shelf life and enhancing their versatility in cooking and storage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do you have to dehydrate mushrooms? | Dehydrating mushrooms is not necessary but can be done to preserve them for later use. |
| How to dehydrate mushrooms? | Mushrooms can be dehydrated using a dehydrator, an oven, or by air-drying them in the sun. |
| How long does it take to dehydrate mushrooms? | The time varies depending on the method and the size and thickness of the mushrooms but typically ranges from 7 to 24 hours. |
| How to store dehydrated mushrooms? | Dehydrated mushrooms should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark place. They can last for up to a year or more. |
| How to use dehydrated mushrooms? | To use dehydrated mushrooms, rehydrate them by pouring boiling water over them and soaking them for 20-30 minutes. The soaking liquid can be used for soups and sauces. |
| Advantages of dehydrating mushrooms | Dehydrated mushrooms have a longer shelf life, are easy to store and transport, and can be used to add flavor to dishes. |
| Disadvantages of dehydrating mushrooms | Dehydrating mushrooms may alter their potency, flavor, texture, and effects. It requires time and equipment. |
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What You'll Learn
Drying methods: air drying, oven, dehydrator
Air Drying
Air drying is a good option if you do not have access to a dehydrator or an oven. It does, however, require a well-ventilated area with a ready supply of fresh air, preferably in the sun. Place the mushrooms in a container that allows air to circulate around them, such as a mesh colander or a baking rack set on top of a baking sheet. Make sure not to overcrowd the mushrooms. Leave them to air-dry for 7-10 days, or until they do not give when squeezed. The drying time will vary based on humidity levels and the size of the mushrooms. Once fully dried, store them in a sealed container for up to a year.
Oven
If you want to expedite the drying process, you can partially dehydrate the mushrooms in the oven before air-drying them. Preheat the oven to 175°F (80°C). Place the mushrooms on an oven-proof plate or a baking rack over a sheet pan. Leave them in the oven for about 2 hours, flipping them halfway through. After this, transfer the mushrooms to a colander to continue air-drying for another 3-5 days.
Dehydrator
Using a dehydrator is considered the best method for drying mushrooms. First, clean the mushrooms by rinsing them quickly and using a vegetable or mushroom brush to remove all the dirt. Slice the mushrooms into pieces between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, keeping in mind that thicker slices will take longer to dry. Arrange the cleaned, sliced mushrooms on the dehydrator trays, ensuring that none of the pieces overlap. Set the dehydrator to 110°F and leave the mushrooms to dry until they are crispy, which can take 4 to 8 hours depending on the thickness of the slices. Allow the dried mushrooms to cool completely before storing them in tightly covered glass jars.
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Cleaning: wipe, soak, scrub
Before dehydrating mushrooms, it is important to clean them properly. The first step in cleaning mushrooms is to wipe them with a damp paper towel. Mushrooms are porous, so if you put them under running water, they will absorb water and become difficult to dehydrate. Be careful not to use too much force when wiping mushrooms, as a gentle wipe is sufficient to remove excess residue.
After wiping the mushrooms, you should cut them into uniform slices. The recommended thickness is 1/4 inch, and it is important to ensure that the slices are straight and clean so that the mushrooms dehydrate evenly.
Once the mushrooms are sliced, it is time to arrange them on a tray. Whether you are using a dehydrator or an oven, the process is similar. Place the mushroom slices close together on the tray, ensuring they do not touch. Overlapping mushrooms can retain moisture, affecting food safety and the drying process.
After dehydrating the mushrooms, it is important to let them cool completely to room temperature before handling and storing them. You can then transfer them to sanitized glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Label the jars with the type of mushroom and the date of drying. Store the jars away from direct light and heat to extend the shelf life of your dehydrated mushrooms.
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Storage: airtight, cool, dry
Dried mushrooms can be stored for several years if kept dry and out of direct sunlight. To store dried mushrooms, it is important to ensure they are stored in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place. The container should be made of plastic or glass with a tight-fitting lid. The ideal temperature for storing dried mushrooms is cold, so the best places to store them are the freezer or refrigerator. Plastic freezer bags can also be used.
If you plan to store dried mushrooms for more than six months, it is recommended to use a hard container in your freezer. Freezing dried mushrooms ensures they are always available, and you don't have to worry about seasonality. When stored in a cool place, dried mushrooms will keep for six to twelve months.
Storing dried mushrooms in a warmer location, such as a cupboard, will reduce their shelf life. If you must store them in a cabinet or pantry, place them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Before storing, it is important to ensure the mushrooms are thoroughly dried. Mushrooms should be dry and leathery, and if necessary, turned over every 3 to 4 hours during the drying period. Once dried, the mushrooms should be cooled and placed loosely in large plastic or glass containers. They should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place for 4 to 10 days. If beads of moisture form inside the container, return the mushrooms to the drying trays and repeat the conditioning step.
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Rehydrating: boiling water, excess water
Dried mushrooms are versatile and can be rehydrated and tossed into soups, stews, and broths. Rehydrating dried mushrooms can be done in a few different ways, depending on the desired outcome and the type of mushroom.
One common method is to use boiling water. This involves placing the dried mushrooms in a bowl and covering them with boiling water. The mushrooms will need to be weighed down to ensure they are fully submerged, and they should be soaked for around 20 to 30 minutes, or until softened. This method can affect the mushrooms' flavour, so it is not ideal if you want to retain the full aroma of the mushrooms.
Another method is to use a French press. This involves placing the dried mushrooms in the French press and covering them with boiling water. The plunger on the French press will keep the mushrooms submerged, and you can also use it to press extra flavour out of the mushrooms after they have soaked. The mushrooms should be soaked for 20 minutes to an hour, depending on their thickness.
If you are using Chinese dried mushrooms, it is recommended to gently rinse them with cold water before rehydrating. This helps to remove any particles of dirt. Then, place the mushrooms in a bowl and cover them with warm water, roughly the same temperature as bathwater. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes, or until softened.
It is important to note that when rehydrating mushrooms with citric acid, it is recommended to use an excess amount of water to avoid any sour taste.
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Fresh vs dried: potency, flavour, effects
Dehydrating mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for long-term storage. Mushrooms are typically dried in a dehydrator or oven at 140°F (60°C). The process removes most of the water content, reducing the weight of the mushrooms by up to 90%. This weight difference significantly impacts the potency, flavour, and effects of the mushrooms when consumed.
Potency
The potency of fresh and dried mushrooms differs due to the presence of different psychoactive compounds. Fresh mushrooms contain mostly psilocin, a fast-acting and potent compound. As a result, the effects of fresh mushrooms tend to have a faster onset and are often described as more intense, with some users reporting a "trippier" and more sensory experience. On the other hand, when mushrooms are dried, the psilocin converts back to psilocybin, which is less potent and has a slower onset of effects. Therefore, dried mushrooms are perceived to have a more gradual and less intense impact.
It is important to note that the weight difference between fresh and dried mushrooms significantly affects dosing. For example, 10 grams of dried mushrooms would have a much stronger effect than 10 grams of fresh mushrooms. Most dosing guides provide suggestions based on dried mushroom doses, so users must be cautious when consuming fresh mushrooms to avoid accidental overdose.
Flavour
Dried mushrooms are known to have a more concentrated flavour compared to fresh mushrooms. They are commonly used as flavour enhancers in dishes like carpaccio and tartare. The water used to soak dried mushrooms can also be utilised in cooking, adding additional flavour to the dish. However, some people find the taste of dried mushrooms unpleasant and prefer to brew them into tea or use alternative preparation methods.
Effects
Despite the differences in potency and flavour, both fresh and dried magic mushrooms can deliver a similar psychedelic experience. The effects may vary in terms of intensity and onset, but the overall impact on the user can be comparable. However, individual experiences may differ, and some users may prefer one form over the other based on their personal preferences and desired effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Dehydrated mushrooms have a much longer shelf life than fresh mushrooms, lasting up to a year or more. They are also cheaper than buying pre-dried mushrooms and allow for greater variety.
You can use a dehydrator or air-dry them. If using a dehydrator, clean the mushrooms, slice them, and place them on the trays without overlapping. Dry at 110 °F until crispy. If air-drying, place the mushrooms in an open container with good airflow in a well-ventilated area. Leave them to dry for about a week, or until they feel dry to the touch.
Store dehydrated mushrooms in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark place. For longer shelf life, vacuum seal the container. Use a moisture-absorbing desiccant packet if you live in an area with high humidity.
To use dehydrated mushrooms, pour boiling water over them and soak them for 20 to 30 minutes. Rehydrated mushrooms can be used just like fresh mushrooms. Save the soaking liquid for soup stocks and sauces.
