Laura Smith
Drying mushrooms is a popular method for preserving them for long-term storage. While drying mushrooms is a great way to prevent them from spoiling, it is unclear whether or not the process kills mushroom spores. Some sources claim that the spores of dried mushrooms can remain viable for up to six to eight months, or even longer if the mushrooms are preserved well. However, other sources suggest that certain drying methods, such as using sunlight or a dehydrator, can kill mushroom spores. The effectiveness of the drying method in killing spores may also depend on the type of mushroom and the length of time it has been dried for.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drying mushrooms | A way to preserve them for long-term storage |
| Drying methods | Sunlight, wind, dehydrators, dehumidifiers, silica gel, oven drying, air-drying at room temperature |
| Effect of drying on spores | Depends on the drying method, some methods kill the spores while others keep them viable |
| Viability of spores | Depends on the drying method, duration of drying, type of mushroom, and storage conditions |
| Spawn creation | Possible from dried mushrooms if spores are viable |
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What You'll Learn
Dehydration methods that kill spores
Dehydration methods that kill mushroom spores include:
Sunlight
Leaving mushrooms exposed to the sun for long periods can kill spores due to the heat and UV light.
Dehydrators
Using a dehydrator to dry mushrooms will kill all spores due to the hot air. Dehydrators can be purchased or built at home.
Oven drying
Oven drying at 70 °C for 3–4 hours can be an efficient method for drying mushrooms. Higher temperatures, particularly above 140 °F (60 °C), are more likely to kill spores.
Freeze-drying
Freeze-drying mushrooms may kill their spores.
High humidity
Exposing spores to high humidity levels promotes spore germination, while low humidity desiccates them, rendering them non-viable.
It is important to note that the viability of spores is also dependent on the type of mushroom and the age of the dried mushrooms. The spores of some mushrooms are more fragile than others, and the odds of growing mushrooms from dried mushrooms are very low unless one is experienced.
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Sunlight as a drying method
Sunlight is a traditional method of drying mushrooms, as well as other foods, such as rice and dried persimmons. In the past, people would sun-dry shiitake mushrooms on tiles spread out under the scorching midsummer sun.
Sun-drying is a good approach to drying mushrooms as it enables them to dry from above and below. However, it is a method that is highly dependent on the weather. Intense midsummer sunshine might work, but the weaker sunlight in spring and autumn harvest seasons is not suitable for sun-drying. In addition, there is a risk of contamination when sun-drying mushrooms outdoors.
Sun-drying can also increase the vitamin D2 content of mushrooms. The heat of the sun dehydrates mushrooms and kills the spores if they are left exposed to the sun for long. However, this method is not considered safe.
If you are sun-drying mushrooms, a box fan can be used to speed up the process. The fan should be set to the highest setting and placed as close to the mushrooms as possible without blowing them away.
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Dehydrators as a drying method
Dehydrators are an efficient and reliable method for drying mushrooms. They provide consistent heat and airflow, which makes the process straightforward. However, it requires careful attention to detail to maintain the quality and potency of the dried mushrooms.
To dry mushrooms in a dehydrator, first, select mushrooms that are of peak quality and flavour. Avoid any signs of decay, mould, or bruising as these defects may affect all the pieces being dried. Clean the mushrooms with a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt. Avoid washing them with water as this can increase their moisture content. Instead, use a damp paper towel if necessary, followed by a quick rinse under cold running water. Blot excess moisture with paper towels or a clean cloth.
The total drying time in a dehydrator is typically 8-10 hours. However, it is important to condition the dried mushrooms after this initial drying process. Place the cooled, dried mushrooms loosely in large plastic or glass containers, filling them about two-thirds full. Lightly cover and store in a dry, well-ventilated place for 4 to 10 days. Stir or shake the containers daily to separate the pieces. If beads of moisture form inside the container, return the mushrooms to the drying trays for further drying, and then repeat the conditioning step.
Once the mushrooms are fully dried and conditioned, store them in airtight containers. Keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place to preserve their potency. Adding desiccant packs to the storage container can aid in long-term storage. Properly stored dried mushrooms can keep well for 6 to 12 months.
Dried mushrooms can be rehydrated by pouring boiling water over them and letting them soak for 20 to 30 minutes. The soaking liquid can be saved for use in soups and sauces. The rehydrated mushrooms can then be used just like fresh mushrooms.
While dehydrators are an effective method for drying mushrooms, it is important to note that this method will destroy all spores due to the hot air used. If the intention is to preserve the viability of the spores, other drying methods such as air-drying at room temperature or using a dehumidifier are recommended.
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Air-drying at room temperature
Air-drying Mushrooms at Room Temperature
Air-drying mushrooms at room temperature is a safe method that preserves mushroom spores. The spores will remain viable for a long time, and the mushrooms will keep for years.
Pre-drying
Before air-drying mushrooms, it is important to pre-dry them. Pre-drying is a method of removing excess water from the mushrooms before thoroughly drying them out. To pre-dry mushrooms, place them on cardboard or a dry towel, ensuring they are evenly spread out and not touching. The mushrooms will be pre-dried within a matter of hours. Check on them every now and then, and when they appear wrinkly and rubbery to the touch, the pre-drying is complete.
Air-drying
Air-drying mushrooms at room temperature can take days. Choose a room that gets a lot of sun, has a flat roof, or a windowsill. Make sure the area is protected from moisture, insects, and animals, and has some airflow. It is important not to stack the mushrooms on top of each other. Slice the mushrooms into 1/2-inch pieces or, depending on their shape, cut them down the middle.
Other Methods
It is worth noting that other methods of drying mushrooms, such as using sunlight, dehydrators, or silica gel, will kill the spores.
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Drying temperature and spore size
Drying mushrooms is a common method of preservation for genetic and genomic studies. However, the drying process can impact the viability of mushroom spores. The method of drying, the duration of drying, and the temperature can all affect whether spores remain viable.
Drying Methods
The method of drying mushrooms can determine whether the spores remain viable. For example, using a dehydrator or exposing mushrooms to sunlight will kill the spores. In contrast, drying mushrooms with wind or a dehumidifier will preserve viable spores. Air-drying mushrooms at room temperature is a safe method that will preserve viable spores for a long time.
Drying Time
The duration of drying can also impact spore viability. For example, drying mushrooms in the sun will kill the spores if they are left exposed for too long.
The relationship between drying temperature and spore size is an important consideration in fungal taxonomy research. Basidiospore size is used as a discriminative taxonomic characteristic in macrofungal identification. Therefore, standardizing drying temperatures is crucial to ensure consistent reports between studies.
A study on the impact of drying temperature on basidiospore size found that drying temperature was negatively related to basidiospore length and width. In other words, as drying temperature increased, the length and width of the basidiospores decreased. The study compared three macrofungal species: Agaricus bisporus, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus. Fruitbodies from each species were dehydrated at five different temperatures: 30 °C, 35 °C, 40 °C, 45 °C, and 50 °C, for 48 hours. The results showed significant changes in basidiospore size among the different drying temperatures.
The optimal method for drying macrofungal fruitbodies, according to the study, is to use a temperature of 30 °C for 48 hours and subsequently preserve the specimens with silica gel.
The viability of mushroom spores is influenced by the method, duration, and temperature of drying. While some drying methods, such as air-drying at room temperature, preserve viable spores, others, such as dehydrators and sunlight, will kill the spores. Additionally, the duration of drying can impact spore viability, with prolonged exposure to high temperatures potentially causing spore death. The relationship between drying temperature and spore size has been demonstrated, with higher temperatures resulting in smaller basidiospore sizes. Therefore, controlling drying temperatures is crucial in preserving viable spores and conducting accurate taxonomic research on macrofungi.
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Frequently asked questions
Not always. The spores of dried mushrooms can stay viable for up to ten months. The drying and preservation methods can affect the shelf life of dried mushrooms. For example, drying mushrooms with a food dehydrator or exposing them to direct sunlight can kill the spores.
There are several methods to dry mushrooms, including using sunlight, a dehydrator, air-drying at room temperature, or using a dehumidifier. It is important to note that the drying method can impact the flavour and potency of the mushrooms.
If the mushrooms are dried and stored properly, the spores can remain viable for up to ten months. However, the odds of growing mushrooms from dried mushrooms are very low, and it is a complicated process.
