The Art Of Drying Mushrooms: Techniques And Tips

Drying mushrooms is a great way to preserve them and intensify their flavour. The process involves removing water from the mushrooms, and it can be done in a variety of ways, including using a dehydrator, an oven, or air drying. The choice of method depends on various factors such as the number of mushrooms, climate, and available resources. Dried mushrooms can be ground into a powder and used as a seasoning or reconstituted and used in dishes such as soups, stews, sauces, and stir-fries.

How are mushrooms dried?

Air drying

To air-dry mushrooms, you must first wipe them clean with a damp cloth or towel. Do not wash them under running water as this may cause mould to grow. You can then partially dry them in the oven, preheated to 175°F/80°C, for around two hours. After this, the mushrooms will be partially dry. Place them on a rack or in a colander and leave them to air-dry for another 3-5 days. Alternatively, you can skip the oven pre-drying step and leave the mushrooms to air-dry for 7-10 days.

To air-dry mushrooms without using an oven, place them in an open container with good airflow underneath them (a mesh colander works well for this). Place the container in a well-ventilated area, preferably in the sun. Ensure the mushrooms are not overcrowded and are not touching, as this can cause moisture to become trapped. If your environment is humid, place the container near a radiator and set up a fan to blow air over the mushrooms. Check on your mushrooms every day. After a few hours, they will start to become more rigid and dry. The process is complete when they become dry to the touch and snap when bent.

You can also hang the mushrooms in a sunny area by stringing them up with a needle and thread. Put them in a container with a rack and a desiccant like silica gel underneath. Desiccants remove moisture from the air. Make sure the mushrooms do not touch the desiccant, as it is not safe to eat. Move the mushrooms around a little each day and do not pack them in too tightly.

Dehydrator machine

Drying mushrooms in a dehydrator machine is an optimal way to dry mushrooms, especially magic mushrooms. Dehydrators remove the water content from mushrooms using a gentle heat source and constant airflow, which prevents heat from building up. This allows for long-term storage and minimises the risk of contamination.

To dry mushrooms using a dehydrator, first clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel, mushroom brush, or by rinsing them under cold running water. Then, slice the mushrooms into pieces that are between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. The thicker the slices, the longer it will take to dry. Next, arrange the cleaned and sliced mushrooms on the dehydrator trays, ensuring that none of the pieces touch or overlap, as this allows for better airflow and even drying. Set the dehydrator to a low temperature of around 40°C to 55°C and leave the mushrooms to dry for 4 to 8 hours, or until they are crispy and dry. The drying process may take longer for thicker slices or if the mushrooms were not pre-dried. Check on your mushrooms every hour or so to see how they are doing. Once they snap under pressure, they are ready for storage.

After the mushrooms are done dehydrating, allow them to cool completely before storing them in airtight containers or glass jars. Label the jars with the contents and date of drying, and store them away from direct light or heat. Dried mushrooms can be stored for months without losing their flavour or potency, and can be rehydrated and used in various recipes such as backpacking meals, stocks, soups, or risottos.

Using a dehydrator machine is an effective and reliable way to dry mushrooms, but it can be costly. However, it is a worthy investment, especially if you plan on cultivating and drying mushrooms regularly.

Oven drying

Drying mushrooms is a great way to preserve them and intensify their flavour. The oven-drying process is straightforward, but it does require a bit of time and attention.

Firstly, select fresh mushrooms with no black spots or mould. Clean the mushrooms with a brush or a dry paper towel, avoiding the use of water to prevent potential fungal growth. If there is stubborn dirt, use a damp cloth or paper towel.

You can choose to dry the mushrooms whole or sliced. Slicing the mushrooms will increase their surface area and make them easier to dry, but some believe it may reduce their potency. If you decide to slice them, aim for a thickness of around 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) to 1 inch (1 cm).

Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Set your oven to a low temperature, around 125ºF/52ºC to 150ºF/65.5ºC. Place the mushrooms in the oven and leave for about an hour. Then, remove them and blot any moisture with a paper towel or cloth. Flip the mushrooms over and return them to the oven for another hour.

Repeat the process of checking, blotting, and turning the mushrooms over until they are completely dry. This could take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the thickness of the mushrooms, the batch size, and the humidity. A properly dehydrated mushroom should snap rather than bend and feel fairly brittle.

Once the mushrooms are dry, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. Then, store them in airtight canisters and keep them in a dark, cool location.

Dried mushrooms are a versatile ingredient. They can be used in soups, stews, sauces, dips, and even drinks. They add a rich, savoury, umami flavour to dishes.

Preparing mushrooms for drying

Once you have selected your mushrooms, they need to be cleaned. Avoid using water, as this can cause mould or fungi to grow during the drying process, which could be harmful if consumed. Instead, gently wipe the mushrooms with a kitchen towel or brush. If there is stubborn dirt, a damp cloth or towel can be used.

After cleaning, the mushrooms should be sliced. Slicing increases the surface area, making it easier for moisture to evaporate during the drying process. The thickness of the slices can vary, but it is recommended to keep them around 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick.

Before drying, the mushrooms need to be pre-dried to remove excess water. Place the sliced mushrooms on a piece of cardboard or a dry towel, ensuring they are spread out and not touching. Put them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can place them in front of a fan to speed up the process. The mushrooms are ready for the next step when they appear wrinkled and feel rubbery.

The final step in preparing mushrooms for drying is to decide on a drying method. Air drying is the cheapest and easiest method, but it may not always result in bone-dry mushrooms, especially in humid environments. Using a dehydrator or oven is more reliable, as it provides controlled heat and airflow. If using a dehydrator, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. If using an oven, place the mushrooms on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Set the oven temperature between 120-150 degrees Fahrenheit, and dry for several hours, checking regularly, until the mushrooms are leathery and snap easily.

By following these steps, you can effectively prepare mushrooms for drying, ensuring a successful preservation process and intensifying their flavour.

Storing dried mushrooms

To store dried mushrooms, first, make sure they are completely dry. They should snap when you bend them and have no remaining moisture. If they are not completely dry, they may develop mould or fungi, which could make you ill if consumed. Once they are fully dry, allow the mushrooms to cool completely.

Store the dried mushrooms in airtight canisters with working seals. Keep the canisters in a dark, cool, dry location, such as a cellar or a shelf in a pantry.

Dried mushrooms can be reconstituted with water and used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, sauces, risottos, and pasta dishes. They add a rich, meaty, savoury note and are high in umami. To reconstitute, simply soak the mushrooms in room-temperature water for several hours, then give them a good rinse under running water to remove any hidden grit.

Frequently asked questions