Emily Johnson
Drying wild mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for future use while maintaining their flavour and texture. One of the easiest ways to dry mushrooms is to air dry them. This involves cleaning the mushrooms with a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt, then laying them out in a single layer to dry, ensuring proper ventilation to prevent mould growth. The mushrooms can also be placed in a container that allows air to circulate, such as a mesh colander, and left in a well-ventilated area for 7-10 days. Another option is to use a food dehydrator or oven to speed up the drying process. Dried mushrooms can be rehydrated by placing them in water until tender, and then cooked thoroughly. They can also be ground into a powder for use as a seasoning.
Characteristics of Drying Wild Mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Brush off dirt with a soft brush or cloth. Slice away dirt on stems. |
| Washing | Avoid washing to prevent moisture retention. |
| Drying | Air dry in a single layer with good ventilation. Use a dehydrator for faster drying. |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years. |
| Rehydration | Place in water until tender. Cook thoroughly after rehydration. |
| Uses | Dried mushrooms are great for soups, stocks, stir-fries, and seasoning. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning wild mushrooms
Firstly, it is ideal to start with clean mushrooms. When foraging, use a sharp knife to trim off any visibly dirty parts of the mushroom, such as the stems. You can also use a brush to gently wipe off any remaining dirt or debris. It is important to be gentle to avoid damaging the mushrooms. Place the cleaned mushrooms in a bag with a mesh bottom, which will allow any remaining dirt or debris to fall through as you transport them.
If you intend to dry the mushrooms, it is generally recommended to avoid washing them with water, as this can increase the risk of mould during the drying process. Instead, use a damp cloth or towel to wipe down the mushrooms and remove any remaining dirt. Be sure not to overcrowd the mushrooms during this process.
However, if you plan to use the mushrooms fresh, washing them with water is an option. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a few mushrooms at a time. Swirl them gently for a few seconds to loosen any dirt, then transfer them to a lint-free or cotton towel. Pat the mushrooms dry and lay them out to air dry completely before using them.
If you are concerned about bugs or insects, you can add salt to the washing water. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 cups of water, then soak the mushrooms for 20 minutes. Drain the water, repeat the process, and then dry the mushrooms thoroughly.
Additionally, some mushrooms, like morels, have a unique texture that requires brushing before cleaning. Use a soft-bristled brush, such as a mushroom brush or a soft toothbrush, to gently clean the mushrooms.
Remember, cleaning wild mushrooms is an important step to ensure they are safe to consume. Always inspect your mushrooms thoroughly and remove any questionable parts.
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Air drying
Step 1: Cleaning the Mushrooms
Before you start the drying process, it's important to clean your mushrooms. Use a soft brush or a lightly dampened cloth to gently wipe off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing the mushrooms under running water, as this can lead to moisture retention. If you plan to powder your mushrooms for seasoning or crusting, cleaning them thoroughly is especially important.
Step 2: Preparing the Mushrooms for Air Drying
After cleaning, transfer the mushrooms to a container that allows for good airflow. A mesh colander or a baking rack placed on a baking sheet works well. Ensure that the mushrooms are not overcrowded in the container. If you're drying a large number of mushrooms, you may need to use multiple containers or batches.
Step 3: Choosing a Drying Location
Place the container of mushrooms in a well-ventilated area with a constant supply of fresh air. If possible, choose a sunny location, such as a windowsill, to speed up the drying process. Avoid drying mushrooms in humid environments, as this can hinder the drying process and promote mold growth.
Step 4: Air Drying Time and Technique
Let the mushrooms air dry for about 7 to 10 days. The drying time can vary depending on the humidity levels and the size of your mushrooms, so it's important to regularly check their progress. You'll know they're ready when they feel dry to the touch and don't give when squeezed. If you're in a humid climate, you can partially dehydrate them in the oven before air drying to expedite the process.
Step 5: Storing Dried Mushrooms
Once the mushrooms are completely dry, you can store them in a cool, dry place. Properly dried mushrooms can last for up to 2 years or even longer. Store them in airtight containers or bags to maintain their freshness and protect them from moisture.
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Using a food dehydrator
Drying wild mushrooms in a food dehydrator is an efficient and reliable method to preserve your harvest and ensure your hard-earned mushrooms don't go to waste. This technique locks in flavour and nutrients and makes storage easier and more convenient.
Firstly, it is important to clean your mushrooms. Contrary to culinary myth, raw mushrooms do not soak up lots of water during a quick rinse. Use a vegetable or mushroom brush to get rid of all the dirt. Depending on the shape of the mushrooms, you can clean them whole and then slice them, or vice versa. Slice the mushrooms into pieces that are between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. The thicker the slices, the longer they will take to dry.
Next, arrange the cleaned, sliced mushrooms on the dehydrator trays, making sure that none of the pieces touch or overlap. This allows for the best airflow around them, and they will dry faster and more evenly. If they overlap, some areas may retain moisture.
Now, set the temperature of the dehydrator. Set the dehydrator to a low temperature, ideally between 95°F and 120°F. The drying time will depend on the size and moisture content of the mushrooms. They are adequately dried when they are cracker-dry and snap easily. This process can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours.
Once dried, let the mushrooms cool at room temperature to prevent condensation when storing them. Then, transfer the cooled dried mushrooms to airtight containers, such as glass jars, and cover tightly with lids. Label the jars with the contents, including the type of mushroom and the date of drying. Store the jars away from direct light or heat.
To use dehydrated mushrooms, place your desired amount in a heat-proof bowl and pour boiling water over them. Soak them for 20 to 30 minutes. The soaking water will absorb the mushroom flavour, so you can use it in your recipe.
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Drying in the oven
Drying wild mushrooms in the oven is a great way to preserve them for future use. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Cleaning the Mushrooms:
Before drying, it is important to clean the mushrooms. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently wipe away any visible dirt or debris. Avoid washing the mushrooms under running water, as this can lead to moisture retention. You can also use a lightly dampened towel to wipe them clean. Additionally, trim off any dirty or damaged parts of the mushrooms with a knife.
Preparing the Mushrooms for Oven Drying:
Place the cleaned mushrooms on a baking rack set on top of a baking sheet. Make sure the mushrooms are not overcrowded and have enough space for air to circulate around them. You can also use a mesh colander instead of a baking rack, which allows for even air circulation.
Preheat your oven to a low temperature, ideally around 175°F. Place the baking sheet or rack of mushrooms in the oven and let them dry for about 2 hours. The drying time may vary depending on the size and type of mushrooms, as well as the humidity levels in your oven. Check on the mushrooms periodically to ensure they are drying evenly.
Storing Dried Mushrooms:
Once the mushrooms are fully dried, they should feel like small, light rocks. Store them in a cool, dry place, such as a glass jar or airtight container. Properly dried mushrooms can last for up to 2 years or even longer.
Tips for Oven Drying:
- You can partially dehydrate the mushrooms in the oven and then let them air dry completely. This helps expedite the drying process.
- Dried mushrooms will look very different from fresh ones. They will shrink significantly and become wrinkled.
- If you want to preserve the mushrooms to look plump and fresh, you can use a glycerin solution or clear shellac after drying.
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Storing dried mushrooms
It is advised to avoid exposing dried mushrooms to high temperatures, as this can degrade their quality. Additionally, heat and moisture cause dried mushrooms to spoil faster, so it is best to avoid storing them in warm cabinets or cupboards, as this will reduce their shelf life.
When stored properly, dried mushrooms can last for up to two years or even longer. Marking the date of collection or purchase can help keep track of their shelf life and ensure consumption before natural degradation occurs over time.
Some additional tips for storing dried mushrooms include using desiccants like silica gel packs to absorb residual moisture and periodically opening the container to change out the air.
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Frequently asked questions
You can air dry them by placing them in an open container with good airflow, such as a mesh colander, and leaving them in a well-ventilated area for 7-10 days. Alternatively, you can use a food dehydrator or dry them in the oven at 175° for about 2 hours.
It is recommended to brush off any dirt with a soft brush or cloth before drying wild mushrooms to prevent moisture retention. However, it is not necessary to wash them.
Properly dried wild mushrooms can last for years, up to 2 years or more, with minimal loss of flavor.
Drying wild mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for future use. It also intensifies their flavor, making them perfect for adding a "meatiness" to stocks, soups, and stir-fries.
You can rehydrate dried wild mushrooms by placing them in water until they are tender again. However, remember to cook them thoroughly after rehydration, as mushrooms contain chitin, which human stomachs cannot digest. You can also grind dried wild mushrooms into powder for use as a seasoning.
