John Miller
Mushrooms can be displayed in a variety of ways, including drying, using preservatives, or encasing them in plastic. Some methods involve using a drying agent such as silica gel or an oven, while others suggest dipping the mushrooms in epoxy or resin, or vacuum drying them. One technique involves letting the mushrooms sit in oil to extract the water, while another suggests using a special mixture of wax. Displaying mushrooms can be a creative process, and different methods will yield varying results in terms of shape retention and longevity.
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Drying mushrooms
Cleaning and Preparation:
First, start with fresh mushrooms and clean them thoroughly. Use a brush, or a dry or slightly damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away any dirt or debris. Avoid washing the mushrooms under running water, as this can promote the growth of mould or other fungi during the drying process, which could be harmful if consumed. If you do decide to wash the mushrooms, ensure they are thoroughly dried before proceeding.
Slicing:
To speed up the drying process, slice the mushrooms into pieces. The thicker the slices, the longer they will take to dry. Aim for slices around 1/8 to 1/4 inch (0.3 to 0.6 cm) thick. Ensure the slices are of similar sizes so they dry evenly.
Air-Drying:
One method of drying mushrooms is through air-drying. Place the mushrooms in a container that allows for good airflow, such as a mesh colander or a baking rack set on a baking sheet. Ensure the mushrooms are not overcrowded and do not overlap, as this can cause them to fuse together. Place them in a well-ventilated area, preferably with access to sunlight, and leave them to air-dry for about a week, or until they no longer give when squeezed.
Oven-Drying:
Another method is to use an oven to dry the mushrooms. Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 150°F (65°C). Place the sliced mushrooms on a baking sheet, ensuring they lay flat and do not overlap. Put the baking sheet in the oven and leave for about an hour. Then, remove the mushrooms, flip them over, and return them to the oven for another hour. Continue this process until the mushrooms are completely dry, checking regularly. A properly dehydrated mushroom should snap apart.
Storage:
Once the mushrooms are fully dry, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place the mushrooms in airtight containers or covered glass jars. Store them in a cool, dark location, and they will retain their flavour for months or even years.
Dried mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, risottos, pasta, and sauces. To use, simply rehydrate them by soaking in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes, and they will be ready to add to your recipes.
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Using epoxy or resin
Choose the Right Mushroom:
Start by selecting the right type of mushroom. Look for species with woody fruiting bodies, as they will shrink less during the drying process. Shelf mushrooms, for example, can be a good option.
Dry the Mushrooms:
Before applying epoxy or resin, it's crucial to thoroughly dry the mushrooms. This step helps prevent the formation of bubbles in the resin caused by moisture. Use silica gel to dry the mushrooms. Silica gel removes moisture without altering the colour of the mushrooms. Follow the instructions on the silica gel package to determine the drying time, which is usually between 2 to 5 days for flowers and plants.
Prepare the Mushrooms:
Once the mushrooms are dry, gently remove any remaining silica gel. You can use a soft brush or gently blow on the mushrooms to remove any gel residue. If there is floral wire attached to the mushrooms, use rough sandpaper to remove it and flatten the stem and the back of the mushroom so that it can lay flat in the mould.
Seal the Mushrooms:
Sealing the mushrooms is an important step to prevent bubbles and discolouration. Use a resin spray sealer or a wood sealant to coat the mushrooms. Allow the sealant to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Prepare the Resin:
Wear gloves and mix equal parts of the two-part resin (e.g., 10 mL each of sides A and B) in a mixing cup. Stir the resin thoroughly for about 4 minutes or until there are no swirls visible. Make sure the resin is free of bubbles, as they can affect the final appearance.
Mould and Layer the Mushrooms:
Spray your jewellery mould with mould release. Place the mushrooms in the mould, ensuring they lay flat. Pour the prepared resin over the mushrooms, making sure the resin completely covers them. You can create layers by adding glitter or other decorative elements. The layer depth is recommended at 3/8 inch or less, and you can add additional layers after 4 hours.
Demould and Finish:
Allow the resin to cure completely, which typically takes about 24 hours. Demould the mushrooms by pressing from the back of the mould. Apply a few coats of resin spray sealer to add shine to the final piece. You can attach hair clips or other accessories to create unique mushroom-themed accessories.
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Vacuum drying
To vacuum dry mushrooms, you will need a vacuum chamber that can be incorporated into a microwave oven. The mushrooms are placed inside the vacuum chamber, and the water is evaporated using microwaves, with the pressure inside the chamber reduced to decrease the boiling point of water. This method can reduce the drying time by 70-90% compared to conventional convective air drying.
The specific parameters of the vacuum drying process will depend on the type of mushroom being dried. For example, the drying time, microwave power, system pressure, and product thickness will vary depending on whether you are drying button mushrooms or slices of mushrooms.
After vacuum drying, the mushrooms should be stored in a freezer bag somewhere with very little air exchange to prevent rehydration. This method can also be used to dry other fruits and vegetables that are prone to heat damage.
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Using silica gel
Drying mushrooms with silica gel is a popular method to preserve them for display or storage. Silica gel helps remove moisture from mushrooms without altering their colour, which is important as bubbles in resin are often caused by moisture. It is also a useful way to prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of mushrooms by creating a controlled environment.
To dry mushrooms with silica gel, it is recommended to first harvest and pre-dry the mushrooms using a fan. This helps remove some initial moisture. Then, determine the amount of silica gel needed. As a rule of thumb, silica gel can absorb around 15 grams of water per 100 grams, so for 250 grams of mushrooms, one would need around 1450 grams of silica gel. Place the mushrooms in an airtight container with the silica gel and leave them for 24 hours.
It is important to note that the silica gel should not be saturated and must be dried along with the mushrooms. The container should be large enough to allow for adequate airflow and prevent clumping. One method is to use a Tupperware container with a window screen placed over the silica gel, with the mushrooms on top of the screen.
After the drying process, the mushrooms can be gently blown on to remove any remaining silica gel. Some people also use a piece of fabric, like tulle, placed in the container to easily sift the mushrooms from the gel. This method helps preserve the mushrooms for display or further crafting.
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Wax preservation
Preparing the Mushrooms
Before beginning the wax preservation process, it is essential to properly prepare the mushrooms. Clean the mushrooms gently, removing any dirt or debris. It is recommended to slice the mushrooms to accelerate the drying process. Mushrooms can be dried in a food dehydrator or by using other methods such as air drying, oven drying, or using a desiccant like silica gel. Ensure the mushrooms are completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
Melting the Wax
The next step is to melt the wax. Choose a suitable type of wax, such as paraffin wax or beeswax, and heat it gently in a double boiler or a dedicated wax melter until it reaches a liquid state. Be cautious and avoid overheating the wax.
Dipping or Pouring
Once the wax is melted, you have two main options: dipping the mushrooms or pouring the wax over them. For smaller mushrooms or individual specimens, you can carefully dip them into the melted wax, ensuring they are completely coated. For larger mushrooms or groups of mushrooms, pouring the wax over them in a container may be more feasible.
Cooling and Hardening
After the mushrooms have been coated in wax, place them on a flat surface or in a mould to cool and harden. This step may take some time, depending on the amount of wax used and the size of the mushrooms. Ensure the coated mushrooms are undisturbed during this process to avoid any distortions.
Final Touches and Display
Once the wax has completely hardened, you can carefully remove any excess wax from the mushrooms using a soft brush or cloth. At this stage, you can also polish the wax to give it a glossy finish. Finally, decide on an appropriate display method. Consider using a display case, a glass dome, or incorporating the wax-preserved mushrooms into a larger display with other elements.
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Frequently asked questions
You can dry them using a drying agent like silica gel. Place the mushroom on a layer of silica gel crystals in a plastic or glass container, then pour additional silica gel around and over them.
12 hours is usually sufficient to dry most specimens.
Yes, you can try vacuum drying mushrooms to help them retain their wet volume while lowering the boiling point of water so they dry quicker.
You can dip specimens in epoxy or resin, or use a special mixture of wax.
You can encase them in plastic by dissolving clear plastics in paint thinner and letting the mushroom suck itself full of the liquid plastic. You can also use a food saver vacuum with a jar attachment, but the mushroom will be quite brittle.
