Emily Johnson
Dried button mushrooms are a great addition to your pantry, adding an umami element to any dish. You can dry button mushrooms in an oven, dehydrator, or by air-drying. To dry them in an oven, preheat the oven to 170°F, brush the mushrooms clean, cut them into 1/4-inch slices, arrange them on drying screens, and place them in the oven for 2-3 hours. To air-dry, clean the mushrooms with a damp towel and place them in a container that allows air to circulate, such as a mesh colander, for 7-10 days. You can also use a dehydrator to dry button mushrooms, which some sources say is preferable to an oven.
How to dry button mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean the mushrooms | Use a brush or a damp kitchen towel to clean the mushrooms. Do not wash them under running water. |
| Slice the mushrooms | Slice the mushrooms to a thickness of 1/4" or 1/8" (0.6 cm or 0.3 cm). Keep the slices the same size for even drying. |
| Use a dehydrator | Spread the sliced mushrooms on dehydrator trays, leaving space between them for airflow. Set the temperature to 155°F (68°C). It will take around 12 hours to dry completely. |
| Use an oven | Preheat the oven to 170°F (77°C). Place the sliced mushrooms on a drying screen or a baking rack set on a baking sheet. Prop the oven door open slightly to vent steam. Dehydrate for 2-3 hours. |
| Air dry | Place the mushrooms in an open container with good airflow, such as a mesh colander. Leave them in a well-ventilated area, preferably in the sun, for 7-10 days. |
| Storage | Once completely dry, store the mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They can be stored for up to 1-2 years. |
| Rehydration | To rehydrate, cover the dried mushrooms with hot water and let them sit for a few hours. The soaking liquid can be used in recipes for added flavor. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and slicing the mushrooms
Before you start the drying process, it's important to clean your button mushrooms thoroughly. Use a brush or a dry paper towel to wipe any visible dirt off the mushrooms. If there are stubborn spots of dirt, use a damp cloth or paper towel to scrub them off, then wipe the same spot with a dry cloth or paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture.
You can choose to slice your mushrooms before or after cleaning them, but slicing them beforehand may make it easier to remove dirt from crevices. The thickness of your slices will depend on how you plan to use the mushrooms later. If you like thick mushroom pieces in your dishes, opt for thicker slices, but keep in mind that thicker slices will take longer to dry. As a reference, slice the mushrooms between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, with thinner slices drying faster.
Slicing the mushrooms will also help speed up the drying process, as thicker mushrooms take longer to dry out. If you plan to use a dehydrator or the oven-drying method, ensure that none of the slices overlap, as this can cause them to fuse together.
Once your mushrooms are clean and sliced, they are ready to be dried using your preferred method, such as air-drying, oven-drying, or using a food dehydrator.
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Air-drying
To air-dry button mushrooms, start with fresh mushrooms. Wipe them clean with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Do not wash them under running water, as this may cause mould to grow. The thickness of your mushrooms will determine how long it will take to dry, so you may need to cut them into thinner slices.
Next, place the mushrooms on a drying rack or thread. If using a rack, lay the mushrooms flat in a single layer, ensuring none are overlapping. Cover the rack with a net tent or mesh fabric to keep bugs away. If using thread, string the mushrooms onto the thread and hang them up in a warm, dry place with good air circulation. Alternatively, place the mushrooms on a grated sheet over an empty container to allow airflow on both sides.
Place the mushrooms in a well-ventilated area with a supply of fresh air. If possible, place them in the sun. You can also use a fan to speed up the process. Allow the mushrooms to air-dry for 7-10 days, or until they are dry to the touch and do not give when squeezed. The drying time will vary based on humidity levels and the size of your mushrooms.
Once fully dried, store the mushrooms in an airtight container made of glass or plastic. Keep the container in a cool, dry, dark place. Dried mushrooms can last for at least a year, but they will last even longer if kept in a freezer or refrigerator.
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Using an oven
Drying mushrooms in the oven is a simple process that can be done in a few hours. It is important to note that the oven temperature must be set low, around 150-175°F (65-80°C).
Firstly, prepare the mushrooms by cleaning them with a brush or dry paper towel. If there are stubborn spots of dirt, a damp cloth can be used, but it is important to avoid getting the mushrooms too wet. The next step is to slice the mushrooms. They should be around 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Thinner slices will dry faster. The mushrooms should then be laid out on a clean dish towel and gently rolled to remove any surface moisture.
Once the mushrooms are prepared, preheat the oven to the desired temperature. It is important to ensure that the oven is set to a low temperature, as mentioned above. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap, and put them in the oven. Leave the mushrooms for one hour, then take them out and turn them over. At this point, any moisture on the surface of the mushrooms should be blotted with a paper towel.
Return the mushrooms to the oven for another hour. After this, they should be checked for dryness. If they are not completely dry, they can be turned over and returned to the oven for another 30 minutes. This process can be repeated until the mushrooms are fully dry. A properly dehydrated mushroom will snap apart.
Once the mushrooms are dry, they should be allowed to cool completely before being stored in airtight glass jars. It is a good idea to label the jars with the variety of mushroom and the date. The jars should be stored away from direct light and heat, and the mushrooms should be used within a year. To rehydrate the mushrooms for cooking, simply soak them in warm water for around 20-30 minutes, and use the flavoured soaking liquid in your dish.
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Using a dehydrator
To dry button mushrooms using a dehydrator, start by cleaning the mushrooms with a quick rinse in water. You can also use a vegetable or mushroom brush to get rid of any dirt.
Next, 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. Arrange the cleaned, sliced mushrooms on the dehydrator trays, ensuring that none of the pieces touch or overlap. This allows for optimal airflow, helping the mushrooms dry faster and more evenly.
Now, set your dehydrator to a low temperature of around 40°C (110°F) and let the mushrooms dry. The drying process can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the thickness of your slices. Check on your mushrooms every hour or so to monitor their progress. They are ready when they are crispy and brittle, breaking easily instead of bending.
Once the mushrooms are fully dehydrated, let them cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers like glass jars. Label the jars with the contents and date of drying. Store the jars in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct light or heat.
Properly dried and stored dehydrated mushrooms can last for at least a year, if not more, and make for a great pantry staple. To use, simply pour boiling water over the mushrooms and let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes. You can also grind the dehydrated mushrooms into a fine powder, which can be added to smoothies or used as a seasoning blend.
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Storing dried mushrooms
Dried button mushrooms are a great alternative to fresh mushrooms because they can last much longer. When stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, dried mushrooms can last for up to three years.
To store dried mushrooms, start by placing them in a colander and rinsing them under cold water to remove any grit. Then, transfer the mushrooms to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the container is clean and dry to prevent any moisture buildup.
The best place to store dried mushrooms is in a cool, dark location like a pantry or cabinet. Avoid storing them in a warm cupboard, as this will reduce their shelf life. If you have the space, you can also store dried mushrooms in the refrigerator or freezer, which will help maximize their freshness.
When stored properly, dried mushrooms will keep for six to twelve months. To reconstitute dried mushrooms before cooking, place them in a bowl and cover them with warm water, wine, or stock. Let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the bowl occasionally to loosen any remaining debris. Drain and rinse the mushrooms before using them in your favorite recipes.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to dry button mushrooms, including using a dehydrator, drying them in the oven at a low temperature, or air-drying them.
Clean the mushrooms with a brush or damp cloth, then slice them into 1/4-inch pieces. Arrange the mushrooms on a drying screen or a rack in an oven preheated to 170°F. Prop open the oven door to vent steam and dehydrate for 2-3 hours until they are dry and leathery.
Dried button mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years.
