Emily Johnson
Drying mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for long-term storage. There are several methods to dry mushrooms, including using a dehydrator, an oven, or air-drying. Before drying, it is important to clean the mushrooms thoroughly and cut them into slices to speed up the drying process. The drying process intensifies the flavour of the mushrooms, making them a great addition to stocks, soups, and stir-fries. Once dried, mushrooms can be stored in airtight containers for up to two years.
How to Dry Field Mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Preservation for long-term storage |
| Cleaning | Use a brush or damp cloth to wipe off dirt |
| Cutting | Cut into slices 1/8-1/4 inch thick to speed up drying |
| Air-drying | Place in an open container with good airflow underneath, leave for 7-10 days |
| Oven-drying | Preheat oven to 150°F (65°C), place on a baking sheet, bake for 1 hour, flip, bake for another hour, cool, check for dryness |
| Storage | Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry, dark place for up to 2 years |
| Rehydration | Place in a heat-proof bowl, cover with boiling water, soak for 20-30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning the mushrooms
Firstly, it is important to avoid waterlogging your mushrooms. While it is a myth that mushrooms soak up lots of water, you should still be careful not to get them too wet. If your mushrooms are dirty, use a damp cloth to wipe them off gently. Alternatively, you can use a brush, such as a vegetable or mushroom brush, to scrub them gently while holding them under running cool water. If you prefer, you can slice the mushrooms into 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick pieces before washing. Slicing them thinner will help speed up the drying process. Just be sure to remove all the water before placing them in the oven or dehydrator.
If you are dealing with stubborn spots of dirt, you can use a damp cloth or paper towel to scrub them off. However, it is crucial to wipe the same spot with a dry cloth or paper towel afterward to absorb any remaining moisture. This step is important because the water can cause other competing fungi or mould to grow on the mushrooms during or after the drying process, which can be harmful to your health.
Once your mushrooms are clean and sliced, you can proceed to the next step of preparing them for drying. Remember to ensure they are in similar-sized pieces to ensure even drying.
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Cutting the mushrooms
Before cutting the mushrooms, it is important to clean them thoroughly. Use a brush or a dry paper towel to wipe off any dirt. If there are spots of dirt that won't come off, use a damp cloth or paper towel to scrub them off, and then wipe the same spot with a dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.
When cutting the mushrooms, it is important to cut them into slices of similar thickness. The thicker the slices, the longer they will take to dry. Aim for slices that are approximately 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) thick. This thickness will help speed up the drying process and ensure even drying.
Place the sliced mushrooms on a baking sheet, ensuring that they lay flat and side by side without overlapping. It is important that none of the mushrooms overlap, as this can cause them to fuse together during the drying process.
If you are planning to use an oven for drying, preheat it to 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius). Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, place the baking sheet with the mushrooms inside and leave them for about an hour.
After an hour, remove the mushrooms from the oven and flip them over to ensure even drying. At this point, blot any moisture that may have accumulated on their surfaces. Return the mushrooms to the oven for another hour.
Keep a close eye on the mushrooms and repeat the process of flipping and drying until they are completely dry. A properly dehydrated mushroom should snap apart easily and feel like a light rock.
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Air drying
Preparation
Before you begin the drying process, it is important to clean the mushrooms thoroughly. Use a brush or a damp cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or debris. Avoid soaking the mushrooms in water, as too much moisture can make the drying process more difficult. After cleaning, cut the mushrooms into slices about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) thick. Thicker slices will take longer to dry.
Air-drying Process
Place the sliced mushrooms on a baking sheet or in a mesh colander, ensuring that they are laid out in a single layer with none of the mushrooms overlapping. This prevents them from fusing together during the drying process. Put the mushrooms in a well-ventilated area with good airflow, preferably in a sunny spot. Allow the mushrooms to air-dry for 7 to 10 days. The drying time may vary depending on the humidity levels and the size of the mushrooms.
Checking for Doneness
After the allotted time, check the mushrooms to ensure they are completely dry. They should feel dry to the touch and not give at all when squeezed. If there is still some moisture, continue the drying process until they are fully dry. A properly dehydrated mushroom should snap apart easily and break like a cracker.
Storage
Once the mushrooms are completely dry, allow them to cool before transferring them to airtight containers. Store the dried mushrooms in a cool, dry, and dark place. Properly dried and stored mushrooms can last for up to 2 years or even longer.
Air-drying is a simple and effective method for preserving field mushrooms. By following these steps, you can easily dry your mushroom harvest for future use in various dishes.
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Oven drying
Drying field mushrooms in the oven is a great way to preserve them for long-term storage. The process is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.
Firstly, you need to clean the mushrooms thoroughly. Mushrooms can be quite dirty, so it is important to scrub them gently with a vegetable or mushroom brush under running cool water.
Once they are clean, you need to slice the mushrooms into even pieces. The thickness of the slices can vary, but it is important to note that thicker slices will take longer to dry. A common recommendation is to slice the mushrooms about 1/2-inch thick or cut them in half.
Next, you will need to preheat your oven to a low temperature, usually somewhere between 125°F and 180°F (52°C and 80°C). It is important not to set the temperature too high, as this can burn off some of the healthy compounds in the mushrooms.
After your oven has preheated, place the mushroom slices on a baking sheet or tray. Make sure the mushrooms are in a single layer and not overlapping or stacked on top of each other. You should also avoid oiling the sheets or trays, as this can affect the flavour and drying time of the mushrooms.
Place the baking sheet with the mushrooms in the oven and leave them for about an hour. Then, remove the mushrooms from the oven, flip them over, and return them to the oven for another hour. This process of baking and flipping may need to be repeated several times until the mushrooms are completely dry.
To check if the mushrooms are dry, remove them from the oven and let them cool. Then, feel the mushrooms to see if they are crispy and dry. If they are still a bit flexible or rubbery, return them to the oven for another 30 minutes, repeating the process until they are fully dry.
Once the mushrooms are completely dry, allow them to cool completely before storing them in airtight containers or jars. Make sure to label the jars with the variety of mushroom and the date. Store them in a cool, dark place, and use within a year.
Dried mushrooms can be rehydrated by soaking them in warm or boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes before using them in your favourite recipes.
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Storing dried mushrooms
If you are storing dried mushrooms in a cabinet or pantry, choose a cool, dark place and use an airtight container. Suitable airtight containers include glass canning jars, such as Mason jars, or plastic resealable bags. If you are using a resealable plastic bag, squeeze out any excess air before sealing it. If you live in a humid climate, you can use oxygen-absorbing packets in your resealable bags or jars to keep the mushrooms from spoiling for longer.
The refrigerator or freezer is the best option for storing dried mushrooms, as cold storage maximizes their shelf life. Place the dried mushrooms in a clean, tight-sealing freezer bag before putting them in the fridge or freezer. Avoid putting weighty items on top of bags of dried mushrooms in your freezer, as they may get crushed. If stored in a cool place, dried mushrooms will keep for six to twelve months.
Dried mushrooms stored in airtight containers can also be kept at room temperature in the back of a cabinet. However, they should be used within a shorter period when stored this way.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to dry field mushrooms is in a dehydrator, but you can also use your home oven. First, clean the mushrooms thoroughly using a brush or damp cloth. Then, cut the mushrooms into slices about 1/8-inch thick. Next, place the mushrooms on a baking sheet, ensuring they lay flat and do not overlap. Preheat the oven to 150°F (65°C) and bake for one hour. After an hour, flip the mushrooms and return them to the oven for another hour. Finally, take them out of the oven and let them cool before checking if they are dry. If not, return them to the oven in 30-minute increments until dry.
Field mushrooms are dry when they are crispy and do not give at all when squeezed. They should snap apart easily and feel like small, light rocks.
Store dried field mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place. They can be stored for up to two years and can be rehydrated by soaking in boiling water for 20-30 minutes before use.
