Michael Davis
Drying mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for long-term storage. There are several ways to dry mushrooms, including using a food dehydrator, an oven, or air-drying them outdoors. The ideal level of dryness is when the mushrooms snap easily and break apart like a dry cracker. This guide will teach you how to dry mushrooms outdoors, so you can save money and preserve your mushrooms for later use.
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What You'll Learn
Clean mushrooms with a brush or cloth
It is important to clean your mushrooms before drying them. However, you should not use water to clean them, as this can cause mould to grow. Instead, use a brush to wipe away any dirt. 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.
Make sure to only use mushrooms that are fresh, with no black spots or mould. If you are foraging for mushrooms, be careful to only select edible and non-toxic species. Some edible species include Agaricus (common/button) and Boletus (Cep/Porcini). It is best to use a chart or a mushroom identification app to check which mushrooms are safe.
Once your mushrooms are clean, you can dry them using an oven or a food dehydrator. If you are using a dehydrator, arrange the mushrooms on the drying racks, making sure they are not packed so tightly that they are sitting on top of each other. Set the dehydrator to a low temperature, no higher than 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 Celsius).
If you are using an oven, preheat it to 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 Celsius). Place the mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking tray, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between them for air to circulate. Blot the mushrooms with a paper towel before placing them in the oven to remove any excess water. Dry the mushrooms for one hour, then flip them over and return them to the oven for another hour. Repeat this process until the mushrooms are dry. A properly dehydrated mushroom should snap apart like a cracker.
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Cut mushrooms into slices
Drying mushrooms outdoors is a great way to preserve them for long-term storage. The process is simple and can be done without any special equipment. One popular method is to air dry the mushrooms by placing them in an open container with good airflow and leaving them out in the sun for about a week. This technique works best in dry climates and during seasons with low humidity, such as fall, winter, and spring.
Now, let's focus on the slicing process, which is an important step in drying mushrooms outdoors. Here are some detailed instructions on how to cut mushrooms into slices:
Firstly, it is important to clean the mushrooms before slicing. Use a brush or a dry paper towel to wipe any dirt or debris from the mushrooms. If there are stubborn spots of dirt, use a slightly damp cloth or paper towel to gently scrub them off, but avoid waterlogging the mushrooms as this can promote the growth of mould or other fungi.
Once the mushrooms are clean, you can start slicing. The goal is to cut the mushrooms into slices that are approximately 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) to 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick. The thicker the slices, the longer they will take to dry. Cutting the mushrooms into slices increases their surface area, which helps to speed up the drying process. Depending on the shape of the mushrooms, you can cut them into halves or slices.
As you slice, arrange the pieces on a drying rack or a mesh colander. Make sure the slices are not overcrowded and have some space between them to allow for proper airflow. If using a mesh colander, you can place it on a baking sheet to catch any moisture that drips.
After slicing and arranging the mushrooms, they are ready to be placed outdoors for air drying. Place them in a well-ventilated area with good airflow and, if possible, direct sunlight. The drying process can take several days, and you may need to bring them indoors during nights with high humidity to prevent moisture accumulation.
During the drying process, keep an eye on the mushrooms and check for any signs of moisture. Use a paper towel or a dry cloth to blot away any moisture that may appear on the surface of the mushrooms. Continue this process until the mushrooms are completely dry.
Properly dried mushrooms should be cracker dry and snap easily when bent. They should feel like light rocks and not give at all when squeezed. Once they reach this stage, they can be stored in airtight containers and kept in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to two years.
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Use a food dehydrator
Using a food dehydrator is an efficient way to dry mushrooms outdoors. Dehydrators provide consistent heat and airflow, ensuring gradual and even moisture removal. Here's a step-by-step guide to using a food dehydrator for drying mushrooms:
Cleaning and Pre-Drying:
Before placing mushrooms in the dehydrator, it's important to clean them thoroughly. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any dirt, avoiding washing them with water as this can increase moisture content. As an alternative, you can use a damp paper towel to clean the mushrooms. After cleaning, lay the mushrooms on paper towels or a clean cloth and gently blot to remove surface moisture. This pre-drying step is crucial to reducing drying time and preventing mould growth.
Slicing the Mushrooms:
For optimal drying, it's recommended to slice the mushrooms into pieces. Aim for a thickness between 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Thinner slices will dry faster and more evenly, while thicker slices may take longer. If you have a large batch of mushrooms, consider using a food processor with a slicing disc for quicker results.
Arranging on Dehydrator Trays:
Place the cleaned and sliced mushrooms on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they are spread out and not overlapping. This arrangement allows for better airflow and even drying. The mushrooms should be placed close together, but without touching, as touching areas may retain moisture.
Setting the Temperature and Drying Time:
Set the dehydrator to a low temperature, typically between 95°F and 125°F (approximately 52°C). The drying process can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices, the size of the mushrooms, and the humidity level. Check your dehydrator's specific instructions for drying times and temperature settings.
Storing the Dried Mushrooms:
Once the mushrooms are dry and crispy, allow them to cool completely before storing. Transfer the cooled mushrooms to airtight containers, preferably glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Label the jars with the type of mushroom and the date of drying. Store the jars in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct light and heat, to preserve the potency and freshness of the mushrooms.
Using a food dehydrator is a straightforward and effective method for drying mushrooms outdoors. By following these steps, you can properly preserve your mushroom harvest for future use and enjoy their flavour and potency in various recipes.
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Air dry in a well-ventilated area
Air drying mushrooms is a simple and cost-effective method that does not require any special equipment. However, it is essential to note that air drying may not always result in completely dry mushrooms, and the success of this method depends on the humidity levels in your environment.
To begin the air-drying process, ensure your mushrooms are clean and dry. Avoid washing them with water, as this can promote the growth of mould or other fungi. Instead, use a brush or a dry paper towel to gently wipe away any dirt. If there are stubborn spots, use a slightly damp cloth and then wipe the same spot with a dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.
Next, cut the mushrooms into slices. The thicker the mushrooms, the longer they will take to dry. Aim for slices that are approximately 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) thick. By cutting them into smaller pieces, you will increase the surface area exposed to air, speeding up the drying process.
Now, place the mushroom slices on a rack or a mesh colander to ensure good airflow underneath them. It is important that the mushrooms do not overlap and are arranged in a single layer. Leave enough space between them to allow for proper air circulation.
Choose a well-ventilated area, preferably with a constant supply of fresh air and some sunlight if possible. Sunlight can aid in the drying process. Place the rack or colander with the mushrooms in the selected area and leave them to dry. Depending on the humidity levels and the size of your mushrooms, this process can take anywhere from seven to ten days.
During the drying process, keep an eye on your mushrooms. You want them to be cracker dry, meaning they should snap easily and break apart like a dry cracker. If they still seem moist or bend instead of snapping, continue the drying process. Mushrooms that retain moisture may develop mould or rot, so it is crucial to ensure they are completely dry before storing them.
Once your mushrooms are fully dehydrated, store them in airtight containers and keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Properly dried mushrooms can last for years, adding a flavourful touch to your soups, risottos, and pasta dishes.
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Store in airtight containers
Once your mushrooms are fully dry, it's time to store them in airtight containers. Mushrooms should be cracker dry, meaning they snap easily and break apart like a dry cracker. If they still seem moist or bend rather than snap, it's best to keep drying. Mushrooms that still contain some moisture may rot or develop mould.
After drying mushrooms, store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry, and dark place. Don't leave them in the open, in direct sunlight, or anywhere wet. If using wild mushrooms, always make sure you know what you've picked before consuming them. Poisonous mushrooms can still hurt you, even after they've been dried. Be careful if you're allergic to mushroom spores.
If you've dried your mushrooms outdoors, make sure they are completely dry before storing them. You can store them in airtight containers, such as glass jars or canisters with working seals. Keep the containers in a cool, dry, and dark location, such as a pantry or cabinet.
Properly dried mushrooms can be stored for a long time. Depending on the climate and storage conditions, they can last for months or even years. Check the mushrooms periodically to ensure they remain dry and free from mould or pests. Enjoy your dried mushrooms in soups, risottos, pasta dishes, or blend them into a fine powder to add an umami boost to your recipes.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to not waterlog mushrooms before drying them. If they are dirty, wipe them with a damp cloth.
Air drying is the cheapest and easiest way to dry mushrooms. Place them in an open container with good airflow underneath them (a mesh colander works great) and leave them out to dry for about a week.
If you want to dry mushrooms outdoors faster, you can put them in front of a fan for a few days.
Mushrooms should be cracker dry, meaning they snap easily and break apart like a dry cracker. If they still seem moist or bend rather than snap, they are not dry yet.
