John Miller
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, and they can be rehydrated and used in a variety of dishes. Properly dried mushrooms should snap apart easily and can be stored in airtight containers for up to two years.
How to Dry Picked Mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Use a brush or a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe off any dirt. Avoid getting the mushrooms wet. |
| Cutting | Cut the mushrooms into slices approximately 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) thick to speed up the drying process. |
| Baking sheet | Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet, ensuring they lay flat and side by side without overlapping. |
| Oven temperature | Preheat the oven to 150°F (65°C) or 140°F (60°C). |
| Baking time | Bake for one hour, then flip the mushrooms over and bake for another hour. |
| Blotting | Remove any moisture that has formed on the mushrooms' surfaces with a paper towel or dry cloth. |
| Checking for dryness | Take the mushrooms out of the oven and let them cool. Then, check if they are completely dry. |
| Air drying | Place the mushrooms in an open container with good airflow and leave them to air dry for about a week. |
| Storage | Store dried mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to two years. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning the mushrooms
To clean the mushrooms, start by gently wiping them with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any visible dirt or debris. If the mushrooms are particularly dirty, you can use a vegetable or mushroom brush to gently scrub them under running cool water. You can also slice the mushrooms first and then wash them, which can make it easier to remove all the dirt. Make sure to remove all the water before proceeding to the next step.
If there are stubborn spots of dirt that won't come off with a damp cloth, you can use a damp cloth or paper towel to scrub them off. Just be sure to wipe the mushrooms with a dry cloth or paper towel afterward to absorb any remaining moisture.
Once the mushrooms are clean, you can proceed to the slicing step. Slicing the mushrooms into pieces of a similar size will help ensure even drying. The thicker the slices, the longer they will take to dry, so aim for slices that are around 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
It is important to note that you should avoid getting the mushrooms wet during the cleaning process as much as possible. While it is okay to use a damp cloth or rinse them under running water, you don't want to soak the mushrooms as this can increase the drying time and create an ideal environment for mould or bacteria to grow.
Additionally, if you are using a towel to dry the mushrooms, be sure to change it out frequently to avoid retaining too much moisture, which can also promote the growth of mould or bacteria.
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Cutting the mushrooms
Drying mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for long-term storage. The thicker the mushrooms, the longer they take to dry out. To speed up the drying process, cut the mushrooms into slices.
When preparing your mushrooms for drying, it's important not to waterlog them. Too much moisture will make drying tedious or even impossible. If your mushrooms are dirty, wipe them with a damp cloth or use a mushroom brush followed by a quick rinse under cold running water. Do not soak them in water.
If you want to cut your mushrooms, slice them into pieces that are approximately 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) to 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick. They will still have enough flavour packed into the slices, but they will dry much faster than whole mushrooms. To dry your mushrooms, you can use a dehydrator, an oven, or air dry them.
If you are using an oven, place the mushrooms on a baking sheet, ensuring they lay flat and side by side. Make sure none of the mushrooms overlap, as they may fuse together while drying. Do not oil the sheets, as the mushrooms will absorb the oil, altering their flavour and causing them to take longer to dry. Preheat the oven to 150°F (65°C) and place the baking sheet with the mushrooms inside. Leave them for one hour, then turn the mushroom slices over and return them to the oven for another hour.
Take the mushrooms out of the oven and let them cool. This cooling-off period is essential, as the mushrooms will crisp up considerably. Check if the mushrooms are completely dry. If not, turn them over again, return them to the oven for 30 more minutes, and keep checking for dryness every half hour.
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Air drying
To air-dry mushrooms, start with fresh mushrooms and wipe them clean with a damp cloth. Do not wash them under running water. Place them on a piece of cardboard or a dry towel, ensuring they are evenly spread out and not touching. Move the cardboard or towel to a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight, such as on top of your fridge or on a shelf in a walk-in closet. Alternatively, place the cardboard in front of a fan to air them out. Check on your mushrooms every day. After a few hours, they will start to become more rigid and dry. The process is complete when they become so dry that they snap when bent.
If you want to give your mushrooms a head start, you can partially dry them in the oven first and then allow them to finish air-drying. Preheat your oven to 150–180°F (65–80°C) and place the mushrooms in for 1–2 hours. Take the mushrooms out and flip them over, then gently blot them with a paper towel to remove any surface moisture. Place them back in the oven for another hour or until they snap easily.
Once the mushrooms are completely dry, store them in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. They will last up to a year or more.
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Using an oven
Drying mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for long-term storage. It is also an excellent way to intensify their flavour. The process is simple and requires only an oven, a few baking sheets, and some jars.
Firstly, it is important to clean the mushrooms thoroughly. Use a brush to gently scrub them under running cool water. Then, to ensure they dry properly, slice the mushrooms into similar-sized pieces, around 1/8- to 1/2-inch thick. Thicker slices will take longer to dry.
Next, remove any surface moisture. Spread the mushrooms on a clean dish towel and gently roll it up, squeezing lightly. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. Preheat the oven to a low temperature, between 125°F and 175°F (52°C and 80°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and leave for one hour. Then, turn the mushroom slices over and return them to the oven for another hour.
Keep checking the mushrooms and drying them in one-hour increments until they are totally dry. A dehydrated mushroom should snap apart easily. If they are still moist, return them to the oven for 30-minute intervals until dry. Once done, let the mushrooms cool completely before transferring them to covered glass jars. Label the jars and store them away from direct light or heat. Properly dried mushrooms can last for at least a year.
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Storing the mushrooms
Once your mushrooms are dried, they should snap apart easily and be completely free of moisture. If there is any bend to them, they are not dry enough and you should continue the drying process. Mushrooms that are not fully dried may rot or develop mould, so it is important to be patient and ensure they are completely dry.
When your mushrooms are ready, place them in a cool, dry, and dark place. You can store them in airtight containers, glass jars, or plastic freezer bags. Label the containers with the date and the variety of mushroom.
Dried mushrooms can be stored for a long time, with some sources saying they will last for up to two years, and others saying at least one year. However, it is important to check on them periodically to ensure no mould has formed. If stored properly, your dried mushrooms will have a texture almost identical to fresh mushrooms when rehydrated.
Storing dried mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for long-term use. They can be easily rehydrated and added to soups, risottos, pasta dishes, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to dry picked mushrooms. You can use a dehydrator, an oven, or air-dry them. If you are using an oven, preheat it to 140-150°F (60-65°C). Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet, ensuring they lay flat and do not overlap. Leave them in the oven for an hour, then flip them over and put them back in for another hour. After this, check to see if they are dry. If not, return them to the oven for 30-minute intervals until they are dry.
A properly dehydrated mushroom should snap apart like a cracker. If they are still moist or bend rather than snap, they need more time to dry.
Store dried mushrooms in airtight containers in a cool, dry, and dark place. They can last up to two years when stored properly.
