Michael Davis
Dried mushrooms are an excellent food to stock in your kitchen. They have a long shelf life, maintain their nutritional value, and can be added to meals outside of the growing season. To get the nutrients of mushrooms without the taste, dried mushrooms can be blended into a powder and added to meals for a kick of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. However, grinding dried mushrooms can be challenging as they become like hardwood once dried. To achieve a fine grind, you can use a coffee grinder, blender, food processor, or meat grinder. For small amounts, a mortar and pestle can also be used. To extend the freshness of your mushroom powder, store it in an airtight glass jar away from direct heat and light.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why grind dried mushrooms? | To make mushroom powder, which can be added to meals for a kick of plant-based protein and dietary fibre without the strong umami flavour of fresh fungi. |
| How to grind dried mushrooms | Using a mortar and pestle, coffee grinder, blender, food processor, or meat grinder. |
| How to store mushroom powder | In an airtight glass jar, away from direct heat and light. |
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What You'll Learn
Using a coffee grinder
A coffee grinder can be used to grind dried mushrooms, but it is not ideal for large amounts or harder varieties of dried mushrooms. If you are using a coffee grinder, it is best to use small amounts of softer dried mushrooms.
To use a coffee grinder to grind dried mushrooms, start by ensuring the mushrooms are thoroughly dry. This can be achieved by drying them until they are "cracker dry". Then, place the mushrooms in the coffee grinder. It is best to grind small amounts at a time, as coffee grinders are not designed to handle large amounts or hard chunks of dried mushrooms.
Grind the mushrooms until they reach the desired consistency. Be aware that it may take a long time to achieve a fine powder, and you may need to grind the mushrooms in batches. To achieve a fine powder, it is recommended to break up the mushrooms into small pieces before placing them in the grinder.
After grinding, be sure to clean the coffee grinder thoroughly. This can be done by grinding white rice in batches until the flour produced is free from any coffee odour.
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Blending techniques
Blending dried mushrooms into a powder is a great way to incorporate the nutritional value of mushrooms into your meals without the strong umami flavor of fresh fungi. Here are some blending techniques to help you get the best results:
Mortar and Pestle: A traditional method for grinding dried mushrooms is to use a mortar and pestle. This technique allows you to crush the mushrooms into a fine powder, but it can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for larger quantities.
Coffee Grinder: A coffee grinder can be an effective tool for grinding dried mushrooms. It is important to note that coffee grinders are typically designed for smaller amounts and may struggle with larger or harder dried mushroom varieties. Clean your grinder by grinding white rice in batches until the flour is free of any coffee odor.
Blender or Food Processor: For a more powerful option, consider using a blender or food processor. These appliances are ideal for breaking down dried mushrooms into a consistent powder. Look for a high-quality blender with sharp blades to ensure effective grinding. Some people have also reported success with meat grinders for this purpose.
Pillowcase and Blunt Force: If you don't have access to any of the above tools, a low-tech option is to place the dried mushrooms in a pillowcase and pulverize them with a blunt object, such as a bat. This method may not yield a fine powder, but it can effectively break down the mushrooms into smaller pieces.
Storage: Once you have successfully ground your mushrooms, store them in an airtight glass jar to maximize their shelf life. Keep the jar away from direct heat and light, similar to how you would store potatoes. Properly stored dehydrated mushrooms and mushroom powder can last for several months.
By using these blending techniques, you can create a versatile and nutritious mushroom powder to enhance your cooking or supplement your diet.
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Storing the powder
Once you have ground your dried mushrooms into a powder, it's important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and nutritional value. Here are some tips for storing your mushroom powder:
Use airtight containers: To preserve the freshness of your mushroom powder, it is best to store it in airtight containers. Glass jars with airtight lids or locking mechanisms are ideal. This will help keep the powder dry and free from moisture, ensuring a longer shelf life.
Protect from direct heat and light: Store your jar of mushroom powder away from direct heat and light. Find a cool, dry place, such as a cabinet or pantry, to keep your powder fresh for longer. Avoid placing it near the stove, oven, or any other sources of heat or direct sunlight.
Use silica gel packets: Silica gel packets help absorb any excess moisture in the container, further extending the shelf life of your mushroom powder. Include a few food-safe silica gel packets inside your storage jar or container.
Consume within a recommended period: Even with proper storage, it is best to use your mushroom powder within a certain period for optimal freshness and flavour. Aim to consume your mushroom powder within one month of grinding for the freshest experience.
Label the container: Don't forget to label your container with the date you prepared the mushroom powder. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored and ensure you use it within the recommended timeframe.
By following these simple storage guidelines, you can make the most of your homemade mushroom powder, adding a nutritious boost to your meals without the strong umami flavour of fresh mushrooms.
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Dehydrating mushrooms
To dehydrate mushrooms, start by selecting good-quality, fresh mushrooms. Do not use mushrooms that show signs of decay, mould or bruising, as these issues may affect all the pieces being dried. Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush, then give them a quick rinse under cold running water.
Next, slice the mushrooms. The thickness of the slices will determine how long they take to dry, so bear this in mind when slicing. Thicker slices are better if you plan to use thick mushroom pieces in your dishes. Arrange the slices on a dehydrator tray, making sure that none of the pieces touch or overlap. This allows for the best airflow, helping the mushrooms to dry faster and more evenly.
Dry the mushrooms at 110°F (or 140°F, according to another source) until the pieces are crispy and dry. This will take 4 to 6 hours for 1/4-inch slices, and up to 8 hours for thicker slices. If you are using an oven or dehydrator, you may need to turn large pieces over every 3 to 4 hours. Vegetables can scorch easily toward the end of drying, so monitor them more closely as the process nears completion.
Once the mushrooms are dried, allow them to cool completely before storing them in airtight containers or bags. Label the containers with the type of mushroom and the date of drying. Store the mushrooms away from direct light or heat. Dehydrated mushrooms can be stored for at least a year.
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Breaking them up before they dry
When it comes to preparing mushrooms for grinding, it's important to act quickly. You have a maximum of 24 hours after harvesting to break them up before they dry out and harden. The easiest method for breaking them up is to put the mushrooms in a pillowcase and pulverize them with a bat. This will help ensure that you have a consistent texture without any large chunks.
If you've waited too long and the mushrooms have started to dry out, you may need to use a more powerful tool than a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. A blender or food processor can be effective for breaking down larger chunks or harder varieties of dried mushrooms. However, it's important to blend them to a fine, consistent powder to ensure the best results.
Some people also recommend using a meat grinder or a specialized blend-tech blender for this purpose. If you're using a blender, it's important to clean it thoroughly afterward to prevent any mushroom residue from building up. Running some white rice through the grinder or blender until it comes out as a flour can help eliminate any residual coffee or mushroom odors.
Storing your ground mushrooms properly is also key. It's best to use food-safe silica salt packets and airtight containers to maintain freshness and keep your mushroom powder out of direct light. By following these steps, you can effectively break up and grind dried mushrooms to create a versatile ingredient for your culinary creations.
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Frequently asked questions
Grinding dried mushrooms into a powder allows you to extend their shelf life and condense their flavour. This also lets you add mushrooms and their nutrients to your meals without the distinct taste of fresh fungi.
There are several ways to grind dried mushrooms. You can use a mortar and pestle, a coffee grinder, a blender, or a food processor. For larger amounts, a meat grinder or a powerful blender is recommended.
Store ground mushrooms in an airtight glass jar, in a cabinet away from direct heat and light. If properly stored, dehydrated mushrooms can last much longer than fresh mushrooms.
Clean your coffee grinder by grinding white rice in batches until the flour produced no longer has a coffee odour.
