Grinding Mushrooms: The Ultimate Guide To Powder Perfection

Grinding mushrooms is a great way to incorporate them into a variety of recipes, from morning brews to mid-afternoon protein smoothies. The process involves dehydrating mushrooms and then grinding them into a powder, which can be done using a variety of tools such as a coffee grinder, food processor, blender, or even by hand with a mortar and pestle. The powder can be stored in airtight containers or mason jars and added to teas, chocolates, or capsules for convenient consumption. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can create their own mushroom powder at home and explore the endless culinary and medicinal possibilities that mushrooms have to offer.

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Dehydrating mushrooms

Selecting and Cleaning Mushrooms

Start by choosing fresh mushrooms that are at their peak quality and flavour. Avoid mushrooms that show signs of decay, mould, or bruising, as these issues may affect the drying process. Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel or using a mushroom brush. Contrary to popular belief, raw mushrooms do not absorb a lot of water during a quick rinse, so a quick wash under cold running water is recommended to remove any dirt or debris.

Slicing Mushrooms

Before dehydrating, slice the mushrooms into uniform pieces. A thickness of about 1/4 inch is ideal, as thinner slices will dry faster and more evenly.

Arranging on Drying Trays

Place the mushroom slices in a single layer on drying trays or racks that allow for good air circulation. If using a dehydrator, follow the specific instructions provided with your model.

Drying Temperature and Time

Set the dehydrator to the recommended temperature, typically around 110°F to 140°F (60°C). The drying time will depend on the thickness of the slices. For 1/4-inch slices, the process should take about 4 to 6 hours. Thicker slices may require up to 8 hours or more. If using an oven, drying may take twice as long, and you should monitor the mushrooms closely to avoid scorching.

Cooling and Conditioning

Once the mushrooms are dry and leathery, remove them from the dehydrator or oven and allow them to cool completely. Then, place the cooled mushrooms loosely in large plastic or glass containers, filling them about two-thirds full. Lightly cover the containers and store them in a dry, well-ventilated place for 4 to 10 days. Stir or shake the containers daily to separate the pieces and ensure even conditioning.

Storing Dehydrated Mushrooms

After conditioning, transfer the dried mushrooms to airtight glass jars or moisture-vapor-proof containers. Label the jars with the contents and the date of drying. Store the jars away from direct light and heat. Properly dehydrated and stored mushrooms can last for at least a year and retain their nutritional value.

Dehydrated mushrooms can be rehydrated by pouring boiling water over them and soaking for 20 to 30 minutes. The soaking liquid can be saved for use in soups, stocks, or sauces. Alternatively, you can blend dehydrated mushrooms into a fine powder, which can be easily added to various dishes without altering their flavour.

Using a coffee grinder

Firstly, ensure that your mushrooms are completely dry. This is an important step as dried mushrooms are easier to grind into a fine powder. Break the dried mushrooms into small pieces. If you are using a coffee grinder that was previously used for coffee, it is important to clean it first. You can do this by grinding white rice in batches until the flour produced is free of any coffee odour. Then, dump out the rice flour and wipe the grinder clean with a dry cloth.

Next, place the mushroom pieces into the coffee grinder. The amount of mushrooms you can grind at once will depend on the size of your grinder, so you may need to do multiple batches. Close the grinder and switch it on. Allow the grinder to run until the mushrooms have reached your desired consistency.

Finally, open the grinder and pour the mushroom powder into a container. Your mushroom powder is now ready to use! You can add it to rubs, sauces, or use it for its medicinal benefits.

Using a blender

To grind mushrooms with a blender, you must first dehydrate them. This can be done by drying the mushrooms in a low-heat oven or a dehydrator. Once the mushrooms are dehydrated, they should feel leathery and no longer spongy.

When using a blender, only add a handful of mushrooms at a time, as the blade in a blender is typically smaller. Pulse the blender a few times to roughly chop up the mushrooms, and then hold down the button for 10- to 20-second intervals until you achieve your desired consistency. Blending mushrooms can cause a cloud of dust to form inside the blender, so it is recommended to let the powder settle for a few minutes before opening the lid.

After blending, sieve the powder through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any larger bits. Place a large bowl under the strainer and pour the mixture into the mesh. This will allow you to collect any remaining chunks for a second round of blending.

Finally, store your mushroom powder in an airtight container to extend its shelf life. No need to refrigerate; simply store it in a dark, cool place, such as the back of your pantry.

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Making mushroom powder

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Start by dehydrating your mushrooms. Slice them very thin and dehydrate at 117 °F / 47 °C for 8-12 hours. When the slices are crispy enough to snap, they are ready for the next step. You can use almost any type of mushroom, but some popular choices include oyster mushrooms, maitakes, lion's mane, and porcini mushrooms.

Step 2: Grind the Mushrooms

Once your mushrooms are dried, it's time to grind them into a powder. You can use a spice grinder, food processor, blender, or even a coffee grinder. If using a food processor or blender, add the dried mushrooms and pulse a few times to chop them up, then blend until you achieve a fine powder. With a spice grinder, simply place the dried mushrooms in the grinder and pulse or grind until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Sift and Store

After grinding, sift the powder through a mesh sieve to remove any large pieces. Then, grind the large pieces again until they are fine. Finally, transfer your mushroom powder to a glass jar or airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in a cool, dry place, such as your pantry, or in the refrigerator or freezer to extend its shelf life.

Step 4: Use in Cooking

Mushroom powder is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour of many dishes. Add a few pinches to your granola or vegetable roast, use it to flavour broths, soups, stews, and curries, or make a dry rub for meat, poultry, or fish. It's a great way to boost the savoury flavour of your dishes and can even be used in some desserts, such as chocolate creations.

Storing ground mushrooms

Firstly, it is important to only grind the mushrooms you plan to use immediately. If you are grinding a large batch, you will need to freeze the ground mushrooms to keep them fresh. Mushrooms should be treated to stop maturation before freezing, usually by steaming or sautéing. Soak the mushrooms in a mixture containing one teaspoon of lemon juice or 1.5 teaspoons of citric acid per pint of water for five minutes to reduce darkening. Steam whole mushrooms for five minutes, buttons or quarters for 3.5 minutes, and slices for three minutes. After steaming, cool, drain, and package the mushrooms, leaving a 0.5-inch headspace.

If you are not freezing your ground mushrooms, you should store them in the fridge, ensuring they are not overcrowded, so that they have good airflow. Paper bags are a good option for storage, as they allow mushrooms to breathe and prevent the trapping of moisture, which causes mould, discolouration, and slime. You can also store ground mushrooms in a container lined with a paper towel on the bottom and another on top. The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and keep the mushrooms fresh for longer.

If you are storing ground mushrooms for the short term, the original packaging is fine. If you plan to use the mushrooms within a day or two, or even three, of grinding them, it is fine to keep them in their original packaging, which is designed to breathe and be durable.

Frequently asked questions