Sarah Brown
Grinding mushrooms is a popular practice, especially with psilocybin or magic mushrooms, which have hallucinogenic effects. Grinding mushrooms into a powder allows for easier storage and the ability to incorporate them into various dishes without the strong umami flavour of fresh fungi. There are several methods to grind mushrooms, including using a mortar and pestle, a coffee grinder, a food processor, or a blender. The ground mushrooms can then be added to stocks, sauces, soups, or even beverages for a boost of plant-based protein and dietary fibre.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why grind mushrooms? | To make mushroom powder, to add to soups for a flavour boost, to preserve the mushroom's flavour for longer, to add nutrients to meals without the strong umami flavour of fresh mushrooms. |
| When to grind mushrooms | Mushrooms should be broken up before they dry, within 24 hours of harvesting. |
| How to grind mushrooms | Using a mortar and pestle, a coffee grinder, a blender, a food processor, a meat grinder or by hand. |
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What You'll Learn
Making mushroom powder
Firstly, you'll need to dehydrate your mushrooms. You can buy pre-dried mushrooms, but many people enjoy drying them themselves. To do this, clean and slice your mushrooms, then dehydrate at 117 °F / 47 °C for 8-12 hours. When the slices are crispy enough to snap, they're ready for the next step.
Now it's time to grind your mushrooms into a powder. You can use a spice grinder, food processor, blender, or even a mortar and pestle. Simply place your dried mushrooms in the grinder or processor and pulse or grind until you have a fine powder. You may need to regrind any larger pieces and pass the powder through a mesh sieve to ensure it is uniformly fine.
Once you have your powder, transfer it to an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in a cool, dark place, such as a cabinet, and use within one month for the freshest experience.
Now you have your very own mushroom powder to add a savoury boost to your dishes! Sprinkle it into soups, stews, curries, stir-fries, or even scrambled eggs. You can also use it to make a dry rub for meat, poultry, or fish.
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Using a mortar and pestle
To use a mortar and pestle effectively for grinding mushrooms, start by cleaning and slicing the mushrooms to the desired thickness. Then, place them in the mortar and use the pestle to crush and grind them into a fine powder. It is important to be thorough and patient during this process, as a consistent texture is crucial for the best results.
One advantage of using a mortar and pestle is that it allows for greater control over the grinding process. You can manually adjust the pressure and speed as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Additionally, a mortar and pestle are easy to clean and maintain, making them a convenient tool for grinding mushrooms and other ingredients.
However, one of the main challenges of using a mortar and pestle is that it can be difficult to achieve a uniform powder consistency, especially with dried mushrooms. The process can be physically demanding and time-consuming, particularly for larger batches. As a result, some people opt for alternative methods, such as using a coffee grinder, blender, or food processor, which can be more efficient for larger quantities or harder varieties of mushrooms.
To enhance the grinding process and achieve a finer powder, you can combine the use of a mortar and pestle with other techniques. For example, you could initially break down the mushrooms into smaller pieces using a blender and then transfer them to the mortar and pestle for a more precise grind. Experimenting with different approaches will help you determine the most efficient method for your specific needs.
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Using a coffee grinder
Firstly, it is important to ensure your mushrooms are dried. Fresh mushrooms can be cheaper when purchased in bulk, and many enjoy the process of drying them themselves. You can also buy pre-dried mushrooms from grocers. Once you have your dried mushrooms, it is simply a case of placing them in your grinder and letting the machine do the work.
There are some things to be aware of when using a coffee grinder. Firstly, it is important to clean your grinder thoroughly before and after use. This can be done by grinding plain white rice to a powder, dumping out the powder, and wiping the grinder with a dry cloth. This will ensure there is no residual coffee flavour or odour in your mushroom powder.
Another consideration is the type of mushroom you are grinding. Coffee grinders are best for small amounts of softer dried mushrooms. Harder varieties may be too much for a coffee grinder to handle, and you may need to break them up before drying.
Overall, using a coffee grinder is a convenient and effective way to grind mushrooms, especially if you are looking for a fine powder for dosing or adding to meals.
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Using a blender
If you're looking to grind mushrooms, a blender is a great option. Blenders can effectively grind mushrooms, but it's important to note that not all blenders are created equal. Here are some tips and guidelines for using a blender to grind mushrooms:
Firstly, it's essential to break up larger mushrooms into smaller pieces before placing them in the blender. This can be done by using your fingers to snap or cut the mushrooms into smaller chunks. By doing this, you'll help the blender achieve a more consistent grind.
The next step is to add the mushrooms to your blender. For smaller amounts of mushrooms, a personal blender like a Nutribullet or Magic Bullet will do the trick. However, for larger quantities, a high-speed blender or food processor is recommended. Once the mushrooms are in the blender, start by pulsing a few times to chop the mushrooms roughly. Then, hold down the button for longer intervals, around 10 seconds each, until you achieve the desired consistency.
It's important to note that when grinding mushrooms, your goal should be to achieve a fine powder. Chunks of mushrooms with powder are not ideal. Therefore, it's crucial to blend the mushrooms until they reach a consistent, fine texture. This may take some time and patience, but it's worth it to get the best results.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that fresh mushrooms should be dried before grinding. Dehydrated mushrooms are easier to grind into a fine powder and have a longer shelf life than fresh mushrooms. They also bring out a "deep umami flavor," according to cookbook author Andrea Gentl. So, if you're using fresh mushrooms, consider dehydrating them first for the best flavor and grinding results.
Finally, once you've achieved the desired consistency, it's important to store your ground mushrooms properly. Airtight containers, preferably made of glass and kept out of direct light and heat, are ideal for maximizing shelf life. By following these steps, you'll be able to effectively use a blender to grind mushrooms and create a versatile ingredient for your culinary creations.
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Storing mushroom powder
Drying mushrooms is a great way to preserve their flavour and nutritional value. Dehydrated mushrooms can be easily blended into mushroom powder and added to your meals for a kick of plant-based protein and dietary fibre without the strong umami flavour of fresh fungi.
To store mushroom powder, it is recommended to use an airtight glass jar. The jar should then be stored in a cool, dark place, like a cabinet, away from direct heat and light. If stored properly, dehydrated mushrooms can last much longer than fresh mushrooms. One source suggests that mushroom powder will be at its freshest within one month of blending, while another suggests that it can be stored for six months to a year.
Storing Dried Mushrooms
Dried mushrooms can be stored in a variety of ways, including vacuum sealing, honey, or capsules. However, a simple and effective method is to store them in jars with silica gel packs in a dark cupboard out of direct sunlight. This will help to preserve their freshness and prevent mould, contamination, and oxidation.
Storing Fresh Mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms are notoriously difficult to store and have a very short shelf life, regardless of the type. If you cannot dry your mushrooms, you can place them on an unbleached paper towel inside a paper bag in the refrigerator. The paper bag should be rolled fairly snugly around the mushrooms to limit decay, and they should be used within five to ten days.
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Frequently asked questions
Grinding mushrooms can intensify their flavour and make them more suitable for certain recipes. For example, grinding mushrooms into a powder can add an umami punch to wild rice and mushroom soup without adding too much bulk.
The best method for grinding mushrooms depends on their moisture content and the quantity you wish to grind. Mushrooms can be ground using a mortar and pestle, coffee grinder, blender, food processor, or meat grinder. If you are grinding dried mushrooms, it is recommended to use a more powerful appliance such as a blender or food processor, as dried mushrooms can be very hard.
Both fresh and dried mushrooms can be ground, but it is important to note that their properties differ. Fresh mushrooms offer a robust flavour and texture, but dried mushrooms are easier to store and can be more convenient for cooking. Additionally, certain specialty mushroom varieties are only available during specific times of the year, and drying them allows you to enjoy them year-round.
To make mushroom powder, you must first dehydrate the mushrooms. You can purchase pre-dried mushrooms or dry them yourself using a dehydrator. Once the mushrooms are dried, use a food processor, blender, or coffee grinder to process them into a fine powder. Store your mushroom powder in an airtight container away from direct heat and light to extend its freshness.
