Michael Davis
Drying mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for long-term storage. It is a process that can be done at home without any special equipment, although some choose to use a dehydrator or an oven. The cheapest and easiest way to dry mushrooms is by air drying them, which involves placing them in an open container with good airflow and leaving them out for about a week. This method, however, is unreliable in humid environments. When dried properly, mushrooms can be stored for months or even years without losing their flavour or potency.
Where to Dry Mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight, such as on top of a fridge or on a shelf in a walk-in closet. |
| Equipment | Dehydrator, oven, mesh colander, baking sheet, baking rack, cardboard, dry towel, fan, air-tight containers, plastic freezer containers with tight-fitting lids, plastic freezer bags, glass jars |
| Temperature | Low heat, no higher than 150°F (65°C), with a preference for lower settings to avoid damaging beneficial compounds in mushrooms |
| Time | 7-10 days for air-drying, 8-10 hours in a dehydrator, up to twice as long in a conventional oven |
| Pre-drying | Recommended to remove excess water before thorough drying; mushrooms should appear wrinkly and feel rubbery |
| Post-drying | Store in a cool, dry, dark place or in the refrigerator/freezer; dried mushrooms can last for months or even years |
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What You'll Learn
Air drying
To air-dry mushrooms, start with fresh mushrooms. Wipe them clean with a damp towel or cloth—do not wash them under running water. You can also scrub them if necessary to remove any bugs or surface dirt.
Next, place the mushrooms on a piece of cardboard or a dry towel, ensuring they are spread out evenly and not touching. Alternatively, you can place them in a container that allows air to circulate around them, such as a mesh colander, or a baking rack set on top of a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the mushrooms. Move your cardboard or container to a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight, such as on top of a fridge or a shelf in a walk-in closet. You can also place the mushrooms in front of a fan to air them out.
Allow the mushrooms to air-dry for 7 to 10 days, or until they are completely dry and do not give at all when squeezed. They should feel like small, light rocks. Drying time will vary based on humidity levels and the size of your mushrooms. To expedite the process, you can partially dehydrate them in the oven first and then finish air-drying on a sunny windowsill.
Once the mushrooms are fully dry, you can store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to two years. You can also add a small silica packet to the container for the first week to ensure any residual moisture is removed.
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Dehydrators
To dry mushrooms in a dehydrator, first clean the mushrooms with a brush or by rinsing them in water. Then, slice the mushrooms into pieces that are between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. The thicker the slices, the longer it will take to dry. Arrange the cleaned, sliced mushrooms on the dehydrator trays, making sure that none of the pieces touch or overlap. This allows for the best airflow around them, and they will dry faster and more evenly. If you are using a dehydrator with drying trays or racks, spread your mushrooms out evenly, ensuring none of them are touching.
Dry the mushrooms at 110 °F (60 °C) until the pieces are crispy and dry. This process takes 4 to 6 hours for 1/4-inch slices and up to 8 hours for thicker slices. You may need to turn large pieces over every 3 to 4 hours during the drying period. Vegetables can scorch easily toward the end of drying, so monitor more closely as it nears completion.
Once the mushrooms are completely dry, allow them to cool completely before storing them in airtight glass jars. Label the jars with the contents, including the type of mushroom and the date of drying. Store the jars away from direct light or heat. Properly stored, dried mushrooms can last for at least a year.
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Ovens
Mushrooms can be dried in an oven, and this method can yield very good results. The oven is not the only way to dry mushrooms, as air drying and using a dehydrator are also popular methods. However, if you would like to use an oven, here is a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, select fresh, locally-grown mushrooms of your preferred variety. Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel or using a mushroom brush, followed by a quick rinse under cold running water. You can also scrub gently with a vegetable brush to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.
Next, slice the mushrooms into similar-sized pieces, around 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Thicker slices will take longer to dry, so keep this in mind when using the oven, as it will be occupied for several hours. If you are using a dehydrator, it is recommended to slice the mushrooms to a thickness of 1cm.
Before placing the mushrooms in the oven, ensure that all surface moisture is removed. To do this, spread the sliced mushrooms on a clean dish towel, loosely roll it up, and gently squeeze out any remaining water. Blot the mushrooms with a paper towel to remove excess water and avoid steaming in the oven.
Preheat your oven to a low temperature, ideally between 125°F and 150°F (52°C and 65°C). If your oven does not go below 140°F (60°C), prop open the door with a heat-proof utensil to reduce the temperature and increase airflow.
Arrange the mushrooms on a baking tray, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each slice for air circulation. Place the tray in the oven and leave for one hour. Then, turn the mushroom slices over and return them to the oven for another hour.
Remove the mushrooms from the oven and let them cool. This step is essential, as the mushrooms will continue to crisp up during this time. Check if the mushrooms are completely dry by attempting to snap them; they should not bend and should be fairly brittle. If they are not dry enough, return them to the oven for 30-minute intervals until they reach the desired dryness.
Finally, place the dried mushrooms in a high-speed blender or food processor and blend them into a fine powder, or store them in covered glass jars. To use the dehydrated mushrooms, place them in a heat-proof bowl, cover them with boiling water, and let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes before using them as you would fresh mushrooms.
Dried mushrooms can be stored in covered glass jars or moisture-vapour-proof containers. Label the jars or containers with the mushroom variety and the date of drying. Store them in a cool, dry, dark place, away from direct light or heat. Properly stored dried mushrooms can last for up to two years and will retain their flavour and texture.
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Containers
Choosing the Right Containers for Drying
When drying mushrooms, it is essential to use containers that allow for adequate airflow. This airflow is crucial in preventing the growth of mould and ensuring even drying. Here are some specific container options:
- Mesh colanders: Mesh colanders are ideal for air drying mushrooms as they provide excellent airflow underneath the mushrooms.
- Baking racks: Placing a baking rack on top of a baking sheet allows for air circulation around the mushrooms. Ensure the mushrooms are laid out in a single layer and are not overcrowded.
- Dehydrator trays: If using a food dehydrator, arrange the mushrooms on the drying racks, ensuring they are not packed too tightly together.
Storing Dried Mushrooms
Once the mushrooms are fully dried, it's important to store them properly to maintain their quality and prevent spoilage:
- Cooling: Allow the mushrooms to cool completely before transferring them to storage containers. Placing hot mushrooms in a sealed container can cause condensation, undoing your drying efforts.
- Container type: Store dried mushrooms in airtight containers made of glass or plastic. Ensure the containers are clean and dry before use.
- Storage conditions: Keep the containers in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources, which can promote spoilage.
- Stirring or shaking: When storing dried mushrooms, it is recommended to stir or shake the containers daily for the first few days to separate the pieces and ensure even conditioning.
- Moisture check: If you notice beads of moisture forming inside the container, return the mushrooms to the drying process to ensure complete dehydration.
- Labelling: Label the containers with the type of mushroom, the date of drying, and any relevant pretreatment or drying methods used.
- Shelf life: Properly stored dried mushrooms can last for up to two years, but it's important to check them periodically for any signs of spoilage, such as off odours or mould.
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Storage
Storing dried mushrooms is a simple process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure the fungi don't spoil. Once the mushrooms are dried, they should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or anywhere wet. Properly stored dried mushrooms can last anywhere from six months to two years.
Before storing, it's crucial to ensure that the mushrooms are completely dry. The mushrooms should feel bone dry and snap easily when bent. If there is any remaining moisture, it could lead to contamination and cause the mushrooms to spoil. To test if the mushrooms are dry enough, squeeze them gently. If they give at all, they need further drying.
After confirming the mushrooms are dry, place them 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 area for four to ten days. During this period, stir or shake the containers daily to separate the pieces and ensure even drying.
If beads of moisture form inside the containers, return the mushrooms to the drying process and repeat the conditioning step. Once the mushrooms are fully dry and conditioned, store them in moisture-vapor-proof containers or bags. Label the packages with the product name, date, and drying method.
Storing dried mushrooms properly will ensure their longevity and preserve their flavour and potency.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms can be dried in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. This could be on top of a fridge or on a shelf in a walk-in closet. Alternatively, you can place them in front of a fan.
You can dry mushrooms without any special equipment. Air-drying is the cheapest and easiest way to dry mushrooms. However, you can also use a food dehydrator, an oven, or a mesh colander.
Mushrooms should be left to air dry for about a week. In an oven or dehydrator, the drying process takes 8-10 hours.
