Drying Mushrooms

Whether you find them in fields and forests or purchase them at a local market, you can extend the shelf life of many fresh mushrooms by drying them.

Mushroom Resources Bolete Mushrooms Mushroom Identification Tips

Of course, not all mushrooms are created equal for drying.

Mycologists and culinary enthusiasts generally recommend morels and some bolete species as the prime candidates for preservation by drying. They are among the few mushroom genera that retain their flavor and texture when dried and reconstituted.

If you plan on picking wild mushrooms for drying, please be careful. Many bolete species, but not all of them, are considered choice edibles. There are also poisonous morels, or false morels.

The drying process begins by brushing the dirt from the mushroom and slicing it in half. Mushrooms tend to absorb water, so it is not a good idea to clean them by soaking them in water.

The above picture shows a bolete mushroom cut in half with the pores removed. The flesh is white except for a bruise on the lower part of the stem.

Compare that picture to the following picture.

It reminds us that humans always compete with animals and insects for edible mushrooms. The worm holes and decaying flesh indicate that the mushroom is well past its prime.

A close look at the picture shows some blue discoloration on the mushroom stem. Mycologists generally warn against eating any blue staining bolete.

A field check for bluing is easy. Rub your finger against the pores and break off a piece of the cap.

The picture also brings to mind the old truism, buyer beware. If you are purchasing wild mushrooms from a local vendor, ask the vendor to cut them in half prior to purchase.

Once you are certain that you have choice edible mushrooms suitable for drying, the actual drying process is easy.

Slice the mushroom into healthy parts. Some people may want smaller bits and pieces. Some people may want full caps. It's your choice.

Place the cut mushrooms in a conventional dehydrator set at a low temperature, no higher than 120^o, for approximately six hours. Higher drying temperatures tend to cook rather than merely dry mushrooms.

When the pieces are completey dry, they may look leathery. When placed in an air tight container, your dried mushrooms have up to a two year shelf life.

© 2007. Patricia A. Michaels. All Rights Reserved.