Mastering Mushroom Dehydration: A Simple Guide to Preserve Freshness
Fresh Mushroom Drying Process
Whether you have grown your own mushrooms or got a great deal on them at the store, you may want to look into mushrom dehydration. This is a simple process and easy to do, the drying process is going to be the longest part.
What Do I Need to Dehydrate Mushrooms?
- fresh mushrooms
- knife
- cutting board
- dehydrator
- jars or vacuum sealing bags
- vacuum sealer
- mushroom brush (optional)
What Kind of Mushrooms Can I Dehydrate?
You can dehydrate your favorite type of mushrooms. From giant mushrooms to button, you can dehydrate most mushrooms. Whichever mushrooms you like to make your savory dish pop.
Do I Wash Mushrooms Before Dehydrating?
Simple Answer, yes. Do not submerge mushrooms in water. You do not want to have them absorb water. A quick rinse or a gentle brushing off may be all that is needed, depending on their dirt level. You want clean mushrooms before starting the dehydrating process.
Do Mushrooms Dehydrate Well?
If given enough time to dehydrate, mushrooms dehydrate well. They lose about half their size as they shrink as they lose their water content. They need to be dehydrated in a single layer on the drying racks.
Can You Use a Food Dehydrator for Dehydrated Mushrooms?
This is the easiest way (in my opinion) to dry mushrooms. The dehydrator trays allow the mushrooms to dry evenly and keep them at a consistent temperature. Not all ovens can go low even for the drying process.
Do I Need to Blanch the Mushrooms Before Dehydrating?
Blanching the mushrooms is not needed. The fresh mushrooms just need to be gently washed, sliced and placed on dehydrator trays to be dried. Blanching the mushrooms will give them too much moisture and that can cause longer dehydration time.
Can I Dehydrate Raw Mushrooms?
Most definitely. You will want to clean the mushrooms to remove as much dirt as possible or give a quick rinse. Soaking in water will cause them to absorb more water and take longer to dehyrate.
How Long Do Dried Mushrooms Last?
Mushrooms can last 1 to 2 years if properly stored. Long term storage is in airtight containers, vacuum sealed and kept in cool dry space.
Is it Better to Freeze Dry or Dehydrate Mushrooms?
This is a personal preference (in my opinion). Freeze Drying may last longer, but if you don’t have a freeze dryer, dehydrating will be the route to go.
How Do I Store Mushrooms After Dehydrating?
Mushrooms can be placed in jars that have been vacuum sealed. If you have a Food Saver (or the like), vacuum sealed bags works great too. Always date and label everything and use the oldest first.
Long Term Storage
Mushrooms can last 6-12 months in jars and 1-2 years in vacuum sealed bags. If you store in the freezer, they can last 2 years. If you notice an off taste, moisture in the container or mold, it’s time to toss the mushrooms.
How Do I Rehydrate Mushrooms?
You can hydrate the dried mushrooms, by placing them in a bowl with hot water. Allow the mushrooms to sit in the water for 15-30 minutes. You can strain the liquid (reserving for your dish if needed) and then use the mushrooms.
Dehydrating Mushrooms at Home Like a Pro
Equipment
Ingredients
- mushrooms washed, wiped down from dirt
Instructions
- Wash or wipe down the mushrooms to remove dirt. Do NOT soak in water.
- Slice the mushrooms into 1/4" slices and place onto a baking tray 1 layer thick. Mushrooms can touch.
- Place into dehydrator at 135F for 8 to 10 hours, or until the mushrooms are completely dry. This could take longer depending on amount of mushrooms and thickness & humidity of your area.
- Once the mushrooms are dried, use your canning funnel and place the mushrooms into the jar, making sure they give 1/2" headspace from the top of the seal.
- Place the seal onto the jar (making sure the seal is clean). Vacuum seal the jar to your sealers instructions.Or use the food saver bags and seal the mushrooms in.
- Make sure to label and date the jars/bags.
- To Rehydrate: Place mushrooms in a bowl of hot water and allow to sit for 15-30 minutes.Save the water to use in your dish as it will have flavor.
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