4 methods to preserve mushrooms

Mushrooms bring a unique depth of flavour to our culinary creations. Whether you are
foraging for wild mushrooms or stocking up on your favourite varieties from the shop, preserving
them is a fantastic way to prolong their freshness and intensify their savoury essence. In this
post we will explore four different methods to preserve mushrooms, providing you with a spectrum
of choices for preserving these flavourful fungi.

1. Use a Food Dehydrator

One of the most popular and efficient methods for drying mushrooms is using a food
dehydrator. This method removes moisture from the mushrooms at a controlled
temperature preserving their flavour and texture while inhibiting bacterial growth.
To dehydrate mushrooms:
– Clean your mushrooms thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris.
– Slice the mushrooms evenly to ensure uniform drying.
– Arrange the slices on the dehydrator trays, leaving space between each slice for proper
airflow.
– Set the dehydrator to a low temperature, typically around 130°F to 140°F (55°C to 60°C),
and let it work its magic. Depending on the humidity and thickness of the slices, drying can
take anywhere from a few hours to overnight.
– Once the mushrooms are crisp and brittle, transfer them to an airtight container for
storage.

2. In the Oven

You can still dry mushrooms using your oven if you don’t have a dehydrator. Here’s how:
– Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, typically around 140°F to 170°F (60°C to 75°C).
– Clean and slice the mushrooms as you would for the dehydrator method.
– Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced
apart for even drying.
– Place the baking sheet in the oven with the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
– Depending on your oven and the thickness of the slices, drying can take several hours to
overnight.
– Once the mushrooms are completely dry and crisp, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

3. Air Dry Naturally

Air drying is a traditional method that requires minimal equipment and is perfect for those
who prefer a hands-off approach. To air-dry mushrooms:

– Clean the mushrooms and slice them as desired and find a well-ventilated area with low humidity, such as a sunny windowsill.
– Arrange the mushroom slices on a clean, dry surface, such as a wire rack or a clean cloth.
– Allow the mushrooms to air dry naturally, turning them occasionally to ensure even drying.
– Depending on the weather conditions, air drying can take several days to a week.
– Once the mushrooms are dehydrated, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

4. Using a Freeze Dryer

If you are looking for the ultimate preservation method, look no further than the freeze dryer.
Freeze drying involves freezing the mushrooms and then removing the ice crystals through sublimation, while preserving their original shape, texture, and flavour. While freeze drying requires specialised equipment and a larger initial financial investment, the results are well worth it. The freeze-drying method preserves a higher level of nutrients than any other method and when stored correctly, freeze-dried foods can be stored for up to 25 years.

To freeze dry mushrooms:
– Clean and slice the mushrooms as you would for other drying methods.
– Arrange the slices on the trays of the freeze dryer, making sure they are spaced apart for
even drying.
– Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific freeze-dryer model.
– Once the mushrooms are freeze-dried, transfer them to an airtight container or myler bag for storage.

How to Store Your Preserved Mushrooms

Now that you have successfully preserved your mushrooms, it’s time to store them properly to
maintain their freshness. Here are some tips:
– Transfer the dried mushrooms to clean, airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags.
– Store the containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
– Check the mushrooms periodically for any signs of moisture or mould, and discard any that
appear compromised.
– Properly stored, dried mushrooms can last for several months to a year, ensuring you have
a flavourful supply on hand whenever inspiration strikes.

Each drying method offers a unique way to savour the essence of mushrooms
throughout the year. Whether you opt for the convenience of a dehydrator, the simplicity of
oven drying, the patience of air drying, or the precision of freeze drying, there’s no shortage
of ways to preserve the freshness of your mushrooms. Experiment with different methods to
find the ones that best suit your taste preferences and culinary needs. With time and
patience, you will have a stash of perfectly preserved mushrooms ready to enhance your
dishes with their rich, earthy flavour. If you enjoy cooking with mushrooms you might want to head over to our ‘6 Herbs to Cook with Mushrooms’ post. Happy preserving!