When learning how to dehydrate mushrooms, special care is needed. Don't wash them first as that will make them too wet... and I dehydrated them on 2 different temperature settings, see #3 in the instructions, below.
Mushrooms are used in many recipes: Soups, and added to stews, omelets, and as pizza toppings!
Back in the UK, I loved creamy mushrooms on toast! (I'll have to hunt out that recipe, now that I've had my quick trip down memory lane here!) :-)
Mushrooms contain vitamin D, vitamin C, Choline, Folate, Betaine, and Niacin, followed by trace amounts of Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Thiamine, and vitamin B6.
In the mineral department, they are a good source of Potassium, Phosphorus, followed by Magnesium and Calcium and also contain trace amounts of Iron, Zinc, Copper, and Selenium too. They also contain Omega-6 fatty acids.
Identity Crisis Averted!
Before you dehydrate the wild mushrooms you picked on your hike, check out this article on Wikipedia.
Make sure they're NOT poisonous! It has general information on mushrooms; learn how to identify them!
Let's get going... it's time to learn how to dehydrate mushrooms!
Don't be fooled by the first drying. After conditioning (having dehydrated foods sit around for a day in Ziploc bags on your kitchen counter—this helps disperse any remaining dampness evenly), they may still be too damp for vacuuming packing. Don't be afraid to really dry them out by giving them another go-around in the dehydrator—it's what I usually end up having to do...
Test for excess moisture by squeezing the slices.
Mushrooms are a type of fungi that come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be found all over the world, growing in both natural and man-made habitats.
Mushrooms are typically grown in dark, humid environments. This is because they need darkness to produce their food, and humidity helps them stay hydrated.
If you’re thinking about growing mushrooms, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
If you’re looking for a crop that is relatively easy to grow and can be used in many different recipes, mushrooms are a great option.
What is the Best Substrate for Mushrooms?
This can be anything from wood chips to straw. The best substrate for mushrooms is one that is rich in organic matter.
What are Dehydrated Mushrooms Used For?
Dehydrated mushrooms can be used in many different dishes. They can be reconstituted and used in soups, stews, sauces, or stir-fries.
Dehydrated mushrooms can also be ground into a powder and used as a seasoning.
Where's the beef? It's right here—in this wonderful Filet Mignon recipe!
Prep time is only 30 mins, with a cooking time of 45 minutes. I'd say well worth the time and effort to impress your better half! Full color step-by-step instructions are included!
As a kid growing up in the UK, I recall a neighboring farmer had a mushroom shed (or two!). What was interesting (to me) was the roof's apex wasn't closed off. There was about a four inch gap.
It was great for letting in light, but as you know, mushrooms like darkness and high humidity—which was just as well—because in northern England it rains... a lot... and I'm sure gallons of rain made its way into the mushroom shed through the roof 'crack.'
Jeez, it's funny the stuff you remember, huh? (I'm going back 45 years here!)
~ ~ ~
Thanks for taking the time today to learn how to dehydrate mushrooms. Don't forget to make sure they are "really" dry before vacuum-sealing.
Susan Gast began Easy Food Dehydrating in December 2010. Read Susan's story of what sparked her interest in all things related to "food dehydrating."
She is featured on Mother Earth News blog, and on Solo Build It (SBI) who host this site. Read her first SBI interview, and her second SBI interview.
Since 1980, Susan's involvement in publishing - in one form or another - led her to create a "review site" of products related to the publishing industry. Visit ePubTechReviews today, also hosted by Solo Build It. Susan also runs her namesake site SusanGast.com on Solo Build It that showcases the books she has written since 2010.
Do you want to send Susan a quick message? Visit her contact page here. She'd love to hear from you!