Drying morel mushrooms is a great way to preserve them and enjoy them for months or even years. Not only is it easy to do, but there are many different ways to go about it. In this blog post, we will explore the best methods for drying morel mushrooms, as well as some tips and tricks. So read on for all you need to know!
Methods Of Drying Morel Mushrooms
There are several methods of drying morel mushrooms, but the two most common are air drying and using a dehydrator.
Air Drying
Air Drying is the most popular method for drying morel mushrooms. This is because it is easy and does not require special equipment. One can do it by hanging the morels in a well-ventilated room. The ideal temperature for air drying morels is between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to air dry:
- To air-dry morels, start by cleaning them thoroughly.
- Cut any damaged or discolored parts off the mushrooms, then rinse them in cool water.
- Once they’re clean, slice the mushrooms into thin pieces.
- Spread the mushroom slices on a wire rack or screen, ensuring they’re not touching each other.
- Place the rack or screen in a warm, dry place from direct sunlight. Check on the mushrooms regularly, and turn them over once they start to dry out.
Depending on the temperature and humidity levels, it can take a few days to a week for the mushrooms to thoroughly dehydrate. Once completely dry, store the mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Dried morels can be used whole, crumbled, or ground into a powder form. When reconstituting dried morels, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using them. This will help rehydrate them and release their flavor.
Dehydrator Drying
Dehydrators work by circulating hot air over the mushrooms, causing the water inside the mushrooms to evaporate. Dehydrated morel mushrooms can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the type of dehydrator and moisture in the mushrooms. However, dehydrator drying is a relatively quick and easy way to dry morels and produces consistent results. Here’s how to dry morel mushrooms using a dehydrator:
- Start by cleaning the morels thoroughly. Any dirt or debris will significantly reduce the shelf life of the dried mushrooms.
- Cut the morels into thin slices, no more than 1/4 inch thick. If they’re too thick, they’ll take too long to dry and may not dehydrate evenly.
- Place the sliced morels on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they’re not touching or overlapping.
- Set the dehydrator to 115 degrees Fahrenheit and let it run until the mushrooms are dehydrated and crisp (this can take anywhere from 12-24 hours).
- Once done, store dried morel mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They’ll keep for several months this way.
Drying morel mushrooms is a simple way to extend their shelf life and make them easier to work with. You can enjoy their unique flavor all year long by following these steps.
Oven Drying
Oven drying is one of the quickest and most effective methods for drying morel mushrooms. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to go about it:
- Start by preheating your oven to the lowest temperature setting.
- Next, slice the fresh morel mushrooms into thin slices, no thicker than 1/4 inch.
- Place the morel mushroom slices on a wire rack or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Put the rack or baking sheet in the oven and prop the door open with a wooden spoon.
- Check on the mushrooms every 30 minutes, and remove them from the oven when they are dried and crisp.
Oven drying can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the mushrooms’ thickness and the oven’s temperature. This method is ideal for those who want to preserve their mushrooms for later use, as it removes all moisture from the mushroom and prevents them from spoiling. In addition, one can store oven-dried morel mushrooms in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Tips and Tricks You Should Know When Using Dried Morel Mushrooms
Dried mushrooms are a great way to add flavor to your dishes all year round. Here are some tips and tricks you should know when using them:
- When rehydrating, use lukewarm water and let them soak for at least 20 minutes.
- To get the most flavor out of your dried morels, cook fresh morels in a pan with butter or oil over low heat until they’re soft.
- Be careful not to overcook them, as this will make them tough.
- One can use dried morels in soups, stews, sauces, and rice dishes.
- You can add them to omelets, quiches, and other egg dishes.
- If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add morel mushrooms to your dish, crumble them over the top before serving.
- One can reconstitute morel mushrooms in broth or other liquids. You can also preserve morel mushrooms for future use.
- When cooking with reconstituted morels, add them near the end, so they don’t overcook.
Pros of Drying Morel Mushrooms
For starters, it is a very effective way to preserve them for later use. Drying also concentrates the flavors of the mushrooms, making them more intense and, therefore, more delicious.
Additionally, dried mushrooms are much lighter and easier to transport than fresh ones, making them a good option for camping or backpacking trips.
Cons of Drying Morel Mushrooms
The main disadvantage of drying morel mushrooms is that it reduces their nutritional value. When dried, mushrooms lose significant amounts of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, drying can change the texture of the mushrooms, making them less tender and chewy. As a result, dried morel mushrooms are best used in dishes where one can cook them for an extended period.
The Bottom Line
Drying morel mushrooms is a great way to extend their shelf life and make them easier to work with. You can enjoy their unique flavor all year long by following these steps. Just be sure to keep an eye on them while they’re drying, as they can go from perfectly dried to burnt very quickly. And, as with all mushrooms, be sure to cook them thoroughly before eating.
