How To Dry Mushrooms?

If you spend hours in the forest looking for precious and rare wild mushrooms, it’s not to throw everything in the trash! We agree?

However, a badly executed drying can nullify all your efforts!

There’s nothing worse than finding mold in your jar of dried mushrooms!

In this article, find out how to properly dry your mushrooms at home, with or without a dehydrator.

Why Are Dried Mushrooms Better?

Whether you’re looking to dry morels, chanterelles, porcini mushrooms or even shiitake mushrooms, know that the drying process intensifies the deep umami flavor of your mushrooms.

Dehydrating mushrooms is undoubtedly one of the best ways to preserve mushrooms over time! You can take the right amount of it from your jars when you need it! It’s practical, isn’t it?!

Note that the drying methods in this article apply to the majority of edible mushrooms. And these edible mushrooms are referenced on our Mushroom Maps.

How To Dry Your Mushrooms?

How To Dry Mushrooms Without A Dehydrator?

To dry your mushrooms without a dehydrator, there are several solutions that we will see below.

Also, be aware that drying mushrooms in the oven works the same way with a dehydrator. So, if you have a dehydrator, follow the same method as for the oven.

Drying Mushrooms In Oven

The oven and the dehydrator work almost the same way! The main difference is that the dehydrator brings more airflow and is adjustable to quite low temperatures.

To properly dehydrate your mushrooms in your dryer (oven or dehydrator), opt for a low temperature of around 113 °F for around 7 hours! It is important to check the drying every 2 hours and add time if the drying is not finished! Adapt this time according to the quantity you have to dry! Your mushroom should be light, dry but not crumbly!

Keep in mind that good drying is done at low temperatures and over time! Because drying your mushrooms quickly would involve high temperatures which would cook and damage them.

Dry Mushrooms In Air Fryer

No, the air fryer would cook your mushrooms. Indeed, the air fryer does not allow to go to low temperatures. And low temperatures are required for drying mushrooms.

How To Sun Dry Mushroom?

To use this drying method, you must apply this one when the weather is nice and dry. The ideal is to dry your mushrooms in the sun, from June to September. But of course, it depends on the state you live in.

To properly dry your mushrooms in the sun, it is best to place them on racks during the day, and remove them at night so that they do not get wet.

Your mushrooms should be light, dry but not crumbly.

Drying Mushroom In Microwave?

This method is not recommended, because you are going to cook your mushrooms and they will not keep very well afterwards! Better to air dry them!

What Temperature To Dehydrate Mushrooms?

The ideal temperature for dehydrating mushrooms is around 113 °F! Why? Because this temperature ensures fast drying without degrading the taste qualities of the mushroom!

How Long Should You Leave Mushrooms To Dry?

The dehydration time is directly related to the temperature and thickness of your mushrooms. If you dry your mushrooms at a temperature of 113 °F then they have to dry for at least 7 hours!

The ideal is to check every hour or every two hours the drying state of your mushrooms!

How Long Do Dehydrated Mushrooms Last?

Your dried mushrooms will have a good shelf life and can be kept for more than 2 years if you manage to keep them that long;)

Check Our Mushroom Maps!

What’s better than picking your own mushrooms to dry them?!

Check out our Mushroom Maps to find the best edible mushrooms! Treat yourself!