Is it possible to dry mushrooms and how to do it correctly

Dried mushrooms are another option on how to stock mushrooms that are beneficial for the body for the winter. After all, it is in dried foods that the greatest number of vitamins and important trace elements are stored, which are destroyed in the process of pickling and salting in a hot way. In order for the milkers to be used until the very spring, they must be properly dried in compliance with the storage rules.

Do mushrooms dry

Like most other mushrooms, mushrooms can be dried. Despite fears that bitterness may appear in the product over time, lactic ones are one of those lamellar species that are an exception, so they can be dried without fear.

This procedure, as a rule, does not cause difficulties, therefore even an inexperienced housewife will cope with the process of harvesting products. The main thing is to follow the rules that will allow you to keep the fruiting bodies for the whole winter and use them to prepare various dishes.

Preparing mushrooms for drying

Before drying mushrooms, they need to be prepared for the processing procedure.

Since the cleansing process must be dry, it is necessary to stock up on tools such as a knife, a kitchen sponge or a toothbrush. The main rule is not to disturb the structure of the fungus.

Preparation process:

1. The first step is to cut off the bottom of the legs.
2. Remove heavily soiled and damaged areas with a knife.
3. Wipe the hats with a dry sponge or toothbrush, getting rid of adhering dirt, needles or foliage.
4. Clean out all debris from the plates in which it accumulates the most.
5. Carefully inspect each specimen, checking for the presence of wormy places. Remove them if necessary.

Before you start drying the raw materials, you need to sort it: small mushrooms will dry much faster than large ones, so it is better to cut large ones into several pieces. If the milkers are dried as a whole, then it is better to ungroup them by size.

After the procedures, the milkers must be laid out on a dry surface (an ordinary newspaper is ideal) and left to dry for 3 hours.

How to dry mushrooms at home

There are several ways to dry mushrooms, so everyone can choose the most suitable option for themselves.

How to dry mushrooms in the oven

Since many housewives in the modern world value their time, the process of drying mushrooms can be significantly accelerated by using the oven. To do this, it is best to use a wire rack instead of a baking sheet, as this will not only speed up the process, but also make it more efficient.

How to dry:

1. Place parchment paper on the rack.
2. Arrange peeled mushrooms (maximum two layers).
3. Preheat oven to 80 ^оC, put mushrooms in it, leaving the door at least a quarter open.
4. During drying, you need to mix the fruiting bodies several times.

The state of readiness should be checked by touch, since there is no certain time for which the mushrooms will be completely dried. If the product looks dry, but springs and bends when pressed, it is better to dry it for some more time.

How to dry mushrooms for the winter in an electric dryer

Many housewives prefer to dry mushrooms in an electric dryer. This option is also acceptable, since it allows you to harvest a mushroom crop with high quality, while retaining all its benefits.

Drying step by step:

1. On the grate of the electric dryer, it is necessary to lay out the prepared milkers in one layer.
2. Set the temperature on the device to 45 ^оC.
3. Leave for 4 hours.
4. Then turn off the dryer.
5. Wait 3 hours, and then start again at a temperature of 60 ^оC.
6. Dry until tender, checking to the touch for the same signs that are indicated in the first method.

How to dry saffron mushrooms in the air

In good weather and the absence of high humidity, the mushroom crop can be dried naturally by simply placing the product in a well-ventilated place.

To do this, fruiting bodies must be strung on threads and hung under an equipped canopy so that raindrops and dew do not fall on them.

Drying time is also always different, so it is recommended to periodically check the mushrooms for readiness. You can also dry milkers in a similar way on the balcony.

How to dry mushrooms in an air grill

You can even dry mushrooms in an air grill. To do this, it is important to follow only three rules:

1. Temperature in the device is recommended not less than 70 ^оC.
2. Humid air should come out of the container (you can install a skewer between the cases and the lid).
3. The speed must be set to the highest.

As a rule, the drying process takes no more than 2 hours, although it all depends on the size of the mushrooms and the power of the device.

How to dry mushrooms in the microwave

The microwave can be used to dry mushrooms for the winter. Moreover, this option is one of the fastest. But here there are some nuances:

1. Prepared mushrooms should be laid out on a glass tray.
2. All mushrooms must be the same size, otherwise drying will be uneven.
3. After 10 – 15 min. after turning on the microwave oven to the maximum mode, you need to inspect the mushrooms for the presence of liquid in them, which must be periodically removed so that the workpiece does not become boiled.
4. In total, it will take 3 cycles of the microwave for 15 – 20 minutes.

How to cook dried mushrooms

With the use of dried mushrooms, there are many recipes that will diversify the winter diet. Before starting the execution of the selected recipe, the raw materials must first be prepared.

Soaking dried products is usually required. To do this, mushrooms are poured with warm water and left for 2 – 3 hours. If the preparation of soup from mushroom raw materials is meant, then mushrooms can be chopped in a blender.

Dishes from dried mushrooms

Mushrooms, like all dried mushrooms, can be used to prepare various dishes. The most popular of them are:

• soups;
• salads;
• fried;
• stewed mushrooms in sour cream.

Also, milkers can become a filling for pies, rolls and other pastries, an ingredient for stuffing chicken and other poultry.

Dried mushrooms as medicine

Drying mushrooms at home for the winter will allow you to stock up on useful mushrooms and increase your immunity. In addition to the fact that dried products enrich the body with essential vitamins and minerals, it can be used to treat the following diseases:

• vitiligo;
• tuberculosis;
• rheumatism;
• metabolic disorders;
• skin problems;
• vision problems.

Also, delicacy milkers are used for making compresses. Mushrooms are applied to sore joints, boils, insect bites, small wounds.

Milky foods are a low-calorie product, so their use will be useful for those who are obese and want to lose weight, as well as people with diabetes.

Terms and conditions of storage of dried mushrooms

Dried milkers need to be properly stored. To do this, it is important to choose not only a suitable place (dry and cool), but also the right container. It is best to use cloth bags that will allow the mushrooms to breathe and moisture will not accumulate in them. Paper bags will work too.

When using glass or plastic dishes, it is important to take into account the fact that dried raw materials can suffocate under a tightly closed lid. Therefore, it is recommended to make a shelter from a piece of gauze or cloth.

From time to time, dried milkers should be checked for mold and other signs of deterioration. The shelf life of raw materials is no more than 2 years.

Conclusion

Dried mushrooms are the best option for harvesting fresh produce for the winter. The dried form will allow you to save all the useful properties of mushrooms, including the ability to use them in the preparation of various dishes.