Dried mushrooms are a preserved version of regular mushrooms, made through sun or closet drying. They are suitable for a range of dishes and cuisines, and can be made into a powder for soups and teas. However, not all edible mushrooms can be dried, and spoiled mushrooms are evident by color changes. Chinese cuisine uses dried mushrooms in numerous dishes and traditional medicine cures.
Dried mushrooms are dried versions of regular mushrooms. Drying is used for preservation and bulk order purposes. The process is seen as an alternative preservation method for mushrooms by preparing canned or bottled foods such as sauces or including them in freezable foods such as pies and quiches. There are two main drying processes: sun drying and closet drying. Dried mushrooms are suitable for a range of dishes and cuisines and can be made into a powder for making soups and teas.
Mushrooms are the spore-releasing part of a fungus and can be found in various parts of the world in fields, woodlands and growing in trees. Many mushrooms, but not all, are edible. There are a number that are poisonous or have other adverse effects on humans when eaten. Most mushrooms are best eaten fresh, but they have varying degrees of longevity. This is due to their high moisture content and as a result, mushrooms kept in warm, humid conditions will perish sooner.
Regardless of the drying process used, the mushrooms must first be harvested. This is usually done by hand, as it is important to carefully check each mushroom for quality and freshness. Unless the mushrooms are dried in the herbal manner, they are then placed on trays. The purpose of the drying process is to remove about 90 percent of the moisture from the mushrooms.
Sun-dried mushrooms are usually left out in the sunlight on a platter. This is an inexpensive and effective method of removing moisture if the weather is fine. Clear skies, bright sun and low humidity are considered the best weather for drying mushrooms. Alternative methods of sun drying include herb drying, which involves hanging the mushrooms on hooks and placing the mushrooms in a dry box or room. One problem with sun-dried mushrooms is egg-laying insects, but this can be overcome by freezing the mushrooms.
Cupboard drying is more efficient than drying in the sun, but comes at a higher cost, as the drying cupboard will require gas or electricity to operate. The mushrooms are placed on trays and placed in the cabinet, which then passes hot, dry air over the mushrooms to suck out the moisture. One potential problem with closet drying is that if the air is too hot, the mushrooms will go bad. Spoiled mushrooms are evident by color changes.
Dried mushrooms can be made from all edible mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms. However, not all edible mushrooms can be dried. Corinus fungus will melt if allowed to dry out. Dried mushrooms are suitable for pasta sauces, as an ingredient for sautéed vegetables, soups and other sauces. They can also be ground into a powder and used as a flavoring ingredient.
Chinese cuisine uses dried mushrooms in numerous dishes. The Chinese also use them as an ingredient in a number of traditional Chinese medicine cures. For example, they are ground into a powder and added to a tea in the belief that it helps the immune system.
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