Introduction
If you are interested in storing dried mushrooms, you probably know that mushrooms are one of the most famous and interesting mushrooms that grow in our forests. Dried mushrooms can be used for various purposes, be it culinary, medicinal or religious. However, their preservation requires special attention and a professional approach, since amanita mushrooms contain powerful substances that can be dangerous if stored incorrectly. In this guide, we will take a detailed look at how to properly store dried mushrooms in order to preserve their quality and beneficial properties.
1. Choosing the right mushrooms for drying
First of all, in order to have high-quality dried mushrooms, it is necessary to choose the right mushrooms for drying. Here are some recommendations:
- Choose young and fresh specimens of fly agaric. They should have stable caps that do not change color when broken.
- Avoid toadstools with damaged or empty caps.
- Properly collected amanitas should not have yellowness, dirt, rot or any other signs of damage on their paths.
2. Preparation of amanita mushrooms for drying
Before starting the drying process, it is necessary to properly prepare the mushrooms. Here are some steps to follow:
- Remove any visible soil, leaves or other debris that may be on the fly agaric.
- Carefully clean the mushroom caps from dirt or other contamination. Lay out carefully so as not to damage the mushrooms.
- If the mushrooms have a lot of moisture, they should be dried before drying. Spread the mushroom caps on different napkins or paper towels and leave for several hours or even overnight.
3. Correct methods of drying amanita mushrooms
Correct the process of drying amanita mushrooms guarantees the preservation of their quality and useful properties. There are several methods of drying amanita mushrooms that can be used:
- Sun drying amanitas: spread the mushrooms on paper towels or any other sun-protective surface that will allow the mushrooms to dry in the sun. It is important to leave enough space between the mushrooms so that air can circulate better. Please note that this method can be time consuming and requires dry and sunny weather.
- Drying agarics in a dehydrator: Heat the dehydrator to about 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). Blow the dehydrator on to allow air to circulate, spread the mushrooms on a sheet and place them in the dehydrator. To ensure optimal drying, regularly open the dehydrator for a few minutes and change the position of the sheets from top to bottom or from left to right. Dry the mushrooms until they become crispy, to the state of chips!
- Drying amanitas in the air: hang the mushrooms in a dry place with relatively low humidity and good air circulation. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can reduce the quality of amanitas.
4. Storage of dried amanitas
After the mushrooms have been dried, it is time to store them. It is important to observe certain conditions in order to preserve the quality of mushrooms for a long time. Here are some recommendations for storing dried mushrooms:
- Store dried mushrooms in a dry and cool place. The temperature should be below 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). Optimal storage temperature is 0 to 10 degrees Celsius (32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Use a special container for storing mushrooms, such as a glass jar with a tight lid or a plastic container with a hermetic lock.
- Before storing, remove any visible remains of soil or other contamination that may be on the amanita.
- It is important to remember that dried mushrooms lose weight and volume. Therefore, follow the principle "save mushrooms, not air".
- Save the fly agaric without access to light, because light can cause the loss of useful properties.
5. Storage of amanitas and fermentation
Storage of amanita mushrooms - this is only one of the options for storing dried mushrooms. Another fascinating method of storage is fermentation. Fermentation is a process in which microorganisms break down mushrooms, turning them into a finished product. Fermentation gives amanita mushrooms a unique taste and aroma, and can also increase the beneficial properties of these mushrooms. For fermentation, amanita must be stored in a sealed container at a temperature of 18-20 degrees Celsius for 2-3 months.
Conclusion
Dried mushrooms are a valuable ingredient with many uses. If you store amanita mushrooms correctly, you will preserve their quality and useful properties for a long time. Remember important storage rules: dry and cool place, protection from light and air, use of special containers. You can also try fermentation, it will bring a unique taste and aroma to your mushrooms. By using these tips, you can enjoy quality dried mushrooms for many months.
The preparation and consumption of amanita mushrooms should be done with great care and in accordance with research and recommendations, information about which can be found, for example, at Wikipedia.
