Introduction
Lion’s Mane mushrooms, also known as “bearded tooth” or “pom pom” mushrooms, are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. They have a unique taste and texture that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups to salads. Dehydrating and storing Lion’s Mane mushrooms is one of the best ways to preserve them. In this blog post, we will discuss how to dehydrate and store your Lion’s Mane mushrooms so that they can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Dehydrating Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
The first step in dehydrating Lion’s Mane mushrooms is to clean them thoroughly. Use a brush or a damp paper towel to remove any dirt or debris from the mushrooms. You can also rinse them briefly under running water, but be sure to dry them completely before proceeding.
Next, slice the mushrooms into thin strips. You can use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer to do this. The thinner the slices, the faster the mushrooms will dry.
Once the mushrooms are sliced, arrange them in a single layer on a dehydrator tray. The dehydrator that was used in this tutorial. Make sure that the pieces do not overlap, as this can slow down the drying process. Set the dehydrator to a temperature between 110°F and 140°F (43°C to 60°C) and let the mushrooms dry for 6 to 12 hours. The exact drying time will depend on the thickness of the slices and the humidity in your area.
Storing Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Once the mushrooms are fully dried, they can be stored in an airtight container. You can use a plastic bag, a glass jar, or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Be sure to label the container with the date and the type of mushroom, so you can keep track of how long they have been stored.
Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The mushrooms should stay fresh for up to a year if stored properly. A food grade gel silica pack will help lengthen the shelf life of your mushrooms. When you are ready to use the mushrooms, simply rehydrate them by soaking them in water for about 30 minutes. They will absorb the water and return to their original size and texture.
Conclusion
Dehydrating and storing Lion’s Mane mushrooms is a great way to preserve this delicious and nutritious ingredient for use throughout the year. With a little bit of preparation and the right equipment, you can easily dehydrate your mushrooms and store them in a way that will keep them fresh for months. So why not give it a try and see how easy it is to enjoy Lion’s Mane mushrooms all year long!
