If you’re as crazy about morel mushrooms as I am, you’ll know that there’s nothing quite like the thrill of finding these in the wild.
Morels are not just a treat, they are a true gift from nature. Whether you’re an experienced forager or just starting out, preserving your morel harvest is crucial to enjoying these mushrooms all year round.
That’s where my how to dehydrate morel mushrooms guide comes in! This comprehensive guide covers everything from foraging tips to identification and, of course, the best ways to store these earthy delicacies.
Today, I’m going to focus on one of the best methods of preservation: dehydration. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
I’ve put together this morel mushroom ID guide with lots of helpful foraging tips and tricks. I’ve also prepared a printable PDF for you to download, so please take a look!
How to Prepare Morel Mushrooms for Dehydration
Before you start drying your morels, it’s important to clean them thoroughly.
Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse gently: Start by rinsing the morels under cold water. Morels have a honeycomb structure that can trap dirt and small critters, so be gentle but thorough.
- Soak: Fill a bowl with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Soak the morels for about 5 minutes. The salt water will help flush out any remaining insects.
- Rinse again: Give them another quick rinse under cold water to remove any remaining salt or dirt.
- Pat dry: Use a paper towel or clean cloth to gently pat the morels dry. Excess moisture may prolong the drying process.
For more information, read my how to clean morel mushrooms guide.
All right, the dirty work is done! You’ve cleaned your precious haul and now it’s time to preserve precious morels for later. Let’s talk about drying these beauties.
How to Dehydrate Morel Mushrooms?
Now that you’ve got your morels all cleaned up, it’s time to dehydrate! I’ve put together a few methods for you to think about:
Using a Dehydrator to Dry Morel Mushrooms
For the most efficient drying, use a dehydrator. Here’s how I do it:
- Slice the Morels: Cut the morels in half lengthwise. This ensures even drying.
- Arrange on Trays: Place the sliced morels on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Set the Temperature: Set your dehydrator to 140-150°F (55-60°C).
- Drying Time: Drying typically takes 6-8 hours. Check them periodically. They’re done when they’re completely dry and brittle.
How to dry morel mushrooms without dehydrator?
No dehydrator? No problem! Here are 2 easy methods to try.
Dehydrating morel mushrooms in oven
No dehydrator? No problem! Your oven works just as well:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, around 140-150°F (60-65°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange the morels in a single layer.
- Drying Process: Place the baking sheets in the oven, leaving the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. This process can take 8-10 hours.
- Check Regularly: Just like with a dehydrator, the morels are ready when they’re brittle.
Air drying morel mushrooms
If you’d rather stick to a more traditional method, air drying is a great option too!
- Lay your sliced mushrooms out on a clean cloth. Make sure there’s plenty of space between them so the air can do its thing.
- Now, find yourself a nice, cool, and dry spot with good airflow. A screened-in porch will do wonders. Let them sit there for about a week or until they’re crispy and nicely evenly dry.
Or use threading technique:
- Thread the Morels: Using a needle and thread, string the morels together, leaving space between each one.
- Hang to Dry: Hang them up in a nice, airy spot, away from the sun’s rays.
- This process can take a little while, depending on the humidity. It usually takes several days to a couple of weeks.
Best Practices for Storing Dehydrated Morel Mushrooms
Proper storage ensures your dehydrated morels stay delicious and last long:
- Cool, Dark Place: Store your dried morels in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- Shelf Life: When stored properly, dehydrated morels can last up to a year, maintaining their flavor and quality.
How to Rehydrate Dried Morel Mushrooms
Rehydrating morels is a breeze. Soak them in warm water for about 20-30 minutes until they’re plump and ready to use in your favorite recipes. Don’t forget to use the soaking liquid as a flavorful base for soups and sauces!
So there you have it! Dehydrating morels is a fantastic way to preserve the magic of the forest and enjoy these culinary gems all year round.
Delicious Recipes Using Dehydrated Morel Mushrooms
Turbo Tasty’s Collection of Wild Mushroom Recipes
Among the many wild mushroom recipes on my blog, canned wild mushrooms (pickled chanterelle recipe), chanterelle & sparassis crispa soup, sparassis crispa recipes stand out from the crowd. If you are interested, please check them out.
