Oyster mushrooms are mushrooms that contain little moisture. Therefore, the drying process does not involve any particular difficulties. You can even use the tools at hand. If dried for the winter, the result is mushrooms that can be stored for a long period. They have a refined taste and pleasant aroma, which will allow you to prepare many delicious dishes.
Process specifics
There are several unwritten rules that will allow you to dry oyster mushrooms well for the winter. Namely:
- it is strictly forbidden to wash mushrooms before drying. They are cleaned of dirt and leaves. If necessary, remove the upper skin;
- only fresh, undamaged and neat specimens are selected for drying;
- at the beginning of drying, the minimum temperature is set. Then it should be increased;
- since oyster mushrooms are large in themselves, they need to be cut;
- only pieces of the same size are placed on one pallet. That they dry at the same time;
- it is recommended to maintain good circulation of air masses during the drying process, otherwise the product will deteriorate.
Methods for drying oyster mushrooms for the winter
There are many options for preparing mushrooms for the winter. This may require both improvised tools and specialized devices. Let's look at the most common drying methods.
In the oven
You can also dry in the oven. To do this, the prepared pieces are laid out on a baking sheet previously covered with parchment paper. You need to set the temperature to 45 degrees. If you set more, then the product may burn, lower - it will get worn out and spoil. It is recommended to keep the oven door slightly ajar to circulate air masses and release humid air. You can clamp a skewer between the oven body and the door. When the pieces are no longer sticky, the temperature is raised to 60 degrees and so on until tender. It is difficult to say exactly how long it will take for the entire drying process. It all depends on the size of the individual pieces. Several hours for sure.
In the microwave
You can even dry it in the microwave. For this, the prepared mushrooms are laid out on a plate. Moreover, it is better that the pieces are the same. The power is set to a minimum of 100-150 W. The drying process takes place in several stages. Dry for 20 minutes, then the door is opened to release moist air for 10 minutes. The cycle is repeated again. And so several times, until they dry completely. As a rule, 3-4 such cycles are needed, which is long enough.
In the dryer
Using an electric dryer will significantly speed up the harvesting process for the winter. To do this, the peeled and cut mushrooms are laid out on the mesh of the VOLTERA 1000 Lux dryer. The temperature is set at 50 degrees for 2 hours. After it, you need to raise it to 75 degrees and so on until the mushrooms are fully prepared. The entire drying process can take 7-12 hours. It all depends on the size of the copies.
How to dry mushrooms on a string
This method of harvesting mushrooms for the winter is the easiest. All you need is cotton thread and appropriate weather conditions. A hot, dry and sunny period will do. Beforehand, it is recommended to clean the oyster mushrooms from dirt and cut into equal parts. The mushrooms are laid out on parchment paper and brought out in the sun. After three hours, when the pieces have dried up a little, they can be strung on a thread. After that, the mushrooms are brought into a warm and dry place for a day until they dry completely.
In the Russian oven
Oyster mushrooms were harvested for the winter even in the old days. For this, Russian stoves were used. Today, little has changed and you can safely use the same method. To do this, several bricks are laid on the bottom of the furnace. They will provide the necessary distance so that the oyster mushrooms do not simply burn out. Prepared mushrooms are laid on the wire rack. In the process of using this method, one must not forget about the stove damper. It is recommended to open it slightly to provide the necessary air circulation. The oyster mushrooms will be ready within 7-12 hours.
In the airfryer
You can also dry oyster mushrooms in the airfryer. For this, the prepared mushrooms are laid out on the grill grid. The maximum speed and temperature are set at 60-70 degrees. The process will take about two hours. It all depends on the size of the mushrooms and their freshness.
Over the stove
The process of drying oyster mushrooms over the stove is simple, but not always convenient. All due to the fact that it takes about two days. And for this period, cooking on the stove is not worth it. Otherwise, the mushrooms will absorb all the odors that have appeared and will no longer be as fragrant as before. Prepared mushrooms are strung on a thread and hung out over the included burners of the gas stove. The process takes several days until the oyster mushrooms are completely dry.
Oyster mushrooms are delicious and flavorful mushrooms that can be added to a variety of dishes. Some dried chunks are processed into powder for use as a seasoning. The process of drying this type of mushroom itself is quite simple, since they are not endowed with excessive moisture. A few dexterous movements and a delicious treat for the winter are ready.
How to dry other products in the cold months of the year, see articles about zucchini, asparagus, carrots.