A characteristic feature of dried chanterelles is not only their beautiful appearance, but also a powerful aroma. You can make a lot of the healthiest and most delicious dishes from them: from mushroom soups to potatoes in the oven. But for the dish to turn out delicious, you need to properly dry the mushroom itself.
The specifics of drying mushrooms
Drying is the best option for harvesting mushrooms for the winter. Thus, the product is better absorbed and retains its original aroma. For this method of harvesting, only the common chanterelle is suitable. But it should be understood that the bitterness inherent in the mushroom will remain.
There are several rules for preparing mushrooms:
- It is not recommended to wash them. It is necessary to clean them of dirt with a damp cloth. Although some experts forbid doing this.
- Select only strong and elastic mushrooms without severe damage. Their legs are often cut off.
- It is important to sort by size so that they cook at the same time during the process. If the product is going to be cut, then you need to group the same pieces.
Important! The sliced mushrooms must be dried immediately or they will darken.
Methods for drying chanterelles
There are several options for drying chanterelles. The result obtained depends on which method is chosen.
Drying in the oven
Drying in the oven will take about 10 hours. To do this, put parchment paper or foil on a baking sheet. Chanterelles of the same size are laid out. The first few hours the temperature in the oven should be set to 45 degrees. Then it is worth raising to 60 degrees. For better drying on all sides, they can be mixed.
Microwave drying
This option is the fastest of all. Chanterelles can be dried in just an hour. They are laid out on a wire rack and placed in the microwave for 20 minutes. After this time, they need to be allowed to cool, and again sent to dry. As a rule, 2-3 times for the final drying of chanterelles is enough.
Drying in dryer
For this method, the prepared mushrooms are laid out in the device, and the program is set. No further manipulation is expected. The dryer works according to the instructions. For example, loading mushrooms into the VOLTERA 1000 Lux dryer and setting the timer, you can be sure that the mushrooms will not dry out, and in the end, you will get an excellent product.
Drying on a thread
Drying naturally on a string is considered the easiest and easiest way. In this case, no special devices are needed. It is recommended to sort the chanterelles by size, after cleaning them from dirt, and string them on a string. This drying option will take 1-2 weeks. It all depends on the size and sunlight.
In the Russian oven
Before placing the mushrooms in the oven, it is best to place the grate over the bricks. This will ensure the required distance of the mushrooms from the hot hearth of the oven. Chanterelles are strung on skewers or laid out on the wire rack. You need to put mushrooms in the oven when the temperature drops to 50-60 degrees. If there is more, the chanterelles will burn, less - they can get worn out. For air circulation, the damper is slightly opened.
Important! The peculiarity of oven drying is the use of a chimney. At the beginning of drying, it is opened by 0.75 more than the damper, gradually moving it further during the drying process. In the end, everything is closed.
In the airfryer
The recommended temperature is 60-70 degrees. It is important to keep the grill ajar. You can insert a skewer between the door and the body. This will allow the moist air to escape. It is necessary to monitor the mushrooms, periodically taking out the ready-made ones. Otherwise they will dry out and lose their aroma.
Over the stove
One of the worst options, which has a number of negative sides. First, the process is lengthy. It is not recommended to cook food at this time, as the mushrooms will absorb all the aromas. Secondly, a lit stove produces a lot of heat. But if there are no other options, you need to string the mushrooms on a string and hang them over the stove.
How to make a mushroom dryer yourself?
There are many options for homemade dryers. We will make a solar structure.
Step-by-step instructions for creating a mushroom dryer:
- We form a frame from the bars, and install shelves in its cavity. Their placement is carried out towards the sunlight at right angles.
- The bottom and side parts of the body are sewn up with lining panels.
- For flow ventilation, small holes are made at the top and bottom. To protect the fungi from insects, the holes are covered with a mosquito net.
- The lower part of the case is sewn up with a metal sheet. Everything in order to ensure the heating of the dryer.
- To achieve the greenhouse effect, the interior of the homemade dryer is painted with black paint.
- Finally, a top cover is made for the structure. It can be glass or other transparent material.
To make a delicious dish of dried chanterelles, they must be properly dried. To do this, you can use improvised methods or make a structure for drying yourself. A few easy movements and the construction is ready. We also recommend reading how to dry onions and carrots at home.