Preserve Chanterelles with Dehydration: Why and How

If you are a mushroom lover, you have probably heard of the delicious and highly sought-after chanterelle mushrooms. Chanterelles are a type of fungi with a bright orange or yellow color and a trumpet-like shape. They have a unique and delicate flavor that makes them a popular ingredient in many recipes, from soups and stews to pizzas and pasta. However, chanterelles are a seasonal ingredient that can be hard to find fresh, and their shelf life is relatively short. That's where dehydration comes in. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and process of dehydrating chanterelle mushrooms, as well as tips for using and buying them.

Dehydrating chanterelle mushrooms is an excellent way to preserve them for later use. Here are some of the benefits of this method:

• Longevity of Preservation: Dehydrated chanterelles can last for up to a year when stored properly, making them a great option for long-term storage.

• Easy Storage and Transportation: Dehydrated chanterelles take up less space than fresh or canned mushrooms, making them easy to store and transport. They are also lightweight and ideal for camping trips and backpacking.

• Retention of Flavor and Nutrients: Dehydration preserves the flavor and nutrients of chanterelles better than other preservation methods, such as canning. When rehydrated, they retain their unique aroma and taste, making them a great addition to many dishes.

• Versatility in Cooking: Dehydrated chanterelles can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to pizzas and pastas. They also make a great snack on their own or added to trail mix.

Now that you know the advantages of having chanterelle mushrooms dehydrated, let's explore the process of doing so. Here's what you will need, how you should clean and prepare them, and the methods for dehydrating chanterelle mushrooms:

• A dehydrator, oven, or sunny spot

• A sharp knife

• A clean towel or paper towels

• Airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags for storage

1. Clean the mushrooms by wiping them gently with a clean, damp towel or paper towel.

2. Cut off any damaged or discolored parts of the mushrooms.

3. Trim the stem off the mushroom, leaving only the cap. The stem is tougher and less flavorful, so it's best to discard it.

4. Cut the mushrooms into slices or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Using a sharp knife, slice the mushrooms into thin pieces, about 1/4 inch thick. Thicker slices will take longer to dry and may not dry evenly. Try to keep the slices as uniform in thickness as possible to ensure even drying.

There are several methods you can use to dehydrate chanterelle mushrooms:

Oven Drying: Spread the mushroom slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 140°F (60°C) and leave the mushrooms in the oven for 4-6 hours, or until they are dry and brittle. Stir them occasionally to ensure even drying.

Sun Drying: Place the mushroom slices on a clean surface, such as a screen or baking rack, in a sunny and well-ventilated area. Turn the slices occasionally to ensure even drying. This method can take up to several days, depending on the weather and humidity.

Using a Dehydrator: Follow the instructions for your dehydrator to dry the mushroom slices. Generally, this involves spreading them out on trays and setting the dehydrator to a temperature between 125°F (52°C) and 135°F (57°C) for 4-6 hours, or until they are dry and brittle.

Here are some tips to ensure your chanterelle mushrooms are properly dehydrated:

Ensuring the mushrooms are fully dry: When the mushrooms are fully dry, they should be brittle and snap easily. If they are still pliable or soft, they need more time in the dehydrator or oven.

Storing the dehydrated mushrooms: Once your mushrooms are fully dry, store them in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dry place. They should be kept away from heat, light, and moisture, as these can cause spoilage.

Rehydrating the mushrooms for cooking: To rehydrate the mushrooms, soak them in hot water for 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and plump. Drain the water and use the mushrooms in your recipe as you would fresh mushrooms.

Dehydrated chanterelle mushrooms can be used in many dishes, adding a unique flavor and texture. Here are some ideas for using them:

Adding them to soups, stews, and sauces: Rehydrated chanterelles make a great addition to soups, stews, and sauces. They add a deep, earthy flavor and can be used in place of fresh mushrooms.

Using them as a pizza topping or in a quiche: Chanterelle mushrooms are a delicious addition to pizza or quiche. Simply sprinkle the rehydrated mushrooms over the dough or add them to the egg mixture for the quiche.

Rehydrating and sautéing them for a side dish or garnish: Rehydrated chanterelles can also be sautéed in butter or oil and used as a side dish or garnish. They pair well with roasted meats or vegetables.

If you don't have the time or inclination to dehydrate your own chanterelle mushrooms, you can buy them already dried. Dried chanterelles are a great pantry staple for anyone who loves their flavor and wants to use them year-round. Here are some tips for buying high-quality dried mushrooms:

Dried chanterelle mushrooms can be found at specialty food stores, online retailers, and some grocery stores. Specialty stores like Foraged, that specialize in gourmet ingredients or wild mushrooms are particularly good places to look.

Look for mushrooms that are whole, with no visible signs of mold or discoloration. They should also have a strong aroma and a uniform color. If possible, smell the mushrooms before buying them to make sure they have a strong, earthy scent. Avoid any mushrooms that smell musty or moldy. Additionally, check the expiration date on the package to ensure that the mushrooms are still fresh.

Dried chanterelles are often more expensive than fresh or canned mushrooms, but they have a longer shelf life and are more versatile in cooking. The cost of fresh chanterelle mushrooms can vary depending on the time of year, location, and availability. Canned chanterelles are usually less expensive than fresh or dried, but they can be more difficult to find and often have a softer texture than fresh or dried mushrooms. Overall, the cost of dried chanterelles may seem high compared to fresh or canned mushrooms, but their extended shelf life and versatility in cooking make them a good investment for any home cook or mushroom enthusiast.

Dehydrating chanterelle mushrooms is a great way to preserve them for later use while retaining their unique flavor and nutrients. Whether you dehydrate your own or buy them already dried, they are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes. So why not give them a try? You may just discover a new favorite ingredient for your culinary creations.

At Foraged, we’re on a mission to empower small-scale food purveyors to grow healthy, sustainable businesses while nourishing everyday people by providing easy access to unique foods.

By supporting Foraged vendors, you're helping to build a better, more sustainable food system for everyone.

Plus, we're committed to doing things the right way - our platform puts the power back in the knowledgeable hands of those who grow, harvest, and create foods most responsibly. 

And we don't just stop there, we also want to make sure you know how to cook and preserve the specialty foods you source from Foraged, which is why we provide educational resources and delicious recipes for you to try.

Did you learn a lot from this post about selling morel mushrooms?

Here are three more posts to read next:

• The Essential Guide to Chanterelle Mushrooms

• Chanterelle Apricot Tart Recipe

• Winter Foraging 101: Foraging Wild Mushrooms