Drying is one of the most popular methods for preserving mushrooms. A common myth about mushrooms is that they lack nutritional value. Research shows that the protein content in dried mushrooms can be as high as 39% of the mass [1]. Compared to wheat bran, which contains 16% protein, this is more than twice the amount. Dried mushrooms also contain Vitamin D2. It’s worth including them in your diet for their flavor as well. What would Christmas bigos (Polish cabbage stew), pierogi, or uszka (small dumplings) be without dried mushrooms? Today, I will talk about how to store dried mushrooms so you can use them until the following season.
How to Store Dried Mushrooms?
Freshly dried mushrooms should be transferred to an airtight container. It can be a metal, wooden, or plastic container. If you opt for a glass jar, remember it should be stored in a dark place. Mushrooms quickly absorb moisture from the environment; add a few grains of rice to the container to prevent this.
How Not to Store Dried Mushrooms?
In the past, dried mushrooms were stored in cloth bags hanging above stoves. Unfortunately, this made them vulnerable to pests, such as moths. People would put a few bay leaves into the bag to deter them.
What is the risk for dried mushrooms?
If you see a greenish, gray, or white coating on the mushrooms, it means they have become moldy and should be thrown away. The same goes for when you see moths in them. Unfortunately, this is just the beginning of problems. Moths are relatively unnoticeable. Their larvae are nocturnal, and their bodies are practically transparent. Finding moths in dried mushrooms means a lot of cocoons and insect waste in our food reserves.
Be Careful What You Dry!
Remember! Drying does not neutralize toxic substances; in this form, they are indistinguishable. We should buy mushrooms from a reliable source, and those collected ourselves can be taken to the Sanitary Epidemiological Station. The employees will help us identify the edible species.
Contraindications
People who should refrain from eating dried mushrooms are primarily those with allergies. We should also not serve them to children under 12 and pregnant women. People with kidney and liver diseases should eliminate them from their diet [3].
Nutritional Values
Bay boletes, chanterelles, porcini—there are many species. However, their nutritional values are very similar. A handful of dried mushrooms weigh about 10 grams [2]. Such a portion contains:
- 35 kcal
- 2.9 g protein
- 4.8 g carbohydrates
- 0.4 g fats
Summary
Mushrooms are an incredibly aromatic addition to dishes. The work involved in collecting, cleaning, and drying them is highly time-consuming. We should take great care in storing them properly. The above tips will make it easier for you.
Bibliography:
- Wartość_odżywcza_i_prozdrowotna_grz.pdf
- Ile kalorii ma grzyby suszone w 100g? – KalkulatorKalorii.net
- Wartości odżywcze grzybów suszonych i ich wpływ na zdrowie. (grzybylesne.eu)
