How to dry chanterelle mushrooms for the winter in the oven, microwave and in an electric dehydrator and is it possible

Autumn is the season for picking aromatic and savory mushrooms. How do you dry chanterelles for the winter, and is it even possible? Every mushroom picker asks this question at least once. Heat-dried chanterelles are a versatile product used in a variety of dishes.

Can chanterelles be dried for the winter?

Everyone knows that mushrooms contain many toxic substances. So, can you dry them without fearing for your health? Professional mushroom pickers know that this is one of the best ways to preserve mushrooms. It involves heat treatment, so there's no risk to human life. However, it's important to follow the process and not disrupt it.

Over the years, people have learned various ways to preserve mushrooms. These include pickling, salting, freezing, and drying. The latter method is considered the most ancient, as it is still used today. By releasing moisture, the product remains edible for a long time, retaining its rich aroma.

Selecting and preparing mushrooms before starting the process

Chanterelles collected in the forest should be sorted. It's best to trim off any damaged ones or discard them. They should be of uniform size, as this affects drying time and the final result. If they are all the same size, drying will proceed evenly.

When cleaning the mushrooms of soil, sand, leaves, and ants, never use water. Chanterelles absorb liquid like a sponge, which will negatively impact drying. It's best to wipe the soiled areas with a damp, clean sponge. Use a dishwashing sponge.

The lower part of the stem should be cut off, as it is completely unnecessary. A sharp knife is best for this. Large mushrooms should be cut in half or quarters. Some housewives prefer to dry only the caps, without the stems.

How to dry chanterelles?

This can be done in a variety of ways. Each person chooses the one that suits them best. The drying method is chosen based on the number of mushrooms and the person's abilities. All methods have different drying times and are equally effective.

The natural way

Due to its ease of use, this method is considered one of the most preferred. However, it is only suitable for sunny weather. Drying continues for 12 days, sometimes longer. Chanterelles should be spread out on paper and placed in a sunny, ventilated area. This is called pre-drying.

After this, each mushroom is strung on a string, like a necklace, and hung in the sun. Space is left between the chanterelles to ensure even drying. An oven rack is an alternative to string. They are laid out and covered with a light cloth. This will help prevent contact with flies.

To ensure that the chanterelles dry simultaneously, they should be turned over twice a day.

In the oven

Drying is rightfully the second most popular method, as every homeowner has an oven. This allows you to dry mushrooms even when there's no sun outside. When drying in the oven, it's important to control the temperature. Ideally, it shouldn't exceed 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). In this case, a simple trick is to set the oven temperature to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and increase the temperature as needed.

As in the previous case, the chanterelles should be arranged so that they don't touch. Turn them over periodically to ensure even drying. The drying time varies depending on the size of the chanterelles.

If some specimens have dried out, they are removed and drying continues.

In an electric dryer

You can remove excess moisture from mushrooms using this device. It's very convenient and simple. Few people know that this device is suitable for mushrooms as well as fruit. A marinator can also provide a similar effect.

Using an electric dehydrator, dry the mushrooms for 12 hours. The device's design allows for several batches of chanterelles to be processed at once, each occupying a single tier. To speed up the process, they can be cut into small pieces. After plugging in the dehydrator, wait until the mushrooms are fully cooked.

In the closet

This is a common piece of furniture found in every home. Drying naturally has its advantages. Line the cupboard shelves with newspapers or regular paper, and place the mushrooms on top. This is very convenient, as insects can't get into the cupboard, and the product will remain clean. To prevent dust from accumulating, cover the mushrooms with newspapers.

In the microwave

This method involves setting the microwave to the lowest temperature and drying the mushrooms for no more than 20 minutes. After the specified time, remove the chanterelles to allow the moisture to evaporate. Then, repeat the process until the result is satisfactory. This quick method is also worth considering.

In an air fryer

If you have such an appliance at home, drying chanterelles will take no more than two hours. The process goes faster because the air fryer's temperature is set between 60 and 70 degrees Celsius. Check the mushrooms during drying, removing any that are ready. The remaining mushrooms are left to dry completely.

In the refrigerator

Drying mushrooms can be done using either heat or cold. This method results in a softer texture for the chanterelles. Place the mushrooms on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, lined with paper towels. Typically, the drying process takes no more than two weeks.

How to determine readiness?

A mushroom's texture confirms its readiness. It should be springy and resilient, but not easily broken. Separating the mushroom into two halves requires some effort. The broken area should not be wet.

To determine if the moisture has been released, weigh them before and after the process. If the weight has decreased by a factor of 10, the process has been completed correctly. Mushrooms that are not dried enough will develop mold, while those that are too dry will lose their aroma and flavor. Therefore, it is necessary to follow the drying technology to obtain a positive result.

How to store dried chanterelles

The best way is to store the mushrooms in a jar with an airtight lid. If you use a moisture-permeable bag, it's best to store them away from foods with strong odors. Store them in a dark, dry place. They can be stored for a long time. If the mushrooms become damp, they can be dried again in the oven.