Dry Your Mushrooms

• 1). Clean the mushrooms as thoroughly as possible. Do not use water. It is best to use a brush or cloth to avoid getting the mushrooms moist.
  
  
• 2). Cut mushrooms evenly in half with a sharp knife. Wipe away any bugs hiding inside the cavities or the folds of the mushrooms. Slice or break up the mushroom into quarter-inch pieces.
  
  
• 3). Lay mushrooms to dry in trays or on paper towels. Choose an area where the drying mushrooms will not be disturbed and cover them lightly with paper towels. Do not stack the mushrooms but spread them out in one layer.
  
  
• 4). Allow the mushrooms to dry until they have a low moisture level. The temperature of your mushroom drying area should never exceed 110 degrees F. Never dry mushrooms in an oven, or they will cook.
  
  
• 5). Store dried mushrooms in a plastic bag or other air-tight container. Reconstitute the dried mushrooms by covering them with warm water for 15 minutes. The water you use to soak the mushrooms will be strongly flavored and good to use in your cooking recipes.