How to Dry Mushrooms for Safe Storage

Drying mushrooms is one of the most important steps when preserving them for study, research, or long-term storage. This includes common mushrooms as well as their varieties. Fresh mushrooms of any kind hold about 90% water.

With that much moisture, they can spoil fast because mold and bacteria grow easily. Drying removes the water and keeps the mushrooms stable for much longer.

Why Drying Matters

Researchers and collectors often dry mushrooms to keep them safe for later examination. Dry mushrooms are less likely to grow mold, and they hold their natural structure longer.

Drying can also help protect the flavor, nutrients, and structure of the fungi. A fully dried mushroom should be crisp enough to snap in half. This state is known as “cracker-dry” and is the main sign that the moisture has been fully removed.

Step One: Getting Ready

Preparation matters. Before drying, mushrooms should be cleaned gently. Avoid rinsing them with water, since most mushrooms are porous and soak up moisture easily. Instead, a soft brush or dry paper towel can be used to remove dirt.

Size also affects how mushrooms dry. Small ones are usually left whole. Larger ones can be sliced into smaller pieces, around one-fourth of an inch thick, to help them dry more evenly. This prevents pockets of moisture from being trapped inside.

Step Two: Ways to Dry Mushrooms

People use different techniques to dry mushrooms depending on their tools and goals. Some methods are used in research labs, while others work in everyday settings. Each method aims to remove moisture slowly and evenly.

1. Food Dehydrator (Best Method)

A food dehydrator is the best tool for drying mushrooms. It gives off low heat and moves air around, so everything dries evenly.

Spread mushrooms in a single layer so they don’t touch.
Set the temperature between 95°F and 130°F. Lower heat is better, but it takes longer.
Let them dry for 4 to 12 hours, depending on how big they are.
Check on them from time to time and move the trays if needed.

2. Desiccant Drying (For Final Drying)

Even after using a dehydrator, mushrooms can still have a little moisture inside. To make them fully cracker-dry, you can use a desiccant like silica gel.

Place the dried mushrooms into a sealed jar.
Add silica gel packets (or dried Epsom salt separated by paper) to the jar.
Close the jar tightly and leave it for 1–2 days. The desiccant will pull out any leftover moisture.

3. Fan Drying (Takes Longer)

If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can use a fan and some patience. This works best if your home is dry and warm.

Lay the mushrooms on a rack, screen, or cardboard.
Aim a fan at them to keep air moving.
This can take 2–3 days or longer.
You still need to use a desiccant afterwards to finish the drying.

4. Oven Drying (Be Very Careful)

Ovens are easy to find, but not the best for mushrooms. Most ovens get too hot and can damage what’s inside the mushrooms.

Set your oven to the lowest setting (under 140°F if possible).
Keep the door slightly open so moisture can escape.
Put sliced mushrooms on a baking sheet or rack.
Check them every 30–60 minutes until they’re cracker-dry. This may take 2–4 hours.

Step Three: Check If They’re Dry

Here’s how to tell if your mushrooms are truly dry. Pick one up and try to bend the stem. If it bends or feels soft, it still has water. If it snaps clean like a cracker, it’s ready for storage.

Step Four: Storing the Mushrooms

Once mushrooms are fully dry, you need to keep them dry.

Store them in a sealed glass jar or a vacuum-sealed bag.
Add a silica gel packet to the container to keep out moisture.
Put the container in a cool, dark, dry place like a closet or cabinet.
Avoid heat, light, or humid places, as these can ruin the mushrooms over time.

Dry Right, Store Smart

Drying mushrooms correctly makes long-term storage possible. It supports safe handling, clearer study, and better preservation. This applies to everyday mushrooms found at the store as well as specific species. No matter the type, the goal remains the same: prevent moisture, stop mold, and keep the specimen safe and stable.