Dried shiitake mushrooms are delicious and can be stored for a long time in tightly sealed containers. They retain all their qualities and beneficial properties. Shiitake mushrooms can be dried either in a commercial oven or at home, using a simple oven.
What is the purpose of dried shiitake mushrooms?
Dried shiitake mushrooms offer significant health benefits and can be a truly invaluable food. This is achieved thanks to their rich composition.
100 g of dried shiitake mushrooms contain:
- carbohydrates – 75.37 g;
- fats – 0.99 g;
- proteins – 9.58 g;
- sugar – 2.21 g;
- dietary fiber – 11.5 g.
Caloric content of 100 g of dried product is 296 kcal.
At the same time, this type of mushroom also has healing properties, as it contains various minerals (magnesium, manganese, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, selenium and zinc), as well as vitamins B1, C and D.
Shiitake Can be taken as a dietary supplement – the daily dose is 5 g of dried product. The maximum dosage should not exceed 20 g per day.
If dried shiitake mushrooms are consumed on a regular basis, the following results can be achieved:
- toxins, waste and other harmful substances that have accumulated over a long period of time are removed from the body;
- improves erection in men and increases sexual desire;
- immunity is increased;
- cholesterol is actively broken down, as well as excess glucose contained in the blood;
- has a stimulating effect on the process of insulin production;
- the risk of cancer cell formation is minimized;
- the likelihood of developing various vascular and heart diseases decreases.
Features of drying mushrooms
Shiitake drying can be done in several different ways, either in a factory or at home. The process is very simple and can easily be done at home. The key is to properly prepare the mushrooms for drying.
- × Do not use mushrooms that show signs of mold or heavy contamination, as this may cause the entire batch to spoil during drying.
- × Avoid sudden temperature changes during drying to avoid destroying the beneficial substances in the mushrooms.
Shiitake mushrooms should not be washed. Before drying, they should only be wiped with a dry cloth.
In production
Manufacturers around the world use roughly the same technology for producing dried shiitake mushrooms. Fresh shiitake mushrooms are spread on special trays, which are then placed in drying ovens.
It is very important to strictly adhere to a certain temperature regime during the drying process:
- first, the temperature is set to +50 ˚С – this stage lasts several hours;
- The temperature rises to +75˚С – at this stage the mushrooms are brought to an almost ideal state.
If all the details of the procedure are followed, the dried mushrooms are light and break easily. Only high-quality, fresh product is used for this purpose. An inspection is performed to ensure there are no wormholes or other damage on the surface of the mushrooms. High-quality shiitake mushrooms should not crumble or be wet.
At home
The easiest way to dry mushrooms yourself is to use an electric dehydrator, but such a device is expensive and not every homeowner has one. There are other options for drying shiitake mushrooms:
- in the oven;
- in the sun (outdoors);
- in the oven.
- ✓ Ensure good ventilation in the room where the mushrooms are dried to avoid mold formation.
- ✓ Check the mushrooms every few hours during the early stages of drying to prevent over-drying.
The most difficult option is sun drying, as it has too many restrictions. The procedure can only be performed on a hot, sunny day. The product must be protected from insects, dust, and possible precipitation.
The simplest option is to use an oven. The drying process itself follows this pattern:
- Sort out the shiitake mushrooms and remove any damaged ones, as they are not suitable.
- Wipe the product clean using a clean cloth.
- Trim the stems lightly or remove them completely.
- If the mushrooms are large, cut them in half first.
- Transfer the prepared mushrooms to a wire rack. If you don't have a rack, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and turn the mushrooms frequently. This will ensure even drying on all sides.
- Place the mushrooms so that they do not come into contact with each other.
- Preheat the oven to +45˚C and leave the mushrooms for 60 minutes.
- Then increase the temperature to 75°C and continue drying for another 45 minutes. The exact drying time depends directly on the size of the shiitake.
- When the mushrooms become light and break when bent, the product is completely ready.
Dried mushrooms quickly absorb various odors and moisture, so they should be stored in a room with low humidity and away from substances with a strong or pungent odor.
- • Store mushrooms in glass jars with airtight lids to protect them from moisture and foreign odors.
- • For long-term storage, place jars in a cool, dark place.
What form do dried shiitake mushrooms come in?
Shiitake mushrooms are not eaten dried. You can consume the mushroom extract alone, but it is produced exclusively in industrial settings and undergoes a complex purification process to remove impurities. Making your own extract at home is less nutritious.
Before eating, dried mushrooms are pre-soaked in water. This process helps remove impurities and infuse the shiitake with the necessary moisture. It also brings out the rich flavor of the product.
Next, the shiitake mushrooms undergo heat treatment—this is a mandatory step. They can be fried or boiled. After this, they are eaten.
Dried mushrooms are a very healthy food. Shiitake can be stored for a long time in an airtight container, using them to make medicinal extracts or delicious and nutritious dishes.