WHY DRIED MUSHROOMS?
The simplest answer to this question is that in most regions of the world, edible mushrooms just don’t grow year round. Mushrooms typically fruit or flush in spring and autumn, meaning that during the summer and winter, if you want fresh mushrooms, you’re severely limited on choice. If you get a glut of mushrooms in season and can’t use them all before they spoil, drying mushrooms gives you a chance to use them before they spoil.

There are other reasons to dry mushrooms as well. Some mushrooms have more concentrated flavor (and even more concentrated amounts of some nutrients!) than fresh mushrooms, making them ideal for some culinary applications. Some mushrooms are best used in powder form, such as Reishi mushrooms, and they must be dried before they can be ground into a powder.

HOW LONG DO DRIED MUSHROOMS KEEP?
If stored properly, dried mushrooms can last indefinitely, though they may experience some degradation of flavor the longer they’re stored.

Dry mushrooms must be stored in a dry place in an airtight container to prevent moisture from spoiling the mushrooms. Light can also damage the mushrooms, so it’s best they’re kept in the dark. Think at the back of your pantry, rather than in a clear jar on your countertop.

Keeping dried mushrooms cool is also important, but unless you live in a hot climate, cool room temperature should be fine. If your indoor temperature gets above around eighty degrees, you may want to stash them in the fridge or freezer.

Dried mushrooms stored properly, in a dark, cool place in an airtight container, can last for two or three years without significantly impacting the quality of the mushrooms.

WHICH DRIED MUSHROOMS ARE BEST?
Some kinds of mushrooms dry better than others. Here are some varieties of mushrooms that are particularly good dried.