How to use Dried Mushrooms...

This winter we will be selling dehydrated mushrooms at the Winona Winter Farmer's Market.  Using dried mushrooms is easy and they make a great addition to winter meals such as soups and croc pot goodies!  Often times the flavor of the mushroom intensifies when dried and if stored properly they will last years.  The best way we have found to store dried mushrooms is in a sealed glass jar out of direct sunlight.

If you are using our dried mushrooms in soups or the croc pot there is no need to re-hydrate prior to tossing them in.  If you are planning to fry, bake, etc. here is the best way we have found to re-hydrate.  Keep in mind that some mushrooms, such as shiitake, will re-hydrate better than others.

Measure out the amount of mushrooms that you need (1 oz of dried shiitake comes back to around 1/2 lb).  Put them in a bowl with warm water.  We often fill the bowl almost to the brim and then place a saucer on top of the bowl so that the mushrooms stay completely submerged.  Set the whole thing aside for 15-20 minutes.  Check on the shrooms and if they feel like they've softened up strain them with a slotted spoon or strainer.  You will want to keep in mind that they will have quite a bit of water content when cooking.  Use them like you would a fresh mushroom.  The by-product of re-hydrating your mushrooms is a bowl of nutrient and flavor rich water that can be added to soup stocks, rice, etc.  Experiment and enjoy!