How to Dry Morel Mushrooms on a String

Dry out your morels to make them last longer.

Chefs around the world covet morel mushrooms, a fungus-forager favorite. While the mushrooms generally taste best when they're fresh, they will only last in a refrigerator up to three days. If properly dried, they can last for a year. While some prefer to flash-freeze morels, others consider drying them to be the superior preservation technique.

Things You'll Need

• Morel mushrooms
• Large sewing needle
• Heavy thread

Instructions

1. Cut your morel mushrooms in half lengthwise and place into a dish of salted water for a couple hours to remove dirt and bugs.

2. Pour out the water and place the morels onto paper towels to dry a bit, hive side down. You don't want water sitting in the little holes of the morel.

3. Thread the needle and thread through your morel mushrooms at the base.

4. Hang the mushrooms out of direct sunlight. A drafty area such as a garage works best. Ensure the thread is tight and the morels are not touching one another.

5. Allow your morel mushrooms to dry. This usually takes at least two days, though you can let them dry for months. After they are dry, store them in a paper bag and close it up tight. They will store nicely for up to a year.

6. Reconstitute your dried morel mushrooms by letting them soak a short time in a dish of warm water or milk.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your drying morels out of the sun. Drafty areas are good.

• Be certain what you have are true morels. Ask an experienced morel hunter to examine them if you are unsure.

• Never eat raw morels. They contain toxins that are only removed through the cooking process.

References

• The Great Morel: Preserving