How to Dry Mushrooms With Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride is a salt that is used as a desiccant to absorb water and moisture from the air. It is also sometimes sprinkled onto icy roads to prevent them from freezing. When used with mushrooms, it draws out the moisture causing the mushroom to dry out. This allows the dried mushrooms to be stored for later use. Drying mushrooms with calcium chloride is a simple technique that uses many items already found around the home.
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Instructions
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Lay a piece of newspaper on top of a flat surface. Spread the mushrooms out on the paper in a single layer.
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Position a fan as close to the mushrooms as possible. Turn the fan's settings to low or medium and turn the fan on.
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Allow the fan to run continuously for 48 hours to draw most of the moisture out of the mushrooms.
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Purchase calcium chloride at a garden center or hardware store. It is the main ingredient in most moisture absorbing products, but check the label to be sure.
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Pour a 1/2-inch layer of calcium chloride into the bottom of a small cooler or plastic food container.
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Place a small elevated rack above the calcium chloride. Any type of rack can be used as long as it does not touch the calcium chloride.
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Place the mushrooms in a single layer on top of the rack.
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Close the top of the container and allow it to sit for 24 hours.
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Open the container and check to see if the mushrooms are dry. The mushrooms should be rubbery and dry to the touch. If they are not completely dry, close the lid and allow the mushrooms to sit for an additional 24 hours.
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Tips & Warnings
The calcium chloride will liquefy as the mushrooms dry.
Do not attempt to reuse the calcium chloride.
