How to Store Dry Porcini Mushrooms

Dried porcini mushrooms can be stored for months.

Porcini mushrooms are wild mushrooms known for their strong, nutty flavor and high price, particularly when purchased fresh. They are hand-harvested in the United States, Europe and Asia.
Dried porcini mushrooms have an intensified flavor that complements Italian culinary dishes, but they will not spoil quickly unlike fresh porcini mushrooms. Dried porcini mushrooms store easily and may be reconstituted in water for a texture more like the fresh version of this gourmet delicacy.

Things You'll Need

• Dried porcini mushrooms
• Plastic storage container
• Spice bottle or shaker jar
• 2 plastic freezer-storage bags

Instructions

1. Keep unopened packages of commercially dried porcini mushrooms at room temperature in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.

2. Place leftover dried porcini mushrooms in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry area for up to 12 months.

3. Store crushed dried porcini mushrooms in their original packaging, an airtight spice bottle or a tightly capped spice shaker, and place in a cool, dry area.

4. Place dried porcini mushrooms in two plastic freezer-storage bags to store them indefinitely in the freezer.

Tips & Warnings

• Plastic food storage bags or vacuum-sealed bags are an alternative storage method to an airtight container.

• Do not store dried porcini mushrooms where they will be exposed to moisture or get wet.

References

• UAF: Alaska Mushroom Guide for Harvesting Morels
• "Fine Cooking" Magazine; The Bold Flavors of Dried Mushrooms; Tony Rosenfeld; January 1, 2006
• Life in Italy: Porcini