How to Grind Mushrooms: A Complete Guide

Mushroom powders, whether made from dehydrated or freeze-dried mushrooms, are great for enhancing the flavor of vegetable stocks, soups, and other dishes. They offer a much stronger mushroom taste than the powders you can buy at the store. Want to make your own mushroom powder? Here's how to do it.

What Type of Mushrooms Should You Choose to Make Mushroom Powder?

 

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When choosing mushrooms for making mushroom powder, consider the type of flavor you want. For a rich and earthy taste, porcini mushrooms or oyster mushrooms are an excellent choice. Shiitake mushrooms also work well if you're looking for a slightly smoky flavor. If you prefer a milder flavor, white button mushrooms are a good option. They are also generally easier to find and less expensive. Make sure to select firm, fresh mushrooms without spots or signs of spoilage to ensure the best quality powder.

How to Dehydrate Mushrooms

 

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To make mushroom powder, you first need to dehydrate the mushrooms. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you out:

1. Start by gently brushing off any dirt from the mushrooms with a soft brush or a damp paper towel. Avoid rinsing them under water if possible, as they absorb moisture.
2. Cut the mushrooms into even slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Lay the mushroom slices in a single layer on a dehydrator tray. Make sure they don't overlap.
4. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C).
5. It will take about 6 to 8 hours for the mushrooms to dry completely. The exact time can vary based on the moisture content of the mushrooms and the type of dehydrator.
6. The mushrooms are done when they are completely dry and brittle. If they feel spongy or leathery, they need more time.
7. Once dry, let the dehydrated mushrooms cool and then store them in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place. They can last for several months.

How to Freeze Dry Mushrooms

 

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If you don't have a dehydrator, you can always freeze dry mushrooms. Here's how to do it:

1. Clean the mushrooms by brushing off any dirt. Slice them into even pieces to ensure they freeze dry uniformly.
2. Lay the sliced mushrooms on a tray and freeze them solid in your freezer.
3. Transfer the frozen mushrooms to the freeze-dryer trays. Arrange them in a single layer.
4. Turn on your freeze dryer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Freeze drying usually involves lowering the pressure and then slowly warming the mushrooms to allow the frozen water in them to sublimate (turn directly from ice to vapor).
5. Once the cycle is complete, check that the mushrooms are dry. They should be lightweight and porous.
6. Store the freeze-dried mushrooms in glass jars. They can last for years without losing flavor if kept in a dry, cool place.

How to Make Mushroom Powder

 

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Once the mushrooms are completely dry and brittle from freeze drying or by using the dehydrator, you can now start grinding them. Here's how to do it:

1. Place the dried mushrooms in a food processor, spice grinder, or coffee grinder.
2. Pulse them until they become a fine powder.
3. If there are any large pieces left, sift the powder through a fine mesh sieve and grind the larger pieces again.
4. Store the mushroom powder in an airtight jar to keep it fresh.

How to Grind Mushrooms Using a Mortar and Pestle

 

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If you don't have a blender or a coffee grinder, you can use a traditional tool mortar and pestle to grind your mushrooms. Here's how to do it:

1. Place a small batch of dried mushrooms into the mortar.
2. Use the pestle to apply firm, consistent pressure to crush the mushrooms. Grind in a circular motion until the pieces become a fine powder.
3. Depending on the toughness of the mushrooms, this might take some effort and time. If you find any larger chunks that are difficult to grind down, remove them, and continue with the finer material.
4. Once you've reached the desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container for storage.
5. Repeat this process in batches until all your dried mushrooms are ground into powder.

What Can You Use Mushroom Powder For?

 

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You can add mushroom powder to soups and stews to deepen their umami flavor. It also works well in marinades and rubs for meat. You can sprinkle some into sauces or gravies to thicken them. It's also great in vegetarian dishes, like risottos and pasta.

Summary

There you go. Our complete guide to making homemade mushroom powder using different tools like a blender, food processor and a mortar and pestle. If you're looking for the perfect mortar and pestle for all your grinding needs, check out Pepe Nero. Perfect for grinding spices, herbs, and more, our mortar and pestle set is designed for ease of use and maximum flavor extraction. Shop with us today.