Types Of Dried Mushrooms
Dried mushrooms should be kept in an airtight container to prevent them from losing their flavor. They give vegan dishes an earthy flavor. They have plenty of uses but first, you need to rehydrate them.
Chanterelles together with herbs like thyme can be used to make a flavored butter. Get dried mushrooms that are of high quality and with great shape and size.
Porcini
Porcini mushrooms have thick stems and broad caps. Fresh porcini mushrooms have a cap that is nicely convex shaped. Before drying, it is necessary to slice them because of their size. They are chewy, intensely and succulent flavor which complements the Italian and French cuisines. Their flavor is described as meatiness, a nuttier texture.
Porcini is extremely delicious with chicken and pork. Dried porcini mushrooms are priced lower than fresh ones. Avoid buying packages that have small crumbs that might be an indication of being old and lacking flavor. They are rich in protein with up to 33 grams per 100 grams serving.
Shiitake
They have a meatier flavor and texture, with a less earthy taste, and cost less compared to porcini. Shiitake mushrooms are preferred for Asian cuisines. If the stems are woody you can discard them after soaking. Shiitakes caps are commonly thick brown rigged with brown. The compounds found in shiitakes are useful for fighting cancer, supports the heart, and boosts the immune system.
Shiitakes are low in calories, high in fiber, Vitamin B, and minerals. The number of bioactive compounds will depend on how the shiitakes were grown, dried, stored, and prepared. Some compounds lower the cholesterol in the body hence preventing high blood pressure and various heart diseases. Dried shiitakes can be used to prepare Chinese and Japanese soup and also Chinese rice.
Chanterelles
They are golden bright with a fruity flavor, reminiscent of stone fruits such as apricot and peaches. Dried chanterelles are pricier compared to fresh ones. The cap may appear way and curl due to the drying process.
Their size can vary from tiny to 5-inch trumpets. Trim the woody stems after soaking them. Chanterelles have compounds like chitosan and chitin which protect the cells from damage and triggers the immune system to produce more cells. They are rich in Vitamin D which is good for bone health. Dried Chanterelles help prevent inflammation and fight cancer.
Morels
Dried morel mushrooms are preferred in a risotto or tossed asparagus. They can only be rehydrated in warm water. You can store them at room temperature for up to six months and for longer storage keep them in the freezer.
Morel has high amounts of vitamins, copper, and potassium for a healthy heart. They are known to have high amounts of Vitamin D compared to all mushrooms. A 100 grams of morel only contain 31 calories, they can be used to prepare low-calorie meals. Morel mushrooms protect the liver from tetrachloride compound.
