Learning techniques for preserving local foods and homemade recipes is a wonderful way to continue eating locally sourced food throughout the colder months. There are a number of ways to preserve, but the main three are canning, dehydrating, and freezing. In addition to extending the season for locally produced foods, preserving helps to decrease food waste. It can be a fun opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Today, we are going to focus on dehydrating. Read to the end for a great recipe featuring dried mushrooms

Dehydrating Local Foods

Dehydrating is an easy way of preserving local foods. Even if you don’t have a dedicated dehydrator, the process can be accomplished at home several different ways. Using your oven at a low temperature will work for fruits, veggies, and meats. This is an especially good method to try for making outdoor adventure snacks, like dried fruits! There are even some items like herbs, mushrooms, and hot peppers that can be dried in the sun.

Local Mushroom Salt Recipe

Salts and herb blends are another wonderful way to preserve fresh local ingredients well into winter, and spice up recipes with new flavors!

Mushroom dehydrating instructions

• Preheat your oven to 125°F/52°C
• Thoroughly rinse your mushrooms of choice until they are clean
• Slice mushrooms into 1/4 inch slices or pieces, and place on a dehydrating tray in a single layer
• Bake for 3-8 hours until mushrooms are completely dehydrated, with a brittle texture
• Allow to cool completely on the dehydrating sheet

Making Mushroom Salt

• Supplies needed: A blender or food processor, dehydrated mushrooms, salt, and other spices of choice (chili flakes, garlic or onion powder, etc)
• You can vary the amount of each ingredient to your liking, but consider starting with these measurements for larger batches:
  • 2 cups of dehydrated mushrooms
  • 3/4 cup salt (sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, or table salt will do!)
  • Other spices to taste
• Start by blending mushrooms on low until powdery, then add other ingredients and pulse until mixed
• Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months

Find Locally & Regionally Grown Mushrooms

• Ironwood Mycology in Richfield, ID
  • Available at Lincoln County Farmers Market
• Southern Idaho Culinary Mushrooms in Twin Falls, ID
  • Available at the Wood River Farmers Market
• Nourishme in Ketchum, ID
• Morels fresh from Idaho Public Lands, best found in late spring!