The young birch mushroom (birch boletus) is an edible mushroom that is widespread throughout Europe. It makes it relatively easy for collectors because it always thrives under birch trees. In terms of taste, it does not come close to other edible mushrooms such as porcini mushrooms and is therefore used more as a mixed mushroom in mushroom pans.
How to dry birch mushrooms correctly?
To dry birch mushrooms, clean young birch boletus thoroughly, cut them into slices and dry them in the dehydrator or oven at 50 degrees for 2-3 hours. You can then store the dried mushrooms in an airtight container for several months.
What does the birch mushroom taste like?
- The young mushrooms have pleasantly firm flesh. It tastes mildly sour.
- Older mushrooms, on the other hand, are only suitable for consumption to a limited extent as the flesh becomes spongy and watery.
- The stems of these specimens taste unpleasantly tough and woody and should not be used.
Drying birch mushrooms
You can preserve the collected mushrooms by drying them. This means they last for many months. Proceed as follows:
- Only use perfect and young birch boletus.
- Clean these thoroughly with a brush or kitchen paper and cut into fine slices.
- If you have a dehydrator, place the mushrooms on the racks so that they do not touch each other. Then kiln for two to three hours at 50 degrees.
- Alternatively, you can dry the birch mushrooms in the oven. Place them on a rack lined with baking paper and dry the birch boletus at 50 degrees for about three hours.
The birch mushrooms can be air dried very well. Thread the birch mushroom slices onto a string and hang them so that the mushrooms get air from all sides. A shady place outside that is not reached by the sun is ideal for this. This also works in a dark, airy place in the house.
How long do the dried birch mushrooms last?
Once they are completely dry, you should pack the birch boletus in a tightly sealing container. This way they will last for several months.
Place the birch mushrooms in warm water for about half an hour before processing. The dried mushrooms taste very tasty if you soak them in red wine before cooking.
Tip
If you want to be absolutely sure that there are no insect eggs in the dried mushrooms, you can put them in an airtight container in the freezer for at least 24 hours after drying.
