How to dry your truffles for long-term storage?

Magic truffles, also known as sclerotia, are a type of psychedelic mushroom that contain a compound responsible for psychoactive effects. While they can be consumed fresh, drying them is a crucial step in preserving them for long-term storage. In this article, we will explore the reasons why drying magic truffles is important, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to dry them properly.

Why dry magic Truffles?

The first and most obvious reason to dry magic truffles is to extend their shelf-life. Fresh truffles contain a significant amount of moisture, which can cause mold growth and spoilage over time. Drying them removes the excess moisture and preserves them for months or even years.

But drying magic truffles serves a second purpose as well. By reducing the moisture content by around 60%, you also increase their potency, gram for gram, compared to fresh truffles. This is because the psychoactive compound found in truffles, is more concentrated in dry truffles than in fresh ones.

Pre-drying magic truffles is an important step in the drying process to ensure that they are properly dried and ready to use. Pre-drying is the process of removing the majority of the moisture content from the truffles before thoroughly drying them. This process is simple to achieve and can be done at home with minimal equipment.

To pre-dry your magic truffles, collect your haul and place them onto a sheet of newspaper, some kitchen towel, or a piece of card. Leave about a 1cm gap between each truffle to allow for proper air circulation. If you prefer, you can also slice or break up your truffles into smaller pieces. This will help them pre-dry much faster and consistently compared to full-sized sclerotia. Overall, it takes just a few hours for the pre-drying process to be completed.

After pre-drying, you can then choose a method to thoroughly dry them out and remove any lingering moisture. The length of time it takes for magic truffles to dry completely depends on the method of drying, as well as other factors such as temperature and relative humidity. Typically, it can take as little as 12 hours and as long as one week to get your hands on some perfectly dried truffles.

Truffles will shrink and harden as they dry out, so you’ll know they’re ready if you cut one open and the inside is bone-dry. To make sure you are using the right method, we’ll provide an expected drying time for each method below.

There are numerous ways to effectively dry your magic truffles at home, and none of them require much equipment or hassle. From heat mats to dehydrators and even some simple items found around the kitchen, excess moisture is no match for you.

Drying truffles is an important step in preserving their quality and taste. There are several methods to dry truffles, each with their own pros and cons. Here, we will explore four common methods for drying truffles: air drying, using a dehydrator, a heat mat, and a sushi mat.

Air Drying: This method involves leaving the truffles out in the open to dry without intervention. However, it’s important to note that if the environment you’re drying in has high humidity levels, your truffles may never dry out fully. To combat this, you can use a dehumidifier and run a fan to keep the area dry. Additionally, be sure to keep your truffles out of direct light. Air drying can take several days, up to a week, to thoroughly dry your truffles.

Dehydrator: A dehydrator provides a constant and controllable heat source that can be used to dry truffles evenly and quickly. Simply dial in a low temperature of around 50°C and set the timer for 8–12 hours. To test if they are ready, give them a little pinch. If they still have a little give and feel soft, they’re not done yet. If they’re solid and begin to crumble or break in your fingers, they are ready to use.

Heat Mat: A heat mat is a common tool used by mushroom cultivators to provide the perfect temperature for mycelium growth. With a little tweaking, it can also be used to dry truffles. Dial the heat mat to a lower setting, rest the truffles on a piece of paper towel or card, and place it over the heat mat for around 12 hours. Be sure to keep the humidity in check and to periodically move the truffles around to ensure even drying.

Sushi Mat: Sushi chefs can also use their mats to dry truffles. Place the mat on a couple of sheets of paper towel to catch any excess moisture, then arrange the truffles on top of the mat. This method takes around 3 days to complete. Again, keep the humidity under control and place the mat in a dark environment for best results.

When choosing a method to dry your truffles, consider factors such as cost, time, and the tools you have available. Whichever method you choose, be sure to keep an eye on the humidity levels and keep your truffles out of direct light to ensure they dry properly and maintain their quality.

One of the most obvious signs that your magic truffles are dry is the texture of their exterior. When they are fully dried, they will feel tough and hard to the touch, much like small stones. To test if they are dry, you can give them a small squeeze or even cut into them. If they are soft or pliable, they need more time to dry out. It is important to be patient and give your truffles the time they need to fully dry out, as the last thing you want is to discover mouldy truffles a few months down the line.

Once your magic truffles are fully dried, it is important to consider how you will store them. Due to their hardened exterior, they cannot be consumed like fresh magic truffles or mushrooms. The best way to consume them is by milling them using a coffee grinder or dedicated truffle grinder. Keep in mind that the recommended doses for dried truffles will differ from fresh ones, so make sure to adjust accordingly and consult a dosage calculator for accuracy.

If you’re looking for a short-term or long-term storage solution, there are plenty of options available. Dried truffles can be vacuum sealed and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 years, or placed in an airtight container or jar and kept in a cool, dark place for around 6 months. For long-term storage, you can place them in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer, where they can last indefinitely.

It’s important to note that proper storage is essential for preserving the potency of magic truffles. When storing them, be sure to keep them away from light and heat, as these elements can degrade the psychoactive content. Additionally, make sure that the container or bag is airtight, as oxygen can also degrade the truffles.

In conclusion, drying magic truffles properly and storing them in the right conditions is essential for preserving their potency and ensuring that they will be effective when consumed in the long term. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of magic truffles for a long time to come.