Boosting your health has never been easier or more delicious! If you want to upgrade the flavor of your favorite dishes or give your morning smoothie a nutritious kick, mushroom powder is your new best friend. This guide will explore the numerous uses of mushroom powder and how you can make your own from scratch in just a few simple steps.

What can I use mushroom powder for?

Mushrooms are nutritious and delicious, but unfortunately, they don’t last very long. Fresh mushrooms can be dried to preserve them for future use, but why not take that a step further by creating mushroom powder instead?

 In the kitchen, it’s absolutely perfect for adding a rich Umami flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. It’s also fantastic as a seasoning that you can sprinkle over anything—and yes, I mean EVERYTHING. It’s that good.

Mushroom powder is also a nutrient-dense supplement that can be easily mixed into smoothies, teas, or other beverages. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or someone looking for a natural way to boost your health, mushroom powder is a must-have in your pantry. 

What are the best mushrooms for mushroom powder?

I’ve found that super savory mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and morels work fantastic for culinary uses due to their intense umami flavors. However, literally any edible mushroom will do! Mushrooms all have their own unique flavor profiles, and concentrating them down into a powder gives you the option to add a burst of their distinct taste to any dish. 

Now, when it comes to many types of functional mushrooms, cooking with them can get a bit more complicated. Many functional mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and turkey tail are incredibly bitter because of their high concentrations of beneficial compounds like triterpenes. They may not be a choice for seasoning your dishes, but adding a teaspoon or two into something like a smoothie or coffee will allow you to consume these mushrooms in a convenient and more palatable way. 

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How to make mushroom powder

What you’ll need:

  • Fresh mushrooms
  • Sheet pan
  • Dehydrator or oven
  • Grinder or blender
  • Airtight container for storage

Instructions: 

1. Prepare your mushrooms

Clean your mushrooms with a damp paper towel or cloth to remove any dirt or residue. Try not to rinse the mushrooms directly under water since they will absorb too much liquid and be difficult to dry out. Then, cut or tear the mushrooms into smaller, even pieces so they can dry thoroughly and will be easier to grind once they’re dehydrated.

2. Dry them out

The key to making mushroom powder is ensuring that the mushrooms are completely dried out. To get some of the initial moisture out, you can sun dry your mushrooms outside, although this step isn’t necessary.

There are two main methods for drying mushrooms: using a dehydrator or an oven. If you have a dehydrator, place the mushroom pieces on the trays and dry them at around 110°F (43°C). If using an oven, set it to the lowest possible temperature, typically around 150°F (65°C), and stir the mushrooms occasionally to ensure the moisture is escaping evenly. Both processes will take several hours since the mushrooms are being cooked at such a low temperature. Be patient! You want the mushrooms completely dry and brittle before moving on to the next step.

3. Grind them up

Once the mushroom pieces have dried and cooled off, place them in a coffee grinder, blender, or food processor and grind until they turn into a fine powder. If you’re grinding down a large amount of mushrooms, blend in smaller batches to achieve better results.

4. Sift out chunks

While this step isn’t necessary, I highly recommend it. Sifting the powder through a fine mesh strainer ensures you have a super fine, uniform powder. A mushroom powder with a consistent texture will be easier to incorporate into your recipes. Any larger pieces that don’t make it through the sifting process can be put back into the blender for another round. 

5. Storing your mushroom powder

Now that your mushroom powder is finished, transfer it to an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store the container in a cool, dark place to protect the powder from light and heat, which can degrade its health benefits. When stored correctly, your mushroom powder can last for several months.

When life gives you mushrooms, make mushroom powder!

Making your own mushroom powder is a simple and rewarding process. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques are needed—just some mushrooms, a dehydrator or oven, and a grinder. Now, you’ll have a supply of fresh, nutrient-packed mushroom powder ready to use whenever you need it. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it!

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