How To Re-hydrate
Select Your Mushrooms:
Choose the type of dried mushrooms you want to rehydrate. Popular options include shiitake, porcini, morel, and chanterelle.
Measure the Mushrooms:
Use the desired amount of dried mushrooms. Typically, 1 ounce of dried mushrooms will yield about 3-4 ounces once rehydrated.
Rinse the Mushrooms:
Place the dried mushrooms in a colander and rinse them under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Soak the Mushrooms:
Transfer the rinsed mushrooms to a bowl.
Cover them with warm water or broth. Ensure the liquid is about 2-3 times the volume of the mushrooms.
Let them soak for 20-30 minutes, or until they are fully rehydrated and plump.
Drain and Reserve the Liquid: Once rehydrated, remove the mushrooms from the liquid using a slotted spoon.
Reserve the soaking liquid, as it is rich in flavor and can be used in soups, sauces, or risottos. Pour it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any grit.
Squeeze Out Excess Liquid:
Gently squeeze the mushrooms to remove any excess liquid. This helps concentrate their flavor.
Trim and Slice: Trim any tough stems or hard parts from the mushrooms.
Slice or chop them as needed for your recipe.
Cook and Enjoy:
Your rehydrated mushrooms are now ready to be used in your favorite dishes. Sauté, simmer, or incorporate them into your recipes for a burst of umami flavor.
Why Dried Mushrooms?
🍄 Glutamate Concentration - Drying concentrates the natural glutamate content in mushrooms. Glutamate is an amino acid responsible for umami taste.
🧪 Reaction - During drying, amino acids and reducing sugars react, forming new flavor compounds. This Maillard reaction contributes to the rich umami flavor.
🌞 Nucleotide Breakdown - Drying breaks down nucleotides (like inosinate and guanylate) into their components, which intensifies umami taste.
Yep, drying mushrooms enhances their umami flavor by concentrating glutamate and triggering flavor-enhancing reactions.
What is Umami - the 5th flavor?
Imagine you have four main tastes: sweet (like honey or dark chocolate), salty (like cured meats or chips), sour (like grapefruit or lemons), and bitter (like dark kale or Brussel sprouts).
Umami - the 5th taste, it’s a bit different. Described as a savory or meaty flavor.
Think about the taste of mushrooms, or soy sauce. When you eat these foods, you get a rich, deep flavor that makes your mouth water.
That’s umami! It’s like the taste that makes soup, stews, and even some snacks taste extra delicious and satisfying.
Instantly elevate your meals with Oomami Dried Mushroom Meal Prep Packs
Questions?
Have a special request, don't see what your looking for?
For additional questions, email us at:OomamiMushroom@gmail.com
We'd love to hear from you!