Before you start to think "what an odd gift to give to someone," I'll tell you that I requested this.
I received 3 packages of dried mushrooms, one shiitake, one tea tree, and one mixed mushrooms from my son and daughter-in-law.
I love mushrooms, especially in the cooler months of the year. If you recall, last year I received a mushroom growing kit. While it was very fun, the mushrooms were all ready in a short period. I thought this year I'd like to try dried mushrooms, as I can pace myself with them and have a longer period to enjoy the mushrooms.
I've been rehydrating a large handful or two at a time in a quart canning jar after rinsing, in room temperature water on the counter overnight. The following morning, they're ready to use. At this point, I move the jar to the fridge. The rehydrated mushrooms keep in water in the fridge for about 5-7 days.
When I want mushrooms, I scoop out a few, slice them, then sauté in butter/olive oil and add some dried thyme, and a pinch of salt.
The liquid itself makes a nicely flavored broth. I add some salt, onion and garlic powder, and heat for a delicious hot beverage. Some of the nutrients leach into the water, so using the water as broth allows me to get the full nutritional benefit from the mushrooms.
I've been enjoying the mushrooms with breakfasts and lunches. I love sautéed mushrooms over toast, as is for a side dish, or mixed into other foods.
You may be wondering how they differ from fresh mushrooms. These are slightly more earthy and intense in flavor (but only slightly), and a bit chewier. When I go to use them, they don't need cooking, just heating. They're very delicious.
Here's the real benefit to dried mushrooms, they keep for a long time in the dried state. So I can use a few now and then a couple of weeks later, use a few more, without worrying about any sort of expiry and wastage of mushrooms not used in time.
