Fan, Oven or Dehydrator? The Best Ways to Dry and Store Magic Mushrooms

• By Graham Pilger
• May 12, 2023October 27, 2023
• growing mushrooms magic mushrooms psilocybin mushrooms
• With 2 comments

If you grow your own mushrooms, the happiest day is the harvest. A clean knife slices through the base and you get a pile of damp, floppy fungus. Feel free to eat them fresh! Yet most people choose to dry their mushrooms.

Magic mushrooms are perishable. They contain moisture and organic compounds that can degrade over time, especially when exposed to unfavorable conditions. 

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Drying your mushrooms preserves them for longer, so you can choose when to have your experience.

The primary indication of a sufficiently dried mushroom is that it is “cracker dry”–meaning it will make an audible noise when you apply pressure on it. It will snap like a Ritz. It won’t bend like an asparagus. There are many ways to get there, as we will explore below. Let’s explore the pros and cons of using a fan, air dryer, oven, and dehydrator. 

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Mushroom Drying: Fan vs Air Dryer vs Oven vs Dehydrator

When it comes to dehydrating your magic mushrooms, you have several options. The method significantly impacts quality and longevity.

Fan Drying

Fan drying is a simple, cost-effective method to start the drying process. Place your shrooms on a wire rack or a clean cloth and position a fan so that it blows air directly over them. This can take several days, depending on the humidity and temperature of the room. While it might be time-consuming, it’s gentle and doesn’t involve any heat, which can help preserve the potency of your magic mushrooms.

Related: Do Shrooms Go Bad? Here’s How Long Magic Mushrooms Stay Potent

Air Drying

Air drying is a natural process that uses the surrounding environment to slowly dehydrate your shrooms. Like fan drying, it’s best to place your mushrooms on a wire rack in a warm room with a humidity level between 55-65%. Avoid direct sunlight, which can degrade psilocybin, the compound with the most dramatic psychedelic effects. This method is free and easy but takes longer, usually about a week.

Oven Drying

Oven drying is a faster method, but it comes with its risks. Excessive heat can degrade the potency of your shrooms, and there’s also a chance of them getting burnt. If you choose this method, set your oven to its lowest setting, place your shrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Check them frequently to prevent overheating.

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Dehydrator Drying

A mushroom dehydrator is an excellent tool for drying mushrooms. It’s efficient, relatively fast, and allows for precise temperature control. Set your dehydrator to a low temperature, ideally around 95°F (35°C), and check your mushrooms after a few hours. Most dehydrators will dry your shrooms within 12 hours. While this method involves an initial investment, it’s arguably the most reliable way to ensure consistently dried mushrooms.

Remember, the goal of drying is to remove as much moisture as possible to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. No matter which method you choose, your shrooms should be cracker-dry.

How to Store Magic Mushrooms

Proper storage is crucial in prolonging the shelf life of your magic mushrooms, regardless of their form. Let’s dive into various storage methods and their impact on the longevity of your shrooms.

Airtight Container

Storing dried shrooms in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, is arguably the most effective method. This prevents oxygen, moisture, and light—three factors that can degrade psilocybin—from reaching your magic mushrooms. Stored in this manner, your shrooms can remain potent for several months or even up to a year. Adding a silica packet or some rice to the container can help absorb moisture and extend shelf life even further. 

Whole or Powdered?

Whether you store your shrooms whole or powdered can also affect their shelf life. Whole shrooms have less surface area exposed to air, which can help preserve their potency for longer. On the other hand, powdered shrooms are more convenient for precise dosing and can be easily mixed into foods or drinks. However, once ground, they may lose potency faster due to increased exposure to air and light. Regardless of the form, both should be stored in a dark, airtight container for optimal preservation.

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Capsules

Capsules are an excellent way to store ground magic mushrooms. They offer the advantage of precise dosing, making them a preferred method for microdosers. They are also inconspicuous. Plus, the capsules themselves provide some protection from light and oxygen, but they should still be stored in a dark, airtight container for maximum shelf life. Opaque capsules–black, blue, green, or any dark color–may offer more protection from sunlight.

Chocolates

Mushroom-infused chocolates can be a delicious and fun way to consume shrooms. However, keep in mind that the shelf life will be determined by the chocolate’s freshness, not the mushrooms’. Store these in a cool, dry place and consume them within the recommended expiration date of the chocolate. Some people say chocolates will last for years but chocolate that’s gone bad could lead to an upset stomach. 

Tea

Magic mushroom tea provides a fast-acting, intense experience, but it isn’t suitable for long-term storage. The tea should be consumed soon after brewing, but if you must store it, use a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for no more than a couple of days. It’s possible that freezing could extend the life of a tea but there is little evidence about it.

Honey

Using honey, a natural preservative, can significantly prolong the shelf life of your magic mushrooms. This method, known as “Blue Honey,” involves submerging dried shrooms in honey, creating a psilocybin-infused mixture. Properly stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, Blue Honey can keep your shrooms potent for years. However, always inspect for any signs of spoilage before use.

Tincture

Tinctures, or alcohol extracts of magic mushrooms, can have a long shelf life—up to a couple of years if stored correctly. The alcohol preserves the psilocybin and prevents bacterial growth. Store your tincture in a dark, airtight container, away from heat and light, for maximum longevity.

Each storage method has its pros and cons, and the best one for you will depend on your lifestyle, consumption habits, and personal preference. But remember, proper storage isn’t just about maintaining potency—it’s also about ensuring your magic mushrooms stay safe to consume.

Tips for Properly Storing Magic Mushrooms

Understanding how to properly store your magic mushrooms can make all the difference in their potency, longevity, and safety. Here are some top tips to ensure your shrooms stay as fresh and effective as possible:

1. Ensure Complete Drying First

Before you even think about storage, make sure your mushrooms are thoroughly dried. The dryer, the better. Remember, moisture is the enemy of longevity, and even a little bit can lead to mold growth.

2. Opt for Dark, Cool Places

Light, heat, and humidity can degrade psilocybin and encourage bacterial growth. Store your shrooms in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or a drawer. Avoid places with fluctuating temperatures, like above your refrigerator or near your oven.

3. Use Airtight Containers

Oxygen can degrade psilocybin over time. Mason jars or vacuum-sealed bags are excellent for keeping oxygen out and maintaining potency.

4. Don’t Use Plastic Bags

Although they might seem convenient, plastic bags are usually not completely airtight and can let light in, leading to quicker degradation.

5. Avoid the Fridge and Freezer for Dried Shrooms

Refrigerators and freezers are moist environments, which is not ideal for dried shrooms. Fresh mushrooms can be stored in the fridge for a short period, but for long-term storage, avoid these environments.

6. Label Your Containers

It’s easy to lose track of when you stored your shrooms. To avoid consuming stale or spoiled mushrooms, always label your containers with the date of storage.

7. Regularly Check for Signs of Spoilage

Inspect your mushrooms regularly for signs of spoilage such as mold, discoloration, or a bad smell. If in doubt, it’s better to be safe and dispose of questionable shrooms.

By following these tips, you can maximize the shelf life of your magic mushrooms, ensuring they stay potent and safe for consumption over time.

What Could Happen if My Dried Mushrooms Go Bad? 

The primary worry with mushrooms that have gone bad is mold of spoilage. The main concern would be stomach upset, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It’s similar to eating any food that’s gone bad. Unlikely to be deadly or cause long-term damage–but certainly no fun. 

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