DRYING MUSHROOMS
Use small, fresh, whole mushrooms. Wash thoroughly and steam 10 minutes. Toss in ascorbic acid solution (dissolve 1 Tbsp. crushed Vitamin C tablets in 1 cup water). Dry in sun or in oven, then pasteruize, cool, and store.
SOLAR DRYING:
String mushrooms on clean monofilament fishing line, leaving a small space between mushrooms. Hang and dry in full sun for 2 days, until brittle. Bring inside at night before dew forms, or if rain threatens. Pasteurize, then store in airtight containers. Should keep for several months.
OVEN DRYING:
Arrange mushrooms on trays. Place in 120-degree F oven for 1 hour, then increase heat to 140 degrees F and dry for 2 to 3 more hours. Pasteurize, cool and store in airtight containers. Should keep for several months.
PASTEURIZING:
Preheat oven to 175 degrees F. Spread mushrooms 1 inch deep on trays (not aluminum) and heat 15 minutes, tossing once. Spread fruits on clean toweling to cool.
