1. Conversions: 8 lbs of fresh morels equals 1 pound dry
1 lb dry morels reconstitutes to 4-5.5 pounds wet
1 oz dry equals 1/2 lb fresh or 1/4 lb reconstituted
2. To use morels in a soup or sauce that requires prolonged simmering, just soak the morels for a minute in the broth, water, or sherry before adding them to the simmer.
3. To reconstitute morels for stuffing, or use as a stand alone presentation, place the dried morels in a shallow covered container, spray them briefly with the spray attachment on your sink, and shake them around in the excess water. Let sit five minutes: all water should have been absorbed by the mushrooms, some will still be hard and dry. Add a splash of sherry if desired. Repeat spraying procedure, let set. The benefit of this rehydrating process is that there is no excess water and the flavor stays within the mushroom. Morels rehydrated this way will then keep a couple days in the fridge.
Dried Morel Hints
I often use my older morels in soups, powdered and tossed in.
I also find that using the powdered dried morels in a light gravy over fresh biscuits is just marvelous. Again crush up dried morels and make your favorite light cream gravy and put over some fresh made biscuits
Anecdotal evidence tells that some people keep jars of dried morels stored away for many yearsÖonly to be used on very special occasions!
Any morels that you wish to toss due to unsuitability, one might consider the front yard.
Also See: Dried Mushroom Soup
Return to Fungal Jungal's Home Page
Please send questions and comments about the Fungal Jungal to Larry: fungus@fungaljungal.org
© The Western Montana Mycological Association