Dried Oyster (Pleurotus) Mushroom

Price Comparison of Fresh Oyster Mushroom vs. Dried Oyster Mushroom per kg

Advantages of Using Dried Oyster Mushroom

• Using 6-7 kg of oyster mushroom in a crate, approximately 1 kg of dried mushroom is obtained, which can fit into a small jar.

• Due to volume reduction, the space required for storage is significantly decreased. Oyster mushroom powder is reduced to approximately 1/6,5 of its volume when compared to fresh oyster mushroom.

• Due to the reduction in volume and weight, it has become an easy-to-transport product. A truckload of fresh oyster mushroom can fit into approximately 2-3 pallets when turned into powder.

• It does not require cold storage conditions. Keeping it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is sufficient for dried oyster mushroom storage conditions.

• The growth rate of bacteria is proportional to the water content in the dried mushroom. Since the water content of the oyster mushroom is reduced from 85% to 10% during drying, water activity decreases, limiting bacterial growth in the dried mushroom. Limiting bacterial growth ensures a much longer shelf life.

• As Kurucum Food, we continue to develop dried oyster mushroom products and production technologies in partnership with our sister company, Eksis Industrial Drying Systems, a manufacturer of drying technologies. Our projects regarding dried oyster mushroom:

• Oyster mushroom juice powder production.

Comparison of Nutritional Values Between Fresh Oyster Mushroom and Dried Oyster Mushroom

What is Dried Oyster Mushroom?

• We can answer the question of what dried oyster mushroom is as follows:
  Oyster mushroom is one of the edible mushroom species that can grow in nature. It is also one of the rare species that can be cultivated in a controlled environment. Dried oyster mushroom is a product with high nutritional value and a long shelf life. The water inside the fresh mushroom is evaporated, leaving the essence of the product. The resulting concentrated product, with reduced water activity and bacterial growth potential, is called dried mushroom.

• What changes when fresh oyster mushroom is dried? Let's look at the ratios…

  1. Before the drying process, fresh oyster mushroom contains approximately 85% water.
  2. This water content is a suitable environment for rapid bacterial growth and is a moisture level at which fresh mushrooms cannot last long.
  3. As a result of drying, the water in the fresh oyster mushroom is removed, and the essence of the mushroom remains.
  4. With the removal of water from the product, approximately 1 kg of dried oyster mushroom is obtained from 6-7 kg of fresh oyster mushroom.
  5. As a result, the shelf life is extended, and the nutritional values (protein, carbohydrate, mineral, fiber ratio) in the dried mushroom increase due to the removal of the water content.

Dried Oyster Mushroom Varieties

1. Dried Oyster Mushroom Powder0-1 mm
2. Dried Oyster Mushroom Granules1-2 mm
3. Dried Oyster Mushroom Large-Soup Cut2-8 mm
4. Dried Oyster Mushroom Pieces8-15 mm

How to Store Dried Oyster Mushroom?

Dried mushrooms have a minimum shelf life of 1 year when stored under proper conditions. There are 3 main factors that reduce this period:

• Humidity
• Sunlight
• High temperature

To ensure the shelf life is not shortened, it should be kept in its original packaging in a cool, dry environment away from sunlight.

What Are the Uses of Dried Mushroom?

What Are Its Industrial Uses?

1. Where Can It Be Used in Food Production:

   • Ready Meals: Used as a natural aroma and flavor enhancer in soups, noodles, rice, and sauce mixes.
   • Frozen Products: Used as an ingredient in frozen foods such as pizza, pastries, and lasagna.
   • Meat and Poultry Products: Preferred as an aroma enhancer in marinades and ready-to-eat meals.
   • Snacks: Can be used in the production of mushroom-flavored chips and crackers.

2. Restaurant and Hotel Kitchens:

   • Garnishes and Side Dishes: Used as a garnish for meat, poultry, and fish dishes.
   • Special Recipes: Adds a unique flavor to risotto, pasta, omelets, and various vegetable dishes.

3. Spice Manufacturers:

   • Mushroom Powder Products: Contributes to spice blends and soup powders.
   • Ready Sauce Mixes: Used as a flavoring and thickening agent in sauce mixes.

How to Use at Home?

1. Home Cooking:

   • Soups and Sauces: Can be rehydrated in water and added to soups and sauces.
   • Vegetable and Meat Dishes: Adds flavor to various dishes by sautéing or boiling.
   • Rice and Risotto: Used as a natural aroma enhancer in rice and risotto recipes.

2. Snack Use:

   • Baked Mushroom: Can be mixed with light spices and baked to create a functional snack.

3. Homemade Mixes:

   • Mushroom powder: Can be ground in a blender and added to spices or soup mixes.