An in depth look at Dehydrated Porcini, their benefits and why everyone should have these within their store cupboard.

An in depth look at Dehydrated Porcini, their benefits and why everyone should have these within their store cupboard.

Introduction

Dried porcini mushrooms, also known as Boletus edulis, or sometimes as Ceps, are a popular and versatile ingredient in the culinary world, especially within French and Italian Cuisine. These flavorful fungi are prized for their rich, earthy taste and meaty texture, making them a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. We personally like to us them in dishes such as Porcini risottos, they are a very handy ingredient to have in your store cupboard as usually these are sold dehydrated, so whenever you need them, you can easily rehydrated your porcini so they are ready for use.


Porcini Mushroom Information

Dried Porcini mushrooms cannot be grown commercially or via mushroom growing kits, whilst we would love to produce a porcini mushroom growing kit, no one has managed to solve this one just yet, but in the future who knows! The issue stopping this from being possible is that in order to grow, porcini have a symbiotic relationship with the root network of certain species of trees, without this, they cannot grow.

This means that Porcini have to be meticulously foraged and harvested in the wild, unfortunately this does mean this mushroom is more premium in price than other mushrooms, however the taste is really worth it. The best value to buy dry porcini mushrooms is in bulk, we sell a kilo for £60.00.

In order to preserve their flavour and nutrients they have to first be cleaned and then dehydrated, drying porcini is an important step for preserving this fantastic mushroom and without drying many people would never get to experience the taste of porcini. 


  • Dried porcini mushrooms add a robust umami flavour to dishes.
  • Understanding how to use dried porcini mushrooms can enhance everyday cooking.
  • These mushrooms are versatile and can be incorporated into a variety of recipes

  • They are an essential part of Italian culinary traditions.

  • Proper rehydration techniques can significantly improve the texture of dried mushrooms


Where to buy Porcini Mushrooms?

Fresh Porcini tend to be reserved for foragers and what lucky friends they may share them with, or the chefs of high end restaurants who are lucky enough to get hold of these prized fungi. You would be hard pushed to find fresh porcini within supermarkets, however many now do stock dried porcini, however having seen some of the supermarket offerings, these dried porcini are usually pieces rather than nice full slices of porcini, so are less than ideal for cooking with.

Not all dried porcini is equal, they are graded in quality so do bear in mind the price, if it is too good to be true, it likely is. All of our porcini is sourced by reputable suppliers and we only ever buy the premium, top graded porcini, no one wants tiny pieces of porcini do they!

As we stock a wide range of dried mushrooms within our webstore, we can vouch that porcini keep their taste and very well, arguably better than most other varieties of dehydrated mushrooms.


Ways to enjoy Dried Porcini

Whilst it is common to see whole, sliced pieces of dehydrated porcini mushrooms, you'll will also see them in seasoning grinders, mustards and our personal favorite, as a Dried Porcini Mushroom Powder.Porcini Mushroom Powder
It is a handy way to add mushroom flavor to any dish, the fine powder dissolves and incorporates easily when cooking and adds a real depth of umami flavor. From risottos to stews and pies, you can use dried porcini powder where ever you want to add a real mushroom flavour.


What are the Benefits of Porcini Mushroom?

- Rich in flavor: Dried porcini mushrooms have a deep, umami flavor that adds complexity to dishes.

- Nutrient-dense: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, dried porcini mushrooms offer a range of health benefits to suit a balanced diet.

- Versatile: Dried porcini mushrooms can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to risottos and pasta sauces.

- Long shelf life: Dried porcini mushrooms have a long shelf life, making them a convenient pantry staple.


How to use Dried Porcini Mushrooms?

- Rehydrating: To use dried porcini mushrooms, simply soak them in hot water / milk or cream for about 20-30 minutes until they are soft and plump. Make sure you do not throw away the liquid as this will be packed full of flavour, perfect for stocks / sauces.

- Flavor enhancer: Dried porcini mushrooms can be used to add depth and richness to sauces, soups, and stews.

- Meat substitute: Dried porcini mushrooms can be used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes, as they are prized in these communities thanks to their meaty texture and umami flavor.


We hope this article will have answered your questions regarding porcini mushrooms, however if you have any other questions please do get in touch with us and we will get back to you. If you are looking to buy Dried Porcini Mushrooms, or dried mushrooms in general, please check out our range of dried mushrooms within our store.

250g Dried Porcini Mushroom Pot

Dried Porcini Mushroom Recipes Suggestions

Risotto with Dried Porcini Mushrooms

Consider making a creamy risotto with your dried porcini mushrooms, all you will need is water / vegetable stock, dried porcini mushrooms and Arborio rice. You can also add cheese and fresh herbs and butter to make it more velvety. or for a real umami kick try adding some of our dried porcini powder.

Pasta Dishes Featuring Dried Porcini

Pasta is a great way to use dried porcini mushrooms, tagliatelle in a creamy mushroom sauce makes for an indulgent mid week dinner, ramp things up with Parmesan cheese grated and incorporated in.


FAQ's

What are dried porcini mushrooms?

Dried porcini mushrooms are the dehydrated form of the Boletus edulis species. They are known for their rich umami flavour and aromatic profile. Traditionally sun-dried, they keep their intense taste. This makes them a beloved ingredient in various cuisines, especially Italian. They can be easily rehydrated for cooking.


How do I rehydrate dried porcini mushrooms?

To rehydrate dried porcini mushrooms, soak them in warm water for about 20 to 30 minutes. They should become soft and plump. The soaking liquid is great for soups, sauces, or risottos. It's full of flavour.

Can I use dried porcini mushrooms in vegan cooking?

Absolutely! Dried porcini mushrooms are perfect for vegan cooking. They add a deep, savoury flavour to plant-based meals. Use them to make a delicious vegan stock or add them to risotto or stir-fries for a satisfying umami taste.

How should I store dried porcini mushrooms?

Store dried porcini mushrooms in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This keeps their flavour and quality for a long time. Always check for signs of spoilage before using them, like off smells or loss of texture.

What can I use as an alternative to porcini mushrooms?

A good alternative to dried porcini mushrooms would be dry shiitake mushrooms, or an blend of wild and exotic mushrooms


Authored by: Merryhill Mushrooms