Preserving Mushrooms For Future Study

 

Preserving mushrooms for future study is accomplished simply by drying them out.  The drying process will however cause them to shrink and fade.  As a result, a spore print, accurate description of fresh fruiting bodies, and a photograph should accompany each specimen if possible.  Drying of mushrooms should be done on a rack or screen using a light bulb or other heating source.  Possibly the most critical factor for successfully drying mushrooms is air circulation and not temperature as many might expect.  When air is allowed to circulate freely it carries away moisture allowing the mushrooms to dry effectively.  Care must be taken when drying small and/or fragile specimens for the may be “cooked” when heated.  To prevent them from being cooked it is a good practice to allow them to air dry with the help of silica gel if possible (Arora, 1986).

Works Cited

Arora, David.  Mushrooms Demystified.  2nd ed.  Berkley, Ten Speed Press, 1986.