Dried shiitake mushrooms, dried wood ear mushrooms, and other dried goods are favored by modern people for their convenience in storage and unique textures. But how can you rehydrate them to preserve their delicious flavor and nutritional value to the greatest extent? Let's take the advice from Wen Yi, a renowned Chinese food expert and dish designer.
Shiitake mushrooms have a special aroma, mainly from two components they contain: mushroom extract and guanylic acid. Among these, guanylic acid is particularly noteworthy, as its umami intensity is dozens of times that of regular MSG. When rehydrating dried shiitake mushrooms, first rinse their surfaces with cold water. Then, place them with the cap-side down in warm water (20-35°C) to soak. This not only allows the mushrooms to absorb water and soften more easily but also enables the guanylic acid to fully break down, releasing its umami flavor. During this process, it's best to add a little sugar, which can prevent the loss of umami and make the cooked mushrooms taste even more delicious.
The most important thing when rehydrating dried wood ear mushrooms is to use cold water. Wood ear mushrooms soaked in warm or hot water will not only rehydrate fully but will also have a soft, sticky texture, and many of their nutrients will be dissolved. If you can't finish them all at once, you can store them for 3-5 days by rinsing them with cold water once a day. Additionally, wood ear mushrooms can easily trap dirt and sand. You can clean them with salt water: gently rub them until the water turns cloudy, then rinse them clean with fresh water.