Colander Tek: How to Dry Mushrooms Without a Dehydrator
No dehydrator? No problem. Colander Tek uses a colander and a house fan - items you already own - to dry your RyzaPod harvests reliably.
We’ve been drying our homegrown mushrooms this way for years.
You don’t need a dehydrator to get great results. Colander Tek is a simple, reliable method that uses things most homes already have - a colander and a house fan - perfect after a fresh flush from your RyzaPod when you want shelf-stable mushrooms. If you’re a casual grower using a mushroom grow kit, you don’t need a dehydrator in most cases.
What you’ll need
Clean colander or mesh strainer
House fan or box fan
Airtight glass jar with lid
Food-safe desiccant packets
Optional: cheesecloth or a mesh screen to keep dust off.
Step-by-step: Colander Tek
Prep the mushrooms. As soon as you harvest, brush off debris and remove residual substrate with a paring knife. Move right from the RyzaPod into the drying process, don’t let your mushrooms sit around. If you have very thick fruits, cut into smaller chunks.
Load the colander. Fill loosely so air can move between pieces. If you’re drying a big batch, plan to stir daily. If dust or pet dander is a concern, line your colander with acheese cloth, and cover the mushroom as well. Use a material that doesn’t stop airflow - dish towels or paper towels don’t work well.
Position by a fan. Place the colander over a towel or tray and set it near or over the fan’s airflow. The colander doesn’t have to be on top of the fan as pictured, but it does have to be in the path of airflow. You want a steady breeze, not gale-force. Generally, the lowest setting on the fan is all you need.
Let the fan run. Continuous airflow is the secret. The key is surface area and time to let the mushrooms naturally desiccate at room temperature. The kitchen counter or a tabletop is a great place for this if you’ve got the counter space. Keeping it off the floor reduces dust.
Stir once a day. Gently mix with clean hands to expose damp surfaces. The points where mushrooms are touching one another stays damp longer.
Dry to “cracker dry.” This means pieces snap cleanly and feel crunchy and brittle throughout. Only then are they ready for storage. Don’t rely on your desiccant and jar to “finish” drying your mushrooms. Err on the long side of drying if in doubt.
How long does it take?
Plan on 2-4 days, depending on humidity, airflow, mushroom thickness, and batch size. If you’re unsure, give them one more day - the first day or two will dramatically dry the mushrooms, but it’s the last bit of water you need to get out. The desiccant pack will help keep them dry in the jar, but it won’t finish the drying for you. Don’t rush this process - better to go long than too short.
Storage for the long haul
Pack loosely into an airtight jar with a food-safe desiccant packet.
Store in a cool, dark place. Room temperature is fine, don’t use the refrigerator for dry mushrooms. For fresh mushroom storage, check out our post on storing mushrooms.
Do a quick check after a few days. If pieces feel bendy or damp, return them to the colander and fan-dry another day before re-jarring. If you didn’t get it right - discard if they’ve molded or visibly spoiled. Food safety is the highest priority.
Tips, safety, and troubleshooting
Big batch? Keep layers shallow and stir daily so everything sees airflow.
High humidity days? Move closer to the fan or use a larger fan setting. Cutting larger mushrooms into smaller pieces helps too. Placing into direct sunlight can also help speed up the process.
Reishi or other thick species? Tear into smaller pieces for faster, even drying.
Kids or pets around? Set the colander somewhere out of reach.
Test piece method. Break a thick piece. If it snaps cleanly and the interior looks dry, you’re there.
Keep them in the sunshine. If possible, keep them near a window with direct sunlight. It will help the drying process.
Why Colander Tek works
Airflow + surface area = efficient evaporation. A colander keeps pieces elevated so air can reach all sides, and a house fan provides a gentle, continuous breeze. You get dehydrator-like results using tools you already own.
Warning Signs
Discard the batch if you notice any sour or musty odor, sliminess, or visible mold during drying or once in storage. Clean the area and try thinner pieces, a longer process, and closer fan placement next round. Don’t do this technique in a moist basement or other very humid place - it won’t be effective. If your home has persistent cool and humid conditions, a dehydrator appliance is best for you.
Great for beginners
Drying can feel intimidating at first, but this approach is forgiving and low-cost. Like any other “tek” in mushroom cultivation, this technique uses household items for a good-enough approach.
