1. Why Do We Have to Dry Mushrooms in the First Place?

Magic mushrooms stay fresh for about 1 week after the harvest. If you plan to use them within the first week you don´t have to dry them. Otherwise, we recommend to dry them as soon as possible. Drying your mushrooms prevents unecessary potency loss and also mold, which makes them unsafe for human consumption. With proper drying and storage the mushrooms can stay potent for years.

2. What Options Are There for Drying Mushrooms?

There aren’t too many reliable methods for properly drying magic mushrooms. Some methods are definitely better than others, and a few should be avoided at all costs. These are the five most commonly used methods by mycologists.

We recommend using Mushroom Drying Packs, as they are great at preserving maximum potency, easy to use, and affordable. Further down, there is an explanation of why they are, from our point of view, the best drying method, along with a step-by-step guide on how to use them.

Freeze drying is a great method for drying mushrooms and preserving most of their potency. Unfortunately, freeze dryers are very expensive, even the small ones. They are usually not necessary for hobbyist mycologists.

Using a dehydrator is a widely used method and is popular among many mycologists. It is easy to use and great for large amounts. It just does not preserve as much potency as possible. Still, it is a valid option. 

Fan drying works to a certain extent because it is very simple and easy to do. Unfortunately, using a fan alone is not sufficient to remove all the moisture inside the mushrooms, so it is not a great method on its own. It is only suitable if you do not require long-term storage. For short-term storage it´s a great option.  

Drying with an oven or air fryer should not even be considered as an option for drying magic mushrooms, because it is extremely easy to burn them. That is exactly how I ruined my very first batch, so they had no effect at all. I had to buy a completely new grow kit.

3. Why Should You Use Mushroom Drying Packs?

3.1 How Heat Destroys the Potency of Your Mushrooms

Figure 1 shows how strong the active components are beeing affected at each temperature for 30 minutes. A commenly used temperature with dehydrator is around 50°C (122°F) which results after only 30 minutes in almost 10% potency loss compared to 25°C (77°F). So you can loose lots of your potency over the span of 8-12 hours of drying with a dehydrator which is normal. That´s why we think it´s best to avoid heat at all. 

Luckily, the Drying Packs don´t require any heat at all for the drying process and are therefore the most gentle method for mushroom drying and loose basically no potency in the drying process. This is especially important with smaller amount of mushrooms and if you want to get as much potency as possible out of your mushrooms. 

3.2 Beginner Friendly, Reusable & Affordable

Furthermore, mushroom drying packs are more affordable than a dehydrator or freeze dryer and are extremely easy to use with our step-by-step tutorial. This makes them the perfect choice for beginners who want to slowly explore mycology without spending a fortune.

Being practically indefinitely reusable and easily reactivatable, they can be used over and over again. With proper care, they will not expire.

3.3 Drying & Long Term Storage

Mushroom drying packs are not only ideal for drying but also excellent for preservation. For long-term storage, always add a few packs to your storage jar. Any remaining moisture in your mushrooms will be absorbed, ensuring safe and long-lasting storage.

Even if you later invest in a dehydrator, drying packs remain useful for preserving your mushrooms. You can never have too many packs in your jar, just in case.

3.4 Disadvantages of Mushroom Drying Packs

No option suits everyone. The Mushroom Drying Packs are perfect for beginners on a budget who want to dry smaller quantities while maintaining optimal potency. For more experienced growers handling larger batches, investing in a high-quality dehydrator is a more practical long-term solution.

4. How to Dry Mushrooms with Drying Packs

The Best Way to Dry & Preserve Magic Mushrooms

Achieve 'cracker dry' magic mushrooms easily using desiccant drying packs. Our step-by-step guide covers pre-drying, oven reactivation, and proper storage to preserve maximum potency for years.

November 8, 2025 • Updated: December 7, 2025

⏱️Prep: 10 min

🕐Total: 120 min

📁DIY

Supplies/Materials

• Paper Towel
• Parchment Paper

Tools Required

• Mushroom Drying Packs
• Airtight Container
• Glas Storage Jar
• Oven or Microwave
• Fan (Optional)

Instructions

1. 1.

   Pre Drying Mushrooms (Optional)

   The pre drying of the mushrooms is optional, but I definitely recommend doing it because it shortens the drying time significantly. Just place your freshly harvested on a piece of cardboard or some parchment paper and place a fan next to it. Then, turn in on and leave it for 12 hours. That´s should remove up to 80% of the moisture.
   
   Note: Pre drying is not necessary but it without it, it takes around 2-3 times longer. If you don´t have a fan just let the mushrooms stand open for 24 hours. That will also remove some of the surface moisture because usually the air inside can pick up some moisture.
   
   If you are waiting for your Drying Packs this might be a great option to keep prevent any mold until they arrive. Drying with a fan should be enough for short term storage. That means about 1 week, maximum 2 weeks.
   
2. 2.

   Place Drying Packs in Airtight Container

   Now, the Drying Packs can remove the remaining moisture from inside the mushrooms. The drying packs come in an vacuum sealed bag and are ready for use. You just have to unpack them and then put them into an airtight container. That´s important so there is no moisture that can be picked up from outside.
   
3. 3.

   Lay a Sheet of Paper Towel on Top

   To avoid direct contact with the mushrooms you should use a sheet of paper towel. This helps to increase the lifespan of you Drying Packs and also picks up some of the moisture directly from the mushrooms.
   
4. 4.

   Add the Mushrooms

   Now, add your mushrooms on top of the drying packs. Make sure they have enough space and don´t touch each other. That´s important so there are no spots between the mushrooms where moisture can gather.
   
   If you have large and thick mushrooms, I recommend to cut of the caps or split the mushrooms in half, so the drying packs can easier remove the moisture from your mushrooms
   
5. 5.

   Store in Dark, Cool Spot & Wait for 24 Hours

   I recommend to store the container with your mushrooms in a dark, cool spot because those are the optimal conditions for drying, so you don´t loose any potency necessarily. Avoid light and high temperatures. You´ll find the optimal conditions for mushrooms further down below.
   
   Then, wait for at least 24 hours for the Drying Packs to absorb the moisture. Now, the Drying Packs should be saturated and we have to reactivate them.
   
6. 6.

   Reactivate Drying Packs in Oven

   We have to reactivate the drying packs to remove the moisture they just picked up from the mushrooms. Simply spread the out on some parchment paper on a baking tray preferably without touching each other. Now you should prepare your oven at 90°C (194°F) preferably at fan mode. Put in your baking tray for around 90 minutes, that should remove all the moisture.
   
   If you want to ensure that they are fully reactivated you can use a scale and they should weight around 2g. Fully saturated they weight around 2.5g. Now, just take them out and let them cool down for 5 minutes before putting them back to the container with your mushrooms.
   
   I also like to change the paper towel as it also picked up some of the moisture. And make sure you leave your mushrooms inside the airtight container while reactivating so they dont pick up any moisture from the environment.
   
   Note: Never use temperatures over 100°C (212°F) because it could damage the drying packs or make them melt. It shouldn´t be a problem if they stay in the oven for longer than 90 minutes, it just doesn´t have any benefits.
   
7. 7.

   Reactivating Drying Packs in Microwave

   You simply have to spread out the drying packs on a plate and put it into the microwave for 5 minutes at 500 watts. Then take it out, but be carefull because it can get really hot. Some of the moisture that escaped is now on the plate. So take the drying packs off the plate and use some paper towel to wipe off the moisture from the plate. I recommend to repeat this 3 times in total, that should fully reactivate your drying packs.
   
   Note: I don´t really like this methode because there is only so much space in your microwave, it takes more effort than the oven and it´s not really gentle for your drying packs and might affect the longevity. But it´s still works if you don´t have an oven.
   
8. 8.

   Repeat Process until Mushrooms are Cracker Dry

   Repeat the whole process (Steps 2-7) until your mushrooms are cracker dry. It depends on the amount and weight how many times you have to repeat this process, but with pre drying you should need 1-3 times.
   
   In order to know if your mushrooms are properly dry, you simply have to bend them. If they break without any resistance they are cracker dry. If the bend there is still moisture in your mushrooms, to continue drying. Because if there is any moisture left you risk mold and quick loss of potency. Now they are ready for long term storage and can last for several years with correct conditions.
   
   The term “cracker dry” refers to mushrooms that have lost all of their water content and cannot dry any further. A simple way to check is by trying to bend the mushroom’s stem. If the mushroom is fully dry, it will snap under pressure. If there’s still moisture present, it will bend to varying degrees.
   
   Since these take the longest to dry, if the biggest ones are cracker dry, you can be confident the rest are as well.
   
9. 9.

   Proper Storage to Keep as much Potency as possible

   First, you need a glass storage jar. I recommend to use a glass jar and not a plastic container, zip bag or plastic vacuum bag because plastic tends to get porous and leak air and moisture, which again can lead to quicker potency loss and in worst case to mold.
   
   Then, also add some of the drying packs to your jar. I like to add depending on the amount 5-10, that should be enough with properly dried mushrooms. They are perfect to remove any remaining moisture from your mushrooms or the jar.
   
   Now, Put it into a cool and dark spot preferably around 20°C (68°F) and they can stay potent for several years. It´s normal that the loose potency after time but with optimal storage conditions you can significantly slow it down.
   

Mushroom Drying Packs

The best way to dry magic mushrooms without a dehydrator. Use our drying packs to preserve potency and ensure long-lasting storage.

Available Options:

50 Packs€16.99

100 Packs€19.99

200 Packs€29.99

View Product →

5. How to Store Magic Mushrooms?

As shown in the figure above, proper storage conditions play a crucial role in maintaining the potency of your mushrooms. Both high and extremely low (negative) temperatures can drastically reduce their longevity. In addition to temperature, factors such as light exposure can also have a significant impact on potency. Based on scientific research, the following are the optimal storage conditions for magic mushrooms:

• Temperature: ~ 20°C (68°F)
• Light: Darkness
• Moisture Control: 5 - 10 Drying Packs
• Container: Glass Container

6. How Long Do Dried Magic Mushrooms Last?

If your mushrooms are properly dried so they are cracker dry and stored under the right conditions, they can retain their potency for several years. However, some loss of potency over time is completely normal and unavoidable. The good news is that you can slow down this process by ensuring optimal storage conditions. Here is what you should avoid:

6.1 Moisture

Moisture is the worst of the three factors. It accelerates the degradation of potency, and if there is too much of it, mold will likely develop. This causes your mushrooms to become moldy and unsafe to consume.

3 simple steps to avoid moisture: 

1. Proper Drying: Make sure your mushrooms are completely cracker dry.
2. Moisture Control: Add 5–10 Drying Packs to the jar to absorb any residual moisture.
3. Proper Container: Use a glass jar and avoid plastic, which tends to become porous over time.

6.2 Temperature

Temperature is another important factor in long-term storage, as you may have noticed during the drying and curing process. Maintaining the correct range is essential because heat accelerates the degradation of key compounds, quickly diminishing the material's flavor, aroma, and potency. It’s best to avoid any application of heat throughout the entire storage period.However, simply going cold is not the answer. Extremely low (negative) temperatures should also be avoided.Freezing can make the material brittle, causing delicate parts like glandular trichomes to break off, leading to a loss of quality.The ideal temperature is a stable room temperature, around 20∘C (68∘F). Consistency is critical; avoid placing the container near heat sources or drafty windows where temperatures might fluctuate dramatically.

6.3 Light

Light is another important factor for long-term storage that must be carefully controlled to preserve potency. Just as heat accelerates aging, light accelerates potency loss by causing photodegradation of the active compounds.Specifically, light rapidly breaks down psilocin, the compound most directly responsible for the material's effects, causing it to become inactive. Even short, repeated exposures can accumulate over time and significantly diminish the overall quality.Therefore, it’s best to avoid any exposure to light especially UV and direct sunlight and store your material in a completely dark place. Using opaqu containers (like the recommended dark glass jars) and placing them inside a cupboard or drawer ensures that the material remains shielded from this highly damaging element. Maintaining darkness is a simple yet essential step in ensuring long-term stability and effectiveness.

7. Conclusion/FAQ

The Mushroom Drying Packs offer the perfect balance of value, safety, and effectiveness when it comes to drying and preserving your mushrooms. I ruined my very first batch because I didn’t want to invest in a dehydrator and tried drying them in the oven instead, which ended up burning them, so I had to buy a new grow kit. To protect your mushrooms’ potency, always use either Mushroom Drying Packs, a dehydrator, or a freeze dryer. It’s simply not worth the risk.