How to dry fly agaric properly – step-by-step instructions for at home 🏡

Would you like to dry and properly store fly agarics (Amanita muscaria) yourself? Then you've come to the right place! This easy-to-follow guide will show you how to gently and effectively preserve Amanita muscaria for botanical, ritual, or ethnobotanical uses . With the right method , the color, structure, and constituents like muscimol and ibotenic acid are best preserved.

1. Why drying fly agaric is so important

Freshly harvested fly agarics contain up to 90% water. If this water isn't removed, mold, fermentation, and a loss of valuable nutrients can occur. Proper drying extends the shelf life and ensures the quality of your mushrooms—especially important for collectors, researchers, and those interested in ethnobotany.

2. The best methods for drying fly agarics

A. Air drying – the most natural method

• Preparation: Brush dry only – please do not use water!
• Cutting: Whole hats or thin slices – depending on the desired shape.
• Placement: On a grid, paper or cotton cloth, airy and out of direct sunlight.
• Duration: 3–7 days, depending on thickness and humidity.
• Tip: Turn once a day for even drying.

B. Oven – quick and easy

• Set oven to 40–50 °C, leave door slightly open (clamp wooden spoon).
• Spread mushrooms on baking paper – no overlapping!
• Check regularly to avoid overheating.

C. Dehydrator – the reliable professional solution

• Place fly agarics evenly on wire racks.
• Temperature: 40–50 °C, duration: 6–12 hours (depending on the device).
• Highly recommended for consistent results.

3. When is a fly agaric completely dry?

• The surface is dry and slightly brittle.
• No residual moisture or elasticity detectable.
• When broken, there is a clear break – no rubber effect.

4. Store fly agarics properly – this is how to maintain quality

A. Airtight containers

• It is best to use a glass jar with a screw cap or a vacuum container.

B. Store in a cool, dry and dark place

• Ideal in the pantry or a dark box at a constant temperature.

C. Silica gel for extra moisture control

• A small sachet of silica gel in the container extends the shelf life.

D. Check regularly

• Check for mold or moisture every few weeks and re-dry if necessary.

5. How long do dried fly agarics last?

• If stored properly, it will last 12 months or longer.
• Note the drying date – ideally on the jar or label.

6. Typical drying mistakes – and how to avoid them

• Error: Clean with water → Solution: Brush dry only.
• Error: Drying too hot → Solution: Do not exceed 50 °C.
• Mistake: Storing in plastic → Solution: Better use glass or metal.

Conclusion: Drying and storing fly agarics properly at home

With a little preparation, you can safely dry fly agarics and store them for a long time – for ritual purposes, research, or botanical collection . Whether by air drying , oven drying , or dehydrating – these instructions will ensure the best possible quality.

🔍 Would you like to buy dried fly agarics instead of collecting them yourself? In our online shop for Amanita muscaria, you'll find fly agaric powder , dried caps , oil extracts , and more – high-quality, controlled, and sustainably harvested in the wild.