How Long Do Dried Mushrooms Last?

I have dried mushrooms that I have been storing in a sealed glass jar for ten years. They look good on the outside, I can’t find any signs of mold and the smell isn’t bad either. Can I still use these mushrooms? How long do dried mushrooms keep?

If stored properly, sufficiently dried mushrooms can be kept for several years without any noticeable loss of quality. It is important for the shelf life that the mushrooms are stored in an airtight container. As soon as the mushrooms are able to absorb moisture, they begin to mold. A dull, musty smell is a clear sign of this. On the other hand, a gray coating, which can be caused by crystallized minerals, is harmless.

A few years ago, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment pointed out that dried mushrooms can contain salmonella if they are processed unhygienically. In order to rule out any danger when eating, the mushrooms should therefore be heated at 80 degrees Celsius for at least 10 minutes after soaking. Excessive multiplication of germs is also prevented if the mushrooms are only soaked for a short time and not left in lukewarm water overnight.