Magic mushrooms are a naturally grown substance that contains psilocybin, a psychoactive hallucinogenic compound that produces intoxicating effects when consumed. Shrooms are known as one of the most common psychedelic substances. They are prepared by growing, drying, and then eating as dried shrooms or mixed in a combination of food or drink.
While shrooms are known for their elusive and complex effects, the practice of drying and storing shrooms is just as particular of a process. Learn the best and safest ways to store shrooms to maximize your experience and preserve this favoured fungus.
What Are Shrooms
While it can be said that the psychoactive properties of shrooms are relatively similar to the intoxicating cannabinoids in cannabis, the hallucinogenic effects produced from consumption are significantly different. This specific type of magic mushroom contains levels of hallucinogenic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. When consumed, the psilocybin converts to psilocin. After this process, the psilocin flows throughout the body, binding with serotonin receptors in the brain and producing new neural connections.
When shrooms are grown, they have a peak time point in their development where the amount of psilocybin contained reaches a maximum. After this happens, the chemical compound will begin to decay. This is why shrooms appear dried and withered, to preserve and cure the shrooms grown. Shrooms must be adequately dried out and preserved before consumption. Otherwise, symptoms from eating bad shrooms may cause nausea or sickness.
Proper Storage Matters
As a natural fungus, it is crucial to maintain proper storage of your shrooms to prevent any mould or decomposition from occurring. Because of the high levels of moisture found in shrooms, mould and decay of shrooms can happen exceptionally quickly. If not properly dried and stored, moisture may be reintroduced to the shrooms and risk them from rotting.
No matter what storage method you choose, all shrooms should be dried and stored in a cool, dark place. Any exposure to light or moisture can significantly affect the physicality of the shrooms and reduce their entheogenic properties.
Long Term Storage
Typically, shrooms have a shelf life of about 8-12 months, but consuming them as fresh as possible is always suggested because of the high risk for decomposition or other issues.
If you’re required to store shrooms for an extended period, it is best to freeze the dried mushrooms to prevent any compromising factors from occurring. This is also helpful in preserving the shroom’s levels of psilocybin. Often, people may infuse psilocybin into other forms of edible shroom consumption. For example, shroom chocolates or tea are great options for storage and consumption but should be cautiously and safely.
Short Term Storage
It is crucial to keep in mind the risk of moisture or decomposition in shrooms, although requiring different storage methods than the long term. One effective method of short-term storage includes storing shrooms in lemon juice. Also known as lemon tekking, a specified process in psychedelic terminology, this type of process strengthens the bioavailability of the psychoactive properties it contains.
Ideally fresh and undried, store the shrooms in a container or jar filled to the brim with pure lemon juice. Ensure the shrooms are entirely submerged in the lemon juice, then keep it stored in a freezer until ready for consumption. The citric acid from the fresh lemon juice preserves both psilocybin and psilocin. When ready for use, allow the jar to defrost while shaking the contents occasionally to mix and break down the shroom elements. Shake and stir until the contents in the jar have turned into a smooth, liquid pulp. Since both chemical compounds are preserved in this process, the result brings a much higher and stronger product and effects when consumed.
How To Dry Shrooms
Depending on where you retrieve the shrooms, sometimes the product will already come dried and cured. However, if that is not the case, the intricate drying process of shrooms is a simple yet essential step for this natural substance.
The overall goal of drying shrooms is to remove any excess moisture to prevent them from decomposing or growing mould. Check out these varying methods on how to dry shrooms to ensure you are storing them as dry as can be:
- Create your own enclosed and regulated space. Keeping the surrounding environment of the shrooms as naturally dry and hot as possible is critical. Start with a small batch of shrooms in your regulated space to test if the chosen environment is suitable for drying. Next, lay out your shrooms on a drying rack and secure them in the regulated space for up to 48 hours. If the result has your shrooms looking shrivelled and crispy, then this environment is ideal for drying.
- Another method to consider is a dehydrator. At-home dehydrators can range in price but are an efficient and safe method for drying small batches. Set your dehydrator to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the size and weight, dehydrate the shrooms for around 12-24 hours or until they are crispy. It is not suggested to dry your shrooms in an oven or something like a hairdryer – this type of heat can bake out all of the potent properties that you’re looking for in shrooms in the first place!
- The desiccant method is a common strategy for drying shrooms. Desiccants are materials that absorb moisture in their surrounding environment. You’ve most likely seen a form of desiccant before; an example of these materials is the tiny packets of silica you find in a new pair of shoes or handbags. Basically, desiccants are highly absorbent rocks or mini dehydrators and can absorb the excess moisture in shrooms when used. You can find desiccants and silica packets online to buy.
Shroom Storage and Best Practices
When freezing your shrooms for storage, two popular options will guarantee to keep your shrooms preserved and fresh from any mould or moisture.
- Mason Jars: These jars can be purchased wholesale or recycled from food packaging. The airtight seal of a Mason jar is an excellent option for drying shrooms as it will keep them stored without exposure to moisture.
- Vacuum Seal Bags: Sealed bags are ideal for any type of substance storage to maintain freshness. You can find these vacuum-sealed bags and machines online, where you can suck out all of the air leftovers in the bag when storing.
Final Thoughts
Shrooms are not very likely to be as effective after a year if not properly sealed and kept frozen. Because of the nature of shrooms and how they are grown and activated in the body, it is crucial to maintain proper storage and regulate the appropriate dry and cool environment.
Improper storage of shrooms can lead to unexpected decay or mould growth, which is never ideal for those looking to consume. Keep the psilocybin and psilocin compounds in your shrooms preserved with these useful storing methods!
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References:
- Oldereide, A. (2020, October 19). How-To Lemon Tek: Ultimate Guide and Recipe. Reality Sandwich. Available at: https://realitysandwich.com/how-to-lemon-tek-ultimate-guide-and-recipe/
- Hartney, Elizabeth. (2021, June 19). What to Know About Magic Mushroom Use. Verywell Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-magic-mushrooms-22085
- Weed List. (2022, January 5). Buy Weed Online in Canada. Available at: https://weedlist.org/
- Hartney, Elizabeth. (2021, June 19). How Psychedelic or Hallucinogenic Drugs Work. Verywell Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-psychedelics-22075
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