Dehydrator Method

• 1). Wipe the wood ears clean with a damp cloth, and trim away damaged areas. Lay the whole or halved mushrooms on the trays of the dehydrator, leaving space between them for the air to circulate.
  
  
• 2). Load the trays into the dehydrator, and turn it on. Process the wood ears for six to 10 hours, until they are completely dry and crisp.
  
  
• 3). Cool the wood ears completely. Package them in airtight bags or containers, and use as desired. Protected from light and moisture; dried wood ears will last for years.
  
  

Alternative Methods

• 1). String the wood ears on a sturdy thread or monofilament fishing line. Hang the string in a sunny, well-ventilated location for two or three days until the mushrooms are completely dry and crisp. Bring them in at night to avoid getting wet from the dew, and take them down if there is a risk of rain.
  
  
• 2). Spread the wood ears on a wire rack in a sunny and well-ventilated location. Placing the rack over a white or reflective surface will speed dry by maximizing the sun's effect. Dry for two or three days, until completely dried and crisp.
  
  
• 3). Dry the ears in a parked car or minivan. Park the vehicle where the sun will face its windshield for most of the day. Spread the wood ears on racks in the car, and leave the windows open an inch for ventilation. The mushrooms will dry in 1 1/2 to 2 days using this method.
  
  
• 4). Dry wood ears in a single layer on a baking sheet in an oven set at its lowest setting. Most mushrooms are not suited for oven drying because it impairs their flavor, but wood ears are primarily used for their texture and are not harmed by it.