Mushrooms, Black Dried (Chinese)

A staple of Chinese cooking, these black, dark gray, brownish-black, or speckled dried mushrooms are not only flavorful but versatile. They come in boxes or in cellophane packs and range in size from those with caps about the size of a nickel to those with 3-inch diameters. Those in boxes are choice in size and color and are more expensive. These mushrooms must always be soaked in hot water for at least thirty minutes before use, the stems removed and discarded; and then they should be thoroughly cleaned on the undersides of the caps, and squeezed dry. Dry, they will keep indefinitely in a tightly closed container, in a cool, dry place. If you live in an especially damp or humid climate, they should be stored in the freezer.