If you are considering using magic mushrooms, it is important to be well informed about the differences between dried and fresh varieties, including their effects and risks. In this blog, we compare the dosage, the best way to store them and the strength and taste of the mushrooms.

The differences between dried and fresh mushrooms

For those who use fresh or dried magic mushrooms want to go on a trip or microdosing, it is good to know that there are differences in effects and how long the trip lasts. The big difference is that when mushrooms are dried, they lose almost all their moisture. This makes them much more concentrated and you need less of them.

Fresh mushrooms contain a lot of water. So the active ingredient psilocybin is less concentrated, so you need more magic mushrooms for the same effect. This is just one of the differences. We elaborate on them below.

Dosing magic mushrooms

As mentioned, differences arise, when you dry your mushrooms. Because fresh mushrooms contain a lot of moisture, you need more of them to get the same effect. Dried mushrooms lose about 90% of their moisture. So this means you have to dose differently.

• Dosage of fresh mushrooms: between 10 and 20 grams for a normal to medium trip.
• Dried mushrooms: 1 to 2 grams for a normal to medium trip

So that’s a substantial difference in weight. If you used fresh magic mushrooms first and are switching to dried, this is something you should not underestimate. Above all, don’t take too much and test how you react to a given dose first.

This information is intended only to explain the difference in concentration, not as advice to use. The use of psychedelics carries health risks.

Difference in strength

There is also difference in potency between dried and fresh magic mushrooms, which is caused by differences in concentrations of psilocybin and psilocin. The concentration of active compounds is higher in dried mushrooms, which also allows you to experience a more powerful trip. The trip with fresh magic mushrooms is somewhat less intense, according to users. So when choosing between fresh or dried mushrooms, it’s a good idea to base your choice on what you prefer.

Storing dried and fresh mushrooms

Fresh mushrooms, like common mushrooms (such as mushrooms and shiitake), do not keep for long, due to the fact that they contain a lot of moisture. They keep well in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 days at most. If you don’t put them in the refrigerator, they will spoil even much faster, within 2 days. Therefore, they can quickly become moldy. If you want to enjoy your fresh mushrooms longer, store them in the refrigerator. Put them in a paper bag to keep them cool and as dry as possible.

Dried mushrooms have a much longer shelf life. If you store them properly, they usually last between 6 months and 1 year, or sometimes even longer. Make sure you dry your mushrooms properly, (see more information on how to dry mushrooms at erowid.org) and store them in an airtight container and put it in a cool, dark place. This keeps them free of light and air. You also prevent them from going moldy.

Although you can store magic mushrooms this way, many experts advise against using psychedelics without medical supervision or a thorough understanding of risks

Is there a difference in taste?

Then there is the question of whether there is a difference in the taste of fresh or dry magic mushrooms. We can be brief about that, yes there is a difference in taste. Dry mushrooms, according to many people, have a stronger taste, which can be somewhat woody and bitter. Consequently, many people don’t really like these. Fresh mushrooms taste slightly milder and have an earthy flavor. The texture is also different, of course, and may also determine your preference for either.

You can incorporate both fresh and dried shrooms into food, such as with chocolate or honey. Do not heat them, as this can damage the psilocybin, which will reduce its effect.

What are the options for microdosing?

If you are considering microdosing with magic mushrooms or truffles, it is important to understand the differences and be aware of possible risks and contraindications. They are both basically suitable for microdosing. But dried ones are a lot more practical. In microdosing, you only use a very small amount. Because mushrooms spoil so quickly, you wouldn’t finish them quickly enough before they spoil. Therefore, dried are a better choice. They have a long shelf life, are easy to weigh and work more powerfully.

Dried or fresh mushrooms: which is better?

Which option you choose depends on personal preferences, but it is important to remember that both variants have risks of unwanted effects. Dried mushrooms are more practical to store, but also more potent and require careful dosing. They are additionally practical when you want to microdose.

Keep in mind that using mushrooms, whether fresh or dry, can carry risks. When tripping, it is wise to prepare well. Pay attention to the set and setting, these are important to how your trip may go. Here is research done on this in 2024 by Lucas Borkel and Jaime Rojas-Hernández. This showed that, among other things, good motivation and the presence of a friendly acquaintance had a positive impact on well-being and meaning of the psychedelic experience. If there was little attention to set and setting then the opposite was true.

So also make sure there is someone to help you when you are going through difficult emotions (a trip sitter). Mushrooms can also have negative effects. According to Medical News Today side effects include paranoia, anxiety and confusion and physical effects such as nausea, vomiting or high blood pressure.

If you are taking medication, seek the advice of your doctor first. Mushrooms can affect the effects of certain medications. Using magic mushrooms is also not recommended if you suffer from mental symptoms.

Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified physician or other health care professional with questions about your health, medication use or mental state. The use of psychedelics can carry risks, is illegal or regulated in many countries, and is not recommended for people with certain medical or mental health conditions. The author and publisher of this blog are not responsible for choices readers make based on this information. Find out in advance how the use of magic mushrooms is regulated by law in your country.