This research examined how the edible mushroom Auricularia fibrillifera adapts to drought conditions and recovers when rehydrated. The study revealed complex molecular mechanisms that allow this fungus to survive dry conditions and quickly recover when water becomes available. This has important implications for both cultivation and human health. Key impacts on everyday life: • Improved understanding could lead to better mushroom cultivation techniques, increasing food production • Insights into drought tolerance mechanisms could help develop more resilient crops • The identified health-promoting compounds support the use of this mushroom as a nutritious food • The findings may lead to new methods for preserving and storing mushrooms • Understanding of rehydration mechanisms could benefit food processing technologies