Drying cuts water so microbes cannot grow, and sunshine is free.
Why solar dryers beat open-air drying
They are cleaner (protected from dust, insects, birds and rain), faster, and give more even, better-coloured product.
Basic design
A raised, mesh-bottomed tray rack in a glazed or covered box, with vents for air inlet and outlet. Air heated by the sun passes through the product and carries moisture out.
Good practice
- Wash and slice to uniform thickness for even drying.
- Blanch certain vegetables, and use anti-browning treatments for some fruit.
- Dry to a safe moisture, then cool and pack airtight, in the dark.
- Check for mould in storage; reject any doubtful batch.
Market
Dried mango, tomato, okra, herbs and chili sell for far more per kilogram than the fresh surplus.
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