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Solar
Drying
Although solar drying
is a popular and very inexpensive method, some countries does not have
a suitable climate for it.
Solar dehydration of foods requires very low
humidity (below 60 percent is best) and 4 to 5 consecutive days when
the
temperature is around 100 degrees F. You can buy or prepare your own
solar
dryers.
Solar dryers use a reflectant such as stainless steel, aluminum
foil or glass to increase the sun's temperature by 20º to
30ºF.
To improve air current they have air vents at each end. Cooler air
enters
the dryer, crosses the food, removes moisture and escapes. Frame is
covered
with plastic and prevents rain or condensation from dampening the food
and screens over the vents keep insects off the food.
Solar dryers may need turning
or tilting throughout the day to capture the direct, full sun and food
on the shelves needs to be stirred and turned several times a day.
Buy
Products:
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Did You Know?
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Jerky
is made by drying thin strips of lean meat to about one-fourth its
original weight. In the past, preparation and heating recommendations
for jerky have been quite general.
Recommendations have included drying in the sun, oven
or dehydrator. Sun drying is no longer recommended due to a lack of
steady controlled heat source (145°F) and the potential for
contamination from animals, insects, dust and bacteria. Although drying
in the oven or dehydrator allows for a
safer product, illnesses in recent years due to Salmonella and
Escherichia coli O157:H7 in homemade jerky products have raised
questions about the safety of all methods of drying jerky products at
home.
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