How to Fruit‑wood smoke‑drying of figs (Mediterranean)

What You Need to Know

During 30–45 °C cold‑smoke exposure, figs undergo gradual dehydration while wood‑derived phenolics such as guaiacol, syringol, and vanillin adsorb onto the surface. Simultaneously, aldehydes like formaldehyde and acetic acid form a protective film that inhibits enzymatic browning and polyphenol oxidase activity, thereby maintaining color and flavor.

The Science

Primary Reaction

Thermal dehydration combined with adsorption of smoke‑derived phenolics and aldehydes onto fig surface