What You Need to Know
Sun‑drying at 25–35 °C rapidly reduces water activity by evaporative dehydration, inhibiting microbial metabolism. Subsequent low‑temperature smoking (20–30 °C) deposits phenolic compounds such as guaiacol, syringol and cresol, which act as antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Cedar terpenoids like thujone further suppress spoilage microbes and contribute characteristic resinous flavors.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Dehydration (water‑activity reduction) combined with phenolic/terpenoid antimicrobial deposition