What You Need to Know
Food drying is a method of food preservation in which food is dried. Drying inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and mold through the removal of water. Dehydration has been used widely for this purpose since ancient times; the earliest known practice is 12,000 B.C. by inhabitants of the modern Asian and Middle Eastern regions. Water is traditionally removed through evaporation by using methods such as air drying, sun drying, smoking or wind drying, although today electric food dehydrators or freeze-drying can be used to speed the drying process and ensure more consistent results.
Steps
- 1.
Biltong (South Africa): Preserves meat while developing concentrated umami flavors
- 2.
Dried mango (Philippines): Intensifies natural sweetness while preserving vitamin content
- 3.
Bak kwa (China): Creates chewy texture and caramelized surface through controlled drying
The Science
Primary Reaction
Maillard Reaction