Description
Sun‑drying fish on cedar planks reduces moisture and imparts cedar flavor while inhibiting spoilage organisms.
Technical
Solar heat drives evaporation, lowering water activity below 0.8 within 6–12 h at 25–35 °C. Phenolic compounds such as thujone and cineole leach from cedar wood, providing antimicrobial activity that reduces bacterial and mold growth. Salting further depresses water activity to ~0.70, enhancing preservation and protein stability.
Science
Primary Reaction
Evaporation of water and extraction of antimicrobial phenolics from cedar wood
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
cedarsmokybrinyearthyresinouswoodymarine
Origin & History
Civilization
Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest (Chinook, Haida, Nuu‑chah‑nulth)