Chestnuts are a delicious and nutritious nut. After harvesting, in order to extend their shelf life and facilitate subsequent processing, they are often dried using a drying machine. The following is a detailed introduction to drying chestnuts with a drying machine.
I. Preparations before Drying
(I) Selection and Pretreatment of Chestnuts
First, select fresh chestnuts without pests, diseases or damage. Chestnuts with cracks or pest infestations should be removed to avoid affecting the drying effect and quality. Before putting the chestnuts into the drying machine, wash them to remove dirt and impurities on the surface. After washing, whether to make incisions on the chestnuts can be determined according to the actual situation. Incisions can increase the evaporation area of the internal moisture of the chestnuts and speed up the drying process. However, the incisions should not be too large to avoid affecting the appearance and quality of the chestnuts.
(II) Selection and Debugging of the Drying Machine
Select a suitable drying machine according to the quantity of chestnuts and the drying requirements. Common drying machines include hot air circulation drying machines and microwave drying machines. When selecting, consider factors such as the power, capacity and temperature control accuracy of the drying machine. After selecting the drying machine, it needs to be debugged to ensure that all parameters of the equipment are normal. For example, check whether the heating system can work normally, whether the temperature sensor is accurate, and whether the ventilation system is unobstructed.
II. Key Parameter Control during the Drying Process
(I) Temperature Control
Temperature is one of the key factors affecting the drying effect. Generally, the drying temperature of chestnuts should be controlled between 50℃ and 70℃. In the initial stage, the temperature can be set at a relatively low level, such as around 50℃. This can make the chestnuts heat up slowly, avoiding cracking on the surface due to the rapid evaporation of surface moisture and the inability of internal moisture to be discharged in time. As the drying progresses, the temperature can be gradually increased, but it should not exceed 70℃ to avoid affecting the quality and nutritional components of the chestnuts.
(II) Humidity Control
Humidity control is also important. During the drying process, the relative humidity inside the drying machine should be kept within an appropriate range. Generally, the relative humidity should be controlled between 30% and 50%. If the humidity is too high, the moisture evaporation will be slow, prolonging the drying time; if the humidity is too low, the chestnuts may lose too much moisture, resulting in a poor taste. The humidity can be controlled by adjusting the ventilation volume and dehumidification system of the drying machine.
(III) Time Control
The drying time depends on factors such as the initial moisture content of the chestnuts, their size, and the performance of the drying machine. Generally, the drying time for fresh chestnuts is about 8 - 12 hours. During the drying process, closely observe the state of the chestnuts. When the shell of the chestnut becomes hard and the kernel inside is also dry, it indicates that the drying is basically completed. Sampling inspection can be used to determine whether the drying requirements are met.
III. Post-Drying Treatment and Storage
(I) Cooling Treatment
After drying, remove the chestnuts from the drying machine and perform cooling treatment. Cooling can be done naturally, that is, by placing the chestnuts in a well-ventilated place to cool down naturally. Forced cooling can also be used, such as using a fan to accelerate air circulation and speed up the cooling process. The cooled chestnuts should be packaged in time to prevent them from absorbing moisture from the air and getting damp.
(II) Packaging and Storage
The packaging material should be breathable and moisture-proof, such as aluminum foil bags and vacuum bags. Put the cooled chestnuts into the packaging bags, seal them tightly, and then store them in a dry and cool place. During storage, regularly check the state of the chestnuts to prevent dampness, mildew and pests.
In conclusion, drying chestnuts with a drying machine requires strict control of various parameters to ensure the drying effect and quality. Only in this way can high-quality dried chestnuts be obtained to meet market demands.
Post time: May-20-2025
