How to dry fresh jujube

Dates are a kind of food that can replenish qi and blood. Eating them regularly can change the state of qi and blood deficiency in the human body and improve the complexion. The dates people eat now are generally dried because fresh dates are difficult to preserve. There are many ways to dry red dates, and of course there are also many things to pay attention to. Below we will introduce in detail the nutritional value of fresh dates, drying methods and precautions during drying.

1. Nutritional value of red dates

Red dates are very nutritious. Fresh dates contain 20%-36% sugar, while dried dates contain 55%-80% sugar. They are high in calories and can be used as a food substitute. Historically, they have often been used for disaster relief. The vitamin C content is among the highest among fruits, reaching 0. 1-0.6 grams, which is about 100 times higher than that of apples and peaches. The content of vitamin P is also the highest among all fruits. People praise jujubes as "natural vitamin pills." Every 100 grams of fresh dates contains 1.2 grams of protein, which is almost the highest among fresh fruits. Dried red dates have extremely high calorie output. Every 100 grams of red dates can produce about 1200-1300 kilojoules of heat, which is close to that of raisins. Moreover, the content of protein, calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin and niacin is higher than that of raisins. Therefore, people have always regarded red dates as an excellent tonic.

2. How to dry fresh red dates

Red dates are made from fully mature fresh dates. They are the dried date product with the largest processing volume, the simplest processing method and the widest application in my country.

The main drying methods include air drying, sun drying, baking and drying machine drying. In addition, new methods such as freeze-sublimation drying, microwave drying, far-infrared drying, and solar drying have been developed in recent years. Regardless of the method used, the fresh dates used should be harvested when they are fully mature and graded. To improve the quality, it can be blanched in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes before drying.

Drying method: Spread the fresh dates in a shaded, dry and ventilated place, turning them over every 1 to 3 days to allow the dates to gradually lose moisture and become dry dates. This method is suitable for areas with many rainy days during the harvest period and for varieties with thin flesh and rough texture. The red dates produced by this method are bright in color, fuller in appearance, with fewer and shallower wrinkles, and more beautiful.

Sun-drying method: Choose a dry, flat, ventilated place to set up a drying yard, spread sorghum stalks on bricks, about 20 cm above the ground, as a date bed. Spread the dates into high and low ridges, evenly spread them on the date mat to dry in the sun, with a thickness of 6 to 10 cm, and spread 30 to 50 kg per square meter of the mat. Turn it over every hour or so to ensure even drying from top to bottom. At night, they are piled in the middle of the bed and covered with mats to prevent dew and rain. If the weather is fine, it can be dried in about 10 days.

Baking method: Generally, a special baking room with coal and other raw materials is required. Various forms of baking rooms are composed of several parts such as heating system, ventilation and dehumidification system and loading system. The baking method is to classify the fresh dates according to size and maturity, pick out the rotten ones, and place them on plates and shelves respectively, with a thickness of two layers being appropriate. After placing on the plate, close the door and exhaust pipe and start baking. The entire baking process is divided into three stages: heating, evaporation of water and drying. During the heating stage, the temperature in the baking room should rise slowly and steadily to 55°C; during the evaporation stage, the temperature should be raised from 55°C to 65-68°C, but not more than 70°C, and maintained for 8-10 hours; during the drying stage, the temperature in the baking room should be lowered to 55°C and maintained for 4-6 hours. The tide is drained 1 to 2 times during the whole stage. In the later stage, pay attention to selecting date trays that meet the drying requirements and keep them ready for use.

Drying method with a dryer: This is a drying equipment with higher efficiency. Commonly used ones include tunnel dryers, drum dryers and belt dryers.

3. Notes

1. The fire for boiling water should be strong and high so that the water for cooking dates can boil quickly. Otherwise, the dates will not be fresh if they are soaked for too long.

2. The mat for drying dates cannot be laid on the ground. Something should be propped up underneath to keep the mat elevated to ensure its breathability.

3. Turn the dates over frequently to ensure they are evenly dried.

4. It is necessary to scald the dates in boiling water. This process kills some bacteria and prevents the dates from rotting.