Microwave drying refers to the use of microwave penetration to heat and increase the temperature of the material, so that the water in the material evaporates, and the evaporated water vapor is discharged from the moisture removal system to achieve the purpose of drying the material.

Since microwave heating and drying has significant advantages and good economic benefits compared with conventional drying methods, microwaves have received more attention and application in the drying of spices in recent years.

What are the advantages of using microwave to dry spices?

1. Short time and fast speed. Conventional thermal sterilization transfers heat from the surface of the spice to the interior by means of heat transfer. The microwave energy directly penetrates the inside of the spice, so that the spice is heated rapidly, and the processing time is greatly shortened.

2. Low temperature drying to maintain nutrients and traditional flavors. Microwave drying can achieve the desired drying effect at relatively low temperatures and in a short period of time. In addition, the microwave treatment of spices can retain more nutrients and color, fragrance, taste, shape and other flavors, and also has a puffing effect.

3. Save energy. Conventional thermal drying often results in heat loss in the environment and equipment, while microwaves act directly on the spices, so there is no additional heat loss. In addition, the conversion efficiency of electric energy to microwave energy is 70%~80%, compared with 30%~50% in general.

4. The drying effect is homogenously. Since the microwave has a penetrating effect, when the spice is dried, the surface and the interior are simultaneously acted, so the drying effect is uniform and thorough. From this perspective, the shelf life of the spices is also extended.

5. Easy to control. The microwave equipment is ready to use, without the thermal inertia of conventional thermal drying, the operation is flexible and convenient, and the power is able to be controlled, which is convenient for controlling and operating.

For spices or powder spices, it could be evenly laid on a conveyor belt for microwave drying, through the microwave equipment, according to the characteristics of the spice, the purpose of uniform sterilization and high-efficiency sterilization can be achieved, and the color and flavor of the product after sterilization is stable and does not agglomerate, thereby ensuring the quality of the spice.