Summary of 5 popular agricultural drying methods today

Drying is one of the oldest and most effective methods of preserving and processing agricultural products, helping to extend shelf life, reduce weight, save transportation costs and increase product value. In the context of increasingly growing agricultural product exports, the application of modern and suitable agricultural product drying methods plays a key role, determining output quality and competitiveness in the international market. In this article, Viot Minh Trang will delve into the role of drying technology, introduce popular agricultural product drying methods and how to choose the optimal method.

The Role of Drying in Preservation and Export of Agricultural Products

Drying is not simply removing water from agricultural products but is also an essential step in the value chain, especially important for export items.

Extending storage time and reducing loss

Removing moisture is the most effective way to inhibit the growth of microorganisms (mold, bacteria) and enzyme reactions that damage agricultural products. Thanks to that, products can be preserved for a longer time, significantly reducing the rate of post-harvest loss – a major problem in agriculture

Reduce weight, save transportation costs

Water accounts for the majority of the weight of fresh agricultural products. Drying helps to significantly reduce product weight, thereby optimizing space and transportation costs, especially important for export shipments that travel long distances by sea or air.

Reduce weight, save shipping costs

Increase added value and expand markets

Dried products often have higher economic value than fresh products, because they have been processed, are more convenient to use and can meet diverse consumer needs (eg: dried fruit, crispy dried vegetables, spice powder). This opens up many opportunities to export agricultural products to new markets and high-end segments.

Ensure product quality meets export standards

Modern agricultural drying methods help maintain the color, flavor, nutritional content and sensory characteristics of the product. This is an important condition for exporting agricultural products, helping products meet the strict standards of the international market on food safety and quality.

Ensure product quality meets export standards

5 Popular Agricultural Drying Methods Today

The world of drying technology has developed diversely to suit each type of agricultural product and different quality requirements. Below are the most popular agricultural drying methods:

1. Sun drying (Sun drying)

This is the oldest and most traditional method of drying agricultural products, using solar energy.

• Advantages: Low investment cost, energy saving.
• Disadvantages: Completely dependent on the weather, difficult to control temperature and humidity, susceptible to dust, insects, mold, uneven product quality. Usually only suitable for small-scale production, does not meet strict agricultural export conditions.

Sun drying

2. Hot Drying (Convection Drying)

This is the most popular method of drying agricultural products in the industry, using hot air that is heated and blown through the product.

• Advantages: Fast drying time, large capacity, easy to control temperature, suitable for many types of agricultural products.
• Disadvantages: High temperature can change color, flavor, and some heat-sensitive nutrients.

Hot Dry

3. Cold Drying (Heat Pump)

This is a modern agricultural drying method, operating based on the principle of heat pump to separate moisture. The air is cooled to separate the water vapor, then gently heated and blown into the drying chamber.

• Advantages: Low drying temperature (usually 20-50°C) helps to preserve the maximum color, flavor, nutrition and structure of the product. Cold-dried products are of high quality, often preferred in high-end products (eg: dried fruit, vegetables that keep their color).
• Disadvantages: The initial investment cost is higher than hot drying, the drying time may be longer.

Freeze Drying

4. Freeze Drying (Freeze Drying)

The most advanced way to dry agricultural products, freeze drying is the process of freezing agricultural products at very low temperatures (-30 to -50°C), then reducing the pressure so that the ice sublimates directly into water vapor.

• Advantages: Preserves almost 100% of the color, flavor, structure, and nutrition of the product. The product after drying is very light, crispy, and easy to regenerate.
• Disadvantages: Investment and operating costs are very high, drying time is very long, only suitable for high-value products such as medicinal herbs, high-class fruits, and functional foods.

Freeze Drying

5. Microwave Drying and Infrared Drying

These are advanced agricultural drying methods that use electromagnetic energy to heat and remove moisture from within the product.

• Advantages: Drying time is very fast, saving energy.
• Disadvantages: High investment cost, difficult to control uniform temperature, can cause the product to dry out or shrink if not controlled properly.

Choose the right drying method for each type of agricultural product

The choice of the optimal agricultural drying method depends on many factors such as the type of agricultural product, the quality requirements of the final product, the investment and operating costs, as well as the requirements of the export market.

For fresh fruits, vegetables and medicinal herbs

Agricultural products that are sensitive to high temperatures such as dragon fruit, mango, jackfruit, strawberry, carrot, or precious medicinal herbs should be prioritized for drying agricultural products by freeze-drying or freeze-drying. These methods help to preserve the color, flavor, and nutritional content, meeting the standards of high-end markets.

For fresh fruits, vegetables and medicinal herbs

For seeds, grains, coffee and spices

Pepper, coffee, cashew nuts, corn, and rice are often suitable for agricultural drying by hot drying or combining hot drying with other technologies. This helps ensure uniform dryness, prevents mold and insects, and optimizes mass production costs.

For seeds, grains, coffee and spices

Consider investment costs and returns

Although freeze-drying or freeze-drying produces high quality products, the high initial investment costs must be carefully weighed against the potential profit from the target market. For lower value products or products with less stringent quality requirements, hot-drying remains an effective option.

Export market requirements

The EU, Japan, and US markets often have high requirements for sensory and nutritional quality, requiring advanced agricultural drying methods. Meanwhile, some traditional markets may accept products dried by more conventional methods. Always consider the agricultural export conditions of the destination market.

Export market requirements

Application of drying technology in processing agricultural products for export at VIOT Minh Trang

VIOT Vietnam is well aware of the importance of drying technology in enhancing the value and meeting the export conditions of agricultural products in the international market. We are proud to apply advanced and modern agricultural drying methods to ensure the highest quality products when reaching global consumers.

 At Viot Minh Trang, we focus on investing in modern drying lines, especially cold drying and circulating convection drying (improved hot drying), to suit each specific type of agricultural product in Vietnam. For example, dried fruits such as mango, jackfruit, dragon fruit… are processed using cold drying technology, preserving their natural fresh color, rich flavor and nutrients. For vegetables and grains, we apply convection drying with a strict temperature control process to ensure optimal humidity and prevent damage.

Application of drying technology in processing agricultural products for export at VIOT Minh Trang

Viot Minh Trang products, processed using advanced agricultural drying methods, all meet international quality certifications such as ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP, Halal. This not only affirms superior quality but also ensures that our products meet all the most stringent agricultural export procedures, ready to conquer demanding markets around the world in large quantities and consistent quality.

Agricultural drying methods play an indispensable role in preserving, processing and enhancing the value of agricultural products, especially in the context of export. Choosing the right agricultural drying method not only helps maintain product quality but also optimizes costs and expands market opportunities. By applying modern drying technology and complying with international standards, businesses like Viot Minh Trang are contributing to bringing Vietnamese agricultural products to the world, affirming their position and quality on the global agricultural map.