How to make dried figs

Material selection and slitting

Choose a large, fleshy, freshly ripe fig, rinse it with clean water, and cut off the stem. If it is a large-fruit variety, it can be cut into two pieces, or cut into strips or pieces. This is done to increase the contact area between the material and the drying medium, improve the air permeability and water permeability of the material, save drying time, and reduce energy consumption.

Preprocessing

Use alkali solution to peel the figs. Heat the prepared 4% sodium hydroxide solution to 90℃, put the figs in a stainless steel pot, and keep it at 90℃ for about 1 minute. After picking up the figs, remember to rub and roll them constantly during the wash process with plenty of clean water, and add dilute acid to neutralize the alkalinity, so that the peel can fall off naturally. Remember to wear gloves during the operation to avoid corrosion to the skin. Drain the peeled figs.

Paving and drying

The raw materials need to be spread evenly and uniformly, remember not to spread them too thickly. The fruit is dried naturally by spreading it on drying trays, drying curtains, or drying mats. When the climate is dry, the fruit can be spread out to dry day and night. In drying yards with a damp ground, you should use sticks, stones, etc. to prop up the drying curtains. This will both prevent moisture and improve ventilation conditions. You should turn them over frequently when drying.

Artificial drying is adopted. While heating, proper ventilation and exhaust should be carried out to facilitate the evaporation of water. The initial baking temperature should be higher, 80-85℃, and the later temperature should be lower, 50-55℃. The drying time is generally 6-12 hours. The moisture content of dried figs is generally around 20%.

Softening and packaging

After piling the dried figs on the plastic film, cover it with another layer of plastic film. It will take 2-3 days for the dried figs to soften. Then put them into plastic food bags, seal them, and then put them into cartons. Finally, put them into warehouse for storage. The dried figs are now ready.