What is a Solar Dryer?

Due to cultural norms people in Pakistan directly place fruits and vegetables under the sun for drying. Therefore to avoid a range of hazards, the concept of collecting solar heat and using it for food drying has received increasing attention in the recent years. For this purpose, solar dryer units have been developed. JOBS through its expertise from previous projects has developed “Indirect heating dryers”, which dries the food with heated air collected by a “Solar Collector”- a plain metal surface used to absorb the heat from the sun and warm the surrounding air. The food is placed inside an insulated heating/drying chamber with proper air circulation.

Our Food Drying Process

1. Sorting and Cutting

Local women carefully select fresh, ripe fruits and vegetables from nearby farms. The produce is then thoroughly sorted and cut into uniform pieces to ensure even drying.

2. Washing and Hygiene

After cutting, the pieces are washed under clean water following strict hygiene protocols. This step removes any dirt or residues and prepares the produce for safe drying.

3. Drying in Clean Conditions

The cleaned produce is dried in insulated chambers using indirect heat, preserving nutrition and flavor while keeping it safe from dust and insects.

4. Packing and Storage

Once dried, the food is cooled and packed in hygienic, moisture-proof packaging. This ensures a longer shelf life without the use of preservatives.