How to dry gourds: a complete analysis of traditional methods and modern techniques
Gourd, also known as gourd, is a common vegetable that can be used to make various delicacies or handicrafts after being dried. With the arrival of summer, many people begin to pay attention to the method of drying gourds. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to give you a detailed introduction to the drying steps, precautions and related data of gourds.
1. Basic steps for drying gourds

1.Choose gourd: Choose mature gourds that are free from diseases and insect pests, with smooth skin and moderate hardness.
2.Cleaning process: Wash the soil and impurities on the surface of the gourd with clean water and dry it.
3.slice or cut into strips: Cut the gourd into thin slices or long strips according to the purpose. The thickness is recommended to be 0.5-1 cm.
4.preprocessing: Some users recommend soaking in salt water for 10 minutes to remove the bitter taste, while others recommend steaming for 2-3 minutes to shorten the drying time.
5.dry: Spread the gourds evenly on the bamboo screen or clean gauze, avoid overlapping, and place them in a ventilated and sunny place.
6.flip: Turn over 1-2 times a day to ensure even drying.
7.save: Put the dried gourds into a sealed container and place them in a cool and dry place.
2. Time and environmental conditions for drying gourds
| environmental conditions | Drying time | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Sunny day, temperature 25-30℃ | 3-5 days | Need to be protected from mosquitoes |
| Cloudy days with high humidity | 7-10 days | Need to turn frequently |
| Indoor drying (50℃) | 6-8 hours | Requires regular inspection |
3. Hot topics of discussion on the Internet about drying gourds in the past 10 days
1.Quick drying tips: Many netizens shared that they use an oven or food dryer to speed up the drying process, and the temperature should be controlled at 50-60°C.
2.Hugan delicacies: Dried gourds can be used to stew soups, stir-fries or make snacks. The recently popular "dried gourd braised pork ribs" has become a hot topic.
3.Storage issues after drying: Some users report that sun-dried gourds are susceptible to moisture and mold, and it is recommended to add desiccant or vacuum storage.
4.creative uses: There are crafts experts who make dried gourds into decorations or containers, and the number of clicks on related tutorials has increased significantly.
4. Things to note when drying gourds
1.Anti-mildew: In rainy weather, you should take it back in time or use indoor drying instead.
2.Pest control: Can be covered with gauze when drying to avoid contamination by flies and mosquitoes.
3.Avoid over-drying: Excessive drying will cause the gourds to become brittle and lose their toughness.
4.sanitary conditions: All tools and containers must be kept clean to avoid contamination.
5. Differences in sun-drying methods of gourds in different regions
| area | Featured methods | Drying time |
|---|---|---|
| northern region | Dry directly after slicing | 3-5 days |
| southern region | Salted and dried | 5-7 days |
| southwest region | Drying after smoking | 7-10 days |
6. Changes in nutritional value of sun-dried gourds
During the sun-drying process, some of the water-soluble vitamins in the gourd are lost, but the minerals and dietary fiber are retained. The following is a comparison of the changes in the main nutrients:
| Nutritional information | Fresh gourds (per 100g) | Sun-dried gourds (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture | 95g | 15g |
| dietary fiber | 1.2g | 8.5g |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 3mg |
| Potassium | 150mg | 1200mg |
7. Expert advice
1. Agricultural experts recommend harvesting gourds in the early morning when the water content is low, which is conducive to sun drying.
2. Nutritionists remind that although dried gourds are easy to store, some nutrients will be lost. It is recommended to eat them with other fresh vegetables.
3. The inheritors of traditional crafts emphasize that naturally dried gourds have a better flavor and can retain their original flavor better than machine-dried ones.
Conclusion
Sun-drying gourds is a traditional skill. With the accelerated pace of modern life, various improved methods are constantly emerging. Whether you choose natural drying or mechanical drying, you can get high-quality dried gourds by mastering the correct method. I hope the structured data and detailed instructions in this article will help you easily complete the gourd drying process.
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