Drying of chillies
Practical Action
Simple sealing
The bags can be sealed simply by folding the polypropylene over a hacksaw blade and drawing it
slowly over the flame of a candle. However, this is extremely uncomfortable as the hacksaw blade
heats up and burns the hands of the operator. It is however a very common technique and one
that works adequately to seal the bags.
Sealing machines
A sealing machine will considerably speed up this operation and produce a much tidier finish
(which is very important). The cheapest sealing machines have no timing mechanism to show
when the bag is sealed and they have a tendency to overheat.
It is desirable to have a sealing machine with a timer. These machines come in many sizes. For
most work an 8 inch (20cm) sealer is sufficient. Eye catching labels should be sealed above the
product in a separate compartment and holed so the package can be hung-up in the shop.
Storage
A well designed and secure store is essential.
The optimal conditions for a store are: low temperature, low humidity and free from pests. The
store should be located in a shaded, dry place. To keep humidity as low as possible only fully
dried products should be stored in it. The produce should be checked regularly and if it has
absorbed too much moisture it should be dried again.
To prevent pests entering, the roof should be completely sealed. Mosquito netting should be
placed over the windows and doors should be close fitting.
References and further reading
Small-scale spice processing, Practical Action Technical Brief
Drying technologies, Practical Action Technical Brief
Drying of foods Practical Action Technical Brief
Solar drying Practical Action Technical Brief
Equipment suppliers
Note: This is a selective list of suppliers and does not imply endorsement by Practical Action.
This website includes lists of companies in India who supply food processing equipment.
http://www.niir.org/directory/tag/z,,1b_0_32/fruit+processing/index.html
Dryers
Acufil Machines
S. F. No. 120/2, Kalapatty Post Office
Coimbatore - 641 035
Tamil Nadu, India
Tel: +91 422 2666108/2669909
Fax: +91 422 2666255
E-mail: acufilmachines@yahoo.co.in
acufilmachines@hotmail.com
http://www.indiamart.com/acufilmachines/#product
s
Bombay Engineering Works
1 Navyug Industrial Estate
185 Tokersey Jivraj Road
Opposite Swan Mill, Sewree (W)
Mumbai 400015, India
Tel: +91 22 24137094/24135959
Fax: +91 22 24135828
bomeng@vsnl.com
http://www.bombayengg.com/contact.html
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