Question

Write briefly on water drying and freeze drying along with their required conditions (if any).

Hint:

Freeze drying is the most effective method for preserving quality, while water drying is a gentle technique mainly used for delicate flowers.

Answer 1

Water Drying:

• Involves placing plant material in water to remove moisture slowly, maintaining freshness.
• Suitable for flowers with delicate structures.
• Requires clean, fresh water and controlled temperature.
• Often used as a pre-treatment before further drying.

Freeze Drying:

• Process of removing moisture by freezing the plant material and then reducing surrounding pressure to allow frozen water to sublimate directly from solid to gas.
• Preserves color, shape, and nutrients better than other drying methods.
• Requires specialized equipment (freeze dryers).
• Conditions: Low temperature (-20°C to -40°C), vacuum environment.