Dried cowpea is known for its distinct and pleasant flavor. It offers various health benefits, such as nourishing yin, enhancing blood circulation, clearing heat, relieving fatigue, and supporting the health of the spleen and stomach. As a result, it has become a popular dish among many people. Below are the detailed steps involved in the drying process of cowpeas:
1. **Material Selection**: Choose fresh, tender cowpeas that are free from insect damage, rust, deformities, and pollution. It's best to separate different varieties during the drying process to avoid mixing beans of different colors and sizes, which could affect the final appearance.
2. **Blanching**: Fresh tender cowpeas have a delicate texture. To preserve this, they should be boiled in water for only 2–4 minutes. After boiling, immediately submerge them in cold water to stop the cooking process and remove any sticky substances that may leach out during boiling.
3. **Color Protection**: During blanching, adding 0.5% sodium bicarbonate to the water helps maintain the bright green color of the cowpeas, improving their visual appeal after drying.
4. **Sulfur Fumigation**: After blanching, the cowpeas are placed on bamboo mats inside a sealed room and fumigated with 200 grams of sulfur per cubic meter. This process prevents discoloration and spoilage during drying, reduces vitamin C loss, and enhances the rehydration quality of the final product.
5. **Drying Method**: Natural drying is often affected by weather conditions, so artificial drying is recommended for better control and consistency. For large-scale production, specially designed drying barns can be used to ensure efficient and uniform drying.
6. **Storage**: When storing dried cowpeas, moisture is a major concern. It is advisable to use polyethylene plastic bags, welded into large containers holding about 20 kilograms each, and seal them tightly. This method ensures the cowpeas remain in good condition for up to two years. If the cowpeas are intended for commercial sale, it's also important to sort and grade them during the drying process to ensure neat and professional packaging.
By following these steps, you can produce high-quality dried cowpeas that retain their flavor, color, and nutritional value, making them a valuable and long-lasting food item.
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