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Washington State University

Drying and Smoking

Food Preservation– Drying and Smoking

Drying and Smoking is one of the oldest methods of preserving foodstuffs. Removing the moisture from food helps prevent bacterial and fungal growth which would ruin stored foods. Smoking is a method of drying that also imparts flavor to the food (usually meat items), and smoke helps keep bacteria-carrying-insects away during the drying process.