Solar-powered dehydrator, Dehytray, comes to Australia

The American-based JUA Technologies International has built the Dehytray, a simple-to-use multipurpose portable solar dryer for hygienic and environmentally-friendly solar drying of specialty crops such as fruit, vegetables, spices, herbs, grains, seeds and medicinal plants.

The Dehytray will also dry and preserve fish and meat.

According to the company, fruits, vegetables and meats do not lose their natural flavor or nutrition, unlike in electric dryers or air fryers.

"JUA Technologies International's mission is to bring food security to millions of families and smallholder farmers by providing a sustainable drying solution," a statement from the company said.

"The drying process is solar powered, and so, mitigates against climate change impacts from fossil fueled systems."

The unit looks similar to a packing carton or crate in which nested trays are placed, with a transparent plastic top covering them.

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Sliced fruits and vegetables are placed onto the drying trays and the entire unit is put outside in the sun.

Crops and products typically take from 24 hours to seven days to dry, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.

The product comes with a hygrometer/thermometer to help monitor moisture levels and temperatures, plus a food-grade plastic scraper.

JUA Technologies International launched Dehytech East Africa to help smallholder farms in Kenya meet their food drying needs.

"Every purchase helps make the Dehytray more affordable to food insecure communities around the globe," the company said.

The company is looking to market and sell the Dehytray in Australia, with a specific focus on remote First Nations' communities in Western Australia as well as in the Northern Territory, Queensland, NSW and South Australia.

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