Sun-drying raisins is a natural process where grapes are dehydrated directly under the sun's heat in the vineyard.
One common method for sun-drying raisins involves laying the grapes out atop large sheets of paper called paper trays directly within the vineyard.
The Sun-Drying Process in the Vineyard
The process of sun-drying grapes to turn them into raisins using paper trays is straightforward and relies heavily on natural elements:
- Placement: Grapes are typically placed on large sheets of paper, known specifically as paper trays.
- Location: This drying occurs by the sun in the vineyard where the grapes were grown.
- Natural Dehydration: The sun's heat and the natural airflow cause the moisture within the grapes to evaporate over time.
- Protection & Collection: The paper trays serve multiple purposes. They prevent the grapes from touching the soil directly, ensuring cleanliness. They also make collection significantly easier after the drying process is complete.
After the grapes have sufficiently dried and transformed into raisins, the paper trays are collected. According to one reference, these trays are subsequently recycled, indicating an environmentally conscious step in the process.
This method is a traditional and effective way to produce raisins, harnessing solar energy for preservation.