If you are planning to buy a seaweed dryer or looking for more detailed information in this field, we recommend reading this article. In this piece, we not only introduce various methods of drying seaweed but also review the best product for this purpose—the freeze dryer—so you can make an informed choice and produce a high-quality product with added value.
A few years ago, drying seaweed might have seemed unusual, but today it is considered one of the main steps in processing and preserving seaweed. Scientific studies have shown that dried seaweed is rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, carotenoids, and essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6.
Properly drying seaweed not only helps retain its nutritional properties but also increases the shelf life of the product and enables its distribution in domestic and export markets.
Traditional Method
In the past, seaweed was washed, spread on clean cloths or nets, and exposed to sunlight. This method is inexpensive and simple, but it takes several days, and the final quality of the seaweed may decrease due to dust and environmental contamination.
Thermal Dryer
This method uses thermal dryers with a warm airflow (about 40 to 60°C). The advantage of this method is significantly reducing drying time while better preserving the color and nutritional value of the seaweed.
Freeze Dryer (Lyophilization)
The most advanced method for drying seaweed is using a freeze dryer. In this process, the seaweed is first frozen at around -40°C. Then, using a vacuum pump, the moisture in the seaweed is removed by sublimation, turning directly from solid ice to vapor without passing through the liquid phase.
The result is a completely dry, lightweight product that maximally preserves nutritional and medicinal properties. Additionally, the color retention and durability of pigments in the seaweed are significantly improved.
Edible seaweeds, especially in Asian countries, are recognized as a rich source of nutrients and hold a special place in the diet:
Vitamins: including K, E, C, and A
Minerals: iodine, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc
High Protein: particularly in species such as Spirulina and Chlorella, which are also used in dietary supplements
Seaweed dryers are designed and manufactured in various capacities and models. These machines, using modern technologies and high-quality components, allow for drying large quantities of seaweed in a short time.
Key features of these machines include:
Moisture sensor and temperature controller: for uniform and precise drying
Flat trays without mesh: suitable for preserving the delicate texture of seaweed
Indirect drying: prevents damage to the texture and properties of the product
Scalability: suitable for home, workshop, semi-industrial, and industrial use
The price of these machines depends on factors such as capacity, technical features, ventilation system, type of dryer (thermal or freeze dryer), and manufacturer brand. Generally, home or workshop models are less expensive and suitable for limited production, while industrial machines are designed for mass production with more advanced features.