Construction of solar cookers and driers

Solar cookers and driers capture the sun’s rays to heat and dry food. Although not well known, these technologies provide better results than conventional cooking and drying methods in terms of economy, ecology, food quality and ease of use. Liberally and colourfully illustrated, this practical guide presents step-by-step methods for building and using a box cooker, a solar panel cooker, a direct solar drier and an indirect solar drier. Simple to make and use independently, the technologies provide an economical way to meet the food processing needs of diverse populations. The solar cooker saves time, money and energy, and can be used to cook all types of food (vegetables, fruits, meat, cereals, bread etc.). Although solar cooking is slower than traditional cooking methods, it consequently enables the production of healthier dishes, preserving both taste and nutrients. Compared to air-drying, solar driers allow better preservation of food quality. With higher temperatures, solar drying is also quicker and much more thorough. Furthermore, it reduces health risks by eliminating contamination from mould, insects, animals, dust and many other threats. Topics covered in this inspirational text include types of cookers/driers, construction and use, and a handy table of costs. Finally the guide has a useful chapter providing further reading and contacts.Solar cookers and driers capture the sun’s rays to heat and dry food. Although not well known, these technologies provide better results than conventional cooking and drying methods in terms of economy, ecology, food quality and ease of use. Liberally and colourfully illustrated, this practical guide presents step-by-step methods for building and using a box cooker, a solar panel cooker, a direct solar drier and an indirect solar drier. Simple to make and use independently, the technologies provide an economical way to meet the food processing needs of diverse populations. The solar cooker saves time, money and energy, and can be used to cook all types of food (vegetables, fruits, meat, cereals, bread etc.). Although solar cooking is slower than traditional cooking methods, it consequently enables the production of healthier dishes, preserving both taste and nutrients. Compared to air-drying, solar driers allow better preservation of food quality. With higher temperatures, solar drying is also quicker and much more thorough. Furthermore, it reduces health risks by eliminating contamination from mould, insects, animals, dust and many other threats. Topics covered in this inspirational text include types of cookers/driers, construction and use, and a handy table of costs. Finally the guide has a useful chapter providing further reading and contacts.