Sun Drying 2023: Satvic Foods’ Natural Food Processing Ways
Sun drying is integral to Ayurvedic concepts of preserving nutrition. Moreover, solar cookers play a significant role in Ayurvedic-inspired natural food processing, promoting the use of renewable energy in the food industry.
Satvic Foods utilizes the Ayurvedic concept of sattva, which means purity, harmony, and balance. In the Indian food industry, where processed and unhealthy foods dominate the market, Satvic Foods is a beacon of sustainable and natural food processing methods passed down for generations. In food processing, its initial stage is crucial - drying and roasting. They determines its quality and shelf life by preserving the nutritional value of dry fruits, spices, and seeds.
In this comprehensive write-up, you will learn why Satvic Foods has chosen to utilize modern solar cookers and the traditional wisdom of sun drying and stone grinding for food processing. Understand solar cooking, sun drying, the benefits of stone grinding, and how these practices differentiate Satvic Foods from other brands in the industry
What is Sun Drying in Food Preservation?
Sun drying in food preservation has been a natural and widely used method since time immemorial. It involves using solar radiation to remove moisture from food, thus preventing microbial growth on them. In Indian homes, we have grown up watching our grandmothers and mothers use this ancient sun drying technique to preserve pickles, potatoes, dry fruits, and spices to enhance their benefit.
Sun drying keeps the essential nutrients of the food intact, among many other benefits. It also adds a unique flavor, making it an excellent option for relishing dry fruits, fruits, and pickles for longer with added benefits.
Compared to modern food processing industry methods that rely heavily on electricity or gas, sun drying, a renewable energy source, consumes less energy. This translates into a reduced carbon footprint and contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to food production. Moreover, it helps us in providing premium-quality spices and immunity supplements cost-effectively.
Know The Benefits & Information on Solar Cooker
A solar cooker is a device that uses direct sunlight to heat, cook, or pasteurize foods. It uses reflective surfaces to concentrate sunlight onto a cooking vessel and convert light energy into heat energy. The temperatures reach high enough to pasteurize and cook food.
Satvic Foods is dedicated to promoting natural and healthy foods and stands out by utilizing sustainable solar cookers for roasting raw spices, dry fruits, and seeds. With forests and fossils disappearing rapidly, solar cookers provide a sustainable way to cook without burdening the environment.
Solar cookers harness the power of sunlight, a renewable energy source, to generate heat for cooking without any smoke or pollution. Let's explore why Satvic Foods embraces solar cookers and the unique advantages they offer:
Retention of Healthy Fats
Roasting dry fruits and seeds in oil is common in the food industry and Indian households. However, one must note that this method negatively impacts the nutritional and fat content of the ingredients, such as omega-3 fatty acids. When exposed to heat for longer periods, nuts tend to lose their monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Therefore, to preserve their fats and other nutritional elements, controlling the roasting process and regulating cooking time is vital.
Dry roasting nuts in a solar cooker is a healthier option than roasting them in oils because it allows the natural flavors, nutrients, and healthy fats of the nuts to retain without the extra added calories and fat from oils.
For instance, we have made Protein Dry Fruits Ball using a combination of 19 dry fruits, seeds, and spices. All ingredients are sundried and roasted in solar cookers to preserve their natural qualities while adding to their flavor and shelf life. Read what our users say about one of our best-selling products:
Experience Satvic Foods’ Protein Dry Fruits Ball for a natural, wholesome protein punch!
Preservation of Micronutrients
Solar cooking involves gentle heating with healthier sun rays, which helps preserve essential micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals so that you can reap the maximum benefits of Indian recipes. These micronutrients are crucial for optimal bodily functions, including immune support, cellular repair, and overall well-being. In an article by mdpi, they state that direct solar irradiation on food and heating could further modify food's nutraceutical properties.
Elimination of Microorganisms
Sun drying is a traditional food processing treatment that avoids microbial and fungal attacks on raw ingredients. A paper by the Asian Journal of Home Science states that the gentle heat generated by solar cookers effectively eliminates bacteria and microorganisms that may be present in the ingredients. This significantly improves food safety, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Extended Shelf Life
Roasting raw ingredients in a solar cooker without oil decreases the chances of microbial growth and rancidity. By removing the factors that accelerate spoilage, one can enjoy Satvic Foods' products with an extended shelf life without the need for preservatives or unnatural additives.
Sun drying technique is a boon humanity received from its ancestor to preserve food and enhance its flavor, saving energy and eliminating waste. Check the video below, showing our entire process of sun-drying and roasting dry fruits, herbs, and seeds in the solar cooker. You will be amazed by how Satvic Foods ensures the nutritional quality of each ingredient using renewable energy.
What Are The Advantages of A Stone Grinder?
Stone grinding is an age-old method of food processing. It involves using a traditional stone grinder to transform raw ingredients into fine powders. Let's delve into the benefits of stone grinders:
Enhanced Flavor & Aroma
Stone grinding causes spices and dry fruits’ cells to burst, producing a much more intense aroma. It happens due to the release of oils from herbs and spices, which ultimately imparts natural flavor and preserves longevity. Unlike processed foods that often contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, Satvic Foods prioritizes retaining natural flavors without harmful additives.
Check out what our happy users say about one of our products - Rajwadi Garam Masala, an exquisite blend of 30 different spices made by sun-drying and stone-grounding spices to retain their natural nutritional value.
“I, Miss Ramit Ghai, would love to say thanks to the Satvic Foods team. It's truly unbeatable, no match; Satvic made this formula a classic one. The distinctive formulation is up to the mark, which enhances the savor of any Indian curry, be it Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian. In short, I will say Highly Recommended. Super Classic One.”
Indulge in a flavorful and healthy difference with Satvic Foods Rajwadi Garam Masala!
Preservation of Nutrients
Stone grinding helps preserve higher levels of natural micronutrients and antioxidants in spices, dry fruits, herbs, and seeds. Unlike modern food processing methods like whisking or electric grinding that generate high heat, stone grinding operates at a lower temperature, minimizing nutrient loss.
No Heat Damage
The gentle grinding process of stone grinding prevents heat-related damage to the dry fruits and other quality ingredients, crucial for overall well-being.
Increased Shelf Life
The absence of fats (refined oils or ghee) in the stone grinding process contributes to extended shelf life. Satvic Foods' stone-ground products have a longer shelf life than those processed with fats, providing fresher and more nutritious options.
Satvic Foods Commitment to Natural and Healthy Food Processing
The inclination of the population toward health-conscious practices, traditional age-old culinary wisdom, and ethnic food products have redefined the paradigm of the Indian food processing industry and the Indian FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) industry.
At Satvic Foods, we pride ourselves on emphasizing quality, purity, reduced carbon footprint, and eco-friendly practices. Have a look at these aspects that make Satvic Foods stand out from others in the industry:
No Preservatives, No Unnatural Processing
Satvic Foods' commitment revolves around producing wholesome, unadulterated spices and food supplements. By employing natural processing methods, sun drying and stone grinding, and avoiding preservatives, we ensure that you savor our products, knowing they are free from harmful additives and power-packed with natural goodness.
To illustrate, most marketed nut butter contains stabilizers, preservatives, and hydrogenated oils in the name of healthy nut fats. Check for oil separation on the surface to identify natural peanut/almond butter without preservatives. Oil separation indicates no added stabilizers or preservatives.
Satvic Foods Almond Peanut Butter (Crunchy) is covered with natural oil on the surface, indicating its natural processing source. This is why it contains an impressive 30g of protein per 100g, significantly higher than other market-bought peanut butter options.
Delight your taste buds with Satvic Foods Almond Peanut Butter (Crunchy) today!
Environmental Considerations
Satvic Foods embraces sustainable environmental practices by utilizing solar cookers that harness the power of sunlight. This reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources and minimizes carbon emissions, contributing to a healthier planet.
Cost-effective Measures
The reliance of the food processing industry on non-renewable sources of energy hikes up energy usage, thus, increasing the product’s cost. Our traditional and eco-friendly practices ensure maximum nutrient retention and food safety and bring them to the general population at the most affordable prices.
Traditional Indian Foods: Food Processing Wisdom
With Satvic Foods’ holistic approach to food processing, you know how we preserve the nutritional value, flavor, and aroma of dry fruits, spices, and other ingredients while maintaining food safety and reducing the carbon footprint.
Whether you are looking for a gluten-free, vegan, or keto diet for weight loss, at Satvic Foods, you will find something that suits your taste and health goals. Some of our best-selling products include Golden Milk Masala, Kadak Chai Masala, Almond Peanut Butter (Crunchy), and more.
Satvic Foods is different from other FMCG brands because it cares about your health and the environment by using sun drying, a renewable energy source, and natural food processing methods. We aim to bring back the age-old Indian wisdom, combined with the power of nature, for healthier and more meaningful food choices.
Enjoy the best of nature with Satvic Foods' range of spices, hair care, and immunity boosters!
Founder’s Note
How many of you have used solar cooker before?
Years ago when I told my husband that I love cooking but wish to follow my mother's steps, he went and brought me this solar cooker. It was like 25-27 years ago and we are using the very same solar cooker ever since!
We had been using solar cookers instead of our usual ways to roast peanuts, almonds, and such. However, after starting Satvic Foods, we started using it on a daily basis!
On bright sunny days, we put all the peanuts, almonds, and long pepper, in the black boxes that came with the solar cooker. Yes, it creates problems for us when we have a rainy season or cloudy skies, but this is the price that we are willing to pay if we are getting 100% nutrients for all of you!
With Satvic Foods, I never wanted to create a brand. Instead, I want to create awareness about the benefits of healthy food. We can go ahead and fry the peanuts using gas, but as per Ayurveda, we will lose all the right nutrients. And this is something I can never do!
So, whenever you get anything from us -- be it our milk masala or chai masala or peanut butter, you should be well assured that we are using our traditional ways of sun-drying our products!
