Solar Cookers and Dryers: Environmental Sustainability and Nutraceutical Content in Food Processing

Abstract

This work reviewed the state of the art concerning solar cookers and dryers used in food processing. The general description of solar cookers and dryers was presented, with a specific attention to the equipment where the cooking takes place with the contribution of the direct sunlight. Some insight about the history of design and development of devices that use solar light to process food were provided. The possibility to store the heat produced by solar light using Phase Change Materials was analyzed. Moreover, some “case-studies” were revised and discussed, in which solar light is efficiently used to dry or cook food, focusing on the quality of the food in terms of nutraceuticals content. The analyzed literature points out the necessity for further research about the effects produced by direct solar rays on different foods. The reliable data on this aspect will allow assessment of the quality of food transformation by solar cookers and dryers, adding a strong incentive to the development of such devices, up to now primarily motivated by energy-saving and environmental issues.

Potential of Steam Generating by The PMMA Fresnel Lens Concentrator for Indoor Solar Cooker Application

“…Additionally, the solar oven's design makes it possible to cook a variety of foods effectively [17]. There are several benefits to using solar cookers, including those that relate to user health, economics, usability, suitability for families, and environmental impact [18,19]. The different designs for solar cookers that have been made, such as box, concentrator, indirect, with and without storage, and many others.…”

Direct Solar Oven with and without UV Filter vs. Traditional Oven: Effect on Polyphenolic Antioxidants, Vitamins and Carotenoids of Food

“…In recent decades the need for renewable energy has become a compelling ecological demand that affects all human activities [1]. Recently, in the food and agriculture industry, solar energy has been used as energy supply to lower the costs, to dry foods (solar dryer) or applied to waste transformations [2][3][4]. The use of solar cookers was initially developed to help the population during calamities or to diminish the people's need of wood or charcoal for water sterilization and food preparation [5,6].…”