Making freeze-dried mare powder involves several steps to ensure the preservation of nutrients and flavor. Here's a general outline of the process:
1. Raw Material Selection:
Choose high-quality mare milk. Ensure that it is fresh and free from contaminants.
2. Pasteurization:
Heat the mare milk to a temperature of around 72°C (161°F) for about 15 seconds to kill harmful bacteria. This is known as pasteurization.
3. Cooling:
Rapidly cool the pasteurized milk to prevent the growth of bacteria and maintain quality.
4. Freezing:
Freeze the cooled mare milk at a temperature of around -40°C (-40°F). This step transforms the water content into ice crystals.
5. Vacuum Drying (Sublimation):
Place the frozen milk in a freeze-dryer. The pressure is lowered, and heat is applied gradually, allowing the ice to sublimate directly into vapor without passing through the liquid phase. This process preserves the structure and nutrients of the milk.
6. Final Drying:
Continue the drying process to remove any remaining moisture, ensuring the final product has a low moisture content (typically below 2%).
7. Grinding:
Once fully dried, grind the freeze-dried mare milk into a fine powder.
8. Packaging:
Store the powder in airtight, moisture-proof containers to prevent moisture absorption and degradation. Use vacuum-sealed bags or jars with desiccants.
9. Quality Control:
Test the final product for moisture content and quality to ensure it meets safety and nutritional standards.
Summary:
The process of making freeze-dried mare powder involves careful handling of raw materials, precise temperature control, and vacuum drying to preserve nutrients. Always follow food safety guidelines throughout the process.