Published on: 27 June 2017
Last Updated on: 29 October 2024
If you’re unfamiliar with the spray drying process, you might be wondering what it’s used for and how exactly it works. Plus, you’ll learn about some applications you’re probably already using.
How does a spray dryer work?
A slurry is a mixture of liquid solution and other solid materials. Companies like Elan Technology use a spray dryer to produce dry, granular powders from this mixture. This is achieved by applying the spray dryer, which uses hot air coming from a rotating wheel or nozzle to rapidly dry the slurry.
Why is it used?
In simple terms, a spray dryer is used to turn a liquid into a powder. There is a multitude of applications for spray drying that stretch across many different industries. One application that you’ve definitely seen, heard of, and likely even used before is powdered milk products.
Milk is 80% to 90% water, which means spray drying is an effective way to reduce its bulk down and make it last longer on the shelf. Using spray drying for milk products allows milk to be taken to areas where it would otherwise be unreachable.
Spray drying is also used to make whey protein supplements and countless other products, along with instant coffee and corn starch.
Outside of the food industry, it is used in the manufacturing of soap products, detergents, fertilizer, resins, and mineral ores and clays.
Is it like dehydrating?
Spray drying is similar to the traditional dehydration process (usually used for solid foods) in that it applies hot air in order to remove the water from a substance. The liquid is rapidly dried out, producing a fine powder that will later likely return to a liquid when the end-user adds backwater (like with powdered milk).
How old is the process?
Spray drying is nothing new. And although still very prevalent today, the concept of it has remained unchanged for decades. It is a patented process and is traceable back to 1872. Samuel Percy is considered to be the inventor as he was the first to describe the process. However, it was 50 years before the process was fine-tuned and finally began being used in commercial manufacturing.
While it sounds simple, it does take a bit of science to get the perfect temperature to produce a usable end powder.
A certain amount of moisture has to be removed, or the powder will be clumpy due to some water being left over.
Spray drying is a very useful technique that is in place in countless industries. Without it, people would not be able to enjoy powdered milk, instant coffee, or many kinds of detergent—like the most common dishwasher and clothing detergent products.
Samuel may have been the first to invent the process, but thousands of companies use it today. While the machines have been upgraded to work faster and produce more product, the basic concept has remained the same, and thanks to 50 years prior to fine-tuning, it always will.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
A greenhouse is a structure that is enclosed on all sides, has predetermined dimensions, and has a roof that is composed of clear glass or sheets of plastic that are translucent.
Because it contributes to the maintenance of the greenhouse's internal climate, the type of commercial greenhouse flooring that you select for your greenhouse is an important consideration.
In most cases, it will rely on your preferred method of plant cultivation.
Why Is Commercial Greenhouse Flooring Important?
It is important to note that the commercial greenhouse flooring inside your greenhouse serves as the basic base of the structure, and it has the potential to make your time spent growing far more satisfying and gratifying.
Check out this link for more helpful tips for manufacturing an ideal flooring for commercial greenhouse
Before beginning the installation process, it is important to carefully analyze the many alternatives available for the greenhouse's floor. In many ways, the floors of the greenhouse serve as the structure's foundation.
They should be able to allow for proper drainage, protect the greenhouse from cold, prevent weeds and pests from entering, and keep you warm. You might be wondering what material to use for the floors of greenhouses.
To begin, there is a wide variety of substrates suitable for use as greenhouse flooring. Continue reading to discover how to construct a commercial greenhouse flooring, as well as the materials that may be used for greenhouse flooring and manufacturing the ideal flooring for a commercial greenhouse.
What Are Some Benefits Of Commercial Greenhouse Flooring?
Commercial greenhouse flooring is the surface that covers the ground inside a greenhouse. It can be made of various materials, such as soil, concrete, gravel, stone, wood, or tiles. Commercial greenhouse flooring can provide several benefits for the greenhouse owners and operators, such as:
Improving drainage: Commercial greenhouse flooring can prevent waterlogging and flooding by allowing excess water to drain away from the plants and the structure. This can reduce the risk of root rot, fungal diseases, and structural damage.
Preventing weed growth: Commercial greenhouse flooring can act as a weed barrier, preventing unwanted plants from sprouting and competing with the crops for nutrients, water, and space. This can save time and labor for weeding and improve crop quality and yield.
Controlling pests and diseases: Commercial greenhouse flooring can also prevent pests and pathogens from entering the greenhouse through the soil. This can reduce the need for pesticides and fungicides, and protect the plants from harmful insects, rodents, bacteria, and viruses.
Enhancing insulation: Commercial greenhouse flooring can help maintain the temperature and humidity of the greenhouse, especially if it has insulating properties. This can reduce the energy consumption and costs for heating and cooling, and create a more favorable environment for the plants.
Increasing aesthetics and functionality: Commercial greenhouse flooring can also improve the appearance and usability of the greenhouse. It can create a clean, neat, and attractive space for the workers and the customers. It can also make it easier to move around, transport materials, and install equipment.
What To Use For Flooring?
There are many different kinds of materials that may be used as greenhouse flooring.
A floor made of poured concrete, particularly one that is insulated, is the best feasible option according to a commercial flooring company TCF West. For commercial greenhouse flooring, there are multiple types of flooring options.
You have to know what types of flooring will be suitable for your use.
Is Concrete Good For Flooring?
A concrete floor is simple to maintain and comfortable to walk on, and if it is built properly, it should allow any excess water to drain away. In addition to this, concrete is excellent at retaining heat and reflecting light throughout the day.
However, concrete is not the only material that can be used for the floor of a greenhouse. There are other options. There are many additional options for greenhouse flooring that may be considered, with some producing better outcomes than others based on your financial considerations.
Before you begin putting the floor, you need to decide on the greenhouse flooring materials that are most essential to you. It is important to think about how many hours you will invest in the greenhouse as well as the durability of the various floor coverings.
A commercial greenhouse flooring is also made of concrete, for instance, and will survive for many years, but a floor made of mulch will deteriorate very quickly. Also, take into consideration your budget. Read more on this page.
Wood Flooring
It is possible to construct the base of a greenhouse out of wood, then fill it with crushed rock or gravel, and finish it off with weed cloth. This floor is one that drains well, is simple to maintain, is simple to install, and does not cost too much money.
The utilization of lava, as well as landscape rock as a greenhouse flooring material, is an appealing notion for manufacturing commercial greenhouse flooring.
The water that is absorbed by lava rock contributes to the overall level of humidity; nevertheless, neither lava rock nor landscape rock is simple to clean. Although it is simple to work with these materials, the cost of doing so may be rather high.
When it comes to greenhouse flooring materials, mulch flooring is the one with the fewest positive benefits. Although it is inexpensive, it cannot be cleaned and, in fact, serves as a breeding ground for germs and fungi.
Additionally, it rots quite quickly. The greenhouse has more humidity because of the bricks. It is recommended that a layer of sand be placed underneath them so that drainage and stability are improved.
In a similar fashion, a layer of sand should be placed beneath a foundation of rocks. Clay flooring is another choice that will stay for a long time and is comfortable to walk on.
Weed Mats
When it comes to excellent commercial greenhouse flooring options, weed mats are an excellent choice. They have good drainage, they prevent weeds and pests from growing, and they are simple to stretch and afterward staple into place.
Vinyl tiles designed specifically for use in greenhouses are gaining popularity due to the fact that they are simple to clean and provide great drainage.
They can be walked on or spread over a whole foundation to serve as a covering. There are a few different varieties of greenhouse flooring that are suitable for the job, provided that they are simple to clean and drain effectively.
Wrapping It Up:
If you decide against having commercial greenhouse flooring made of poured concrete, you need to place a weed mat barrier on top of the gravel or bare ground. Putting down rubber mats or an old carpet in locations where you will be working for extended periods of time is a good idea if you plan to have a concrete base.
Additionals:
Sheet Vinyl vs Vinyl Tile Flooring
7 Advantages of Reflective Epoxy Flooring
How To Pick The Perfect Flooring For Your New Home
Ideas for Modern Flooring Designs for Home Improvement Plans
Living with lots of bills and an average income means having to economize wherever you can. Prices seem to go up faster than seasons change, and adopting some savvy skills is sure to lighten your load. Installing new kitchen cabinets can easily be the most significant expense when redoing a kitchen, so we've assembled some top tips for saving money the next time you reach for the plastic.
How to Find the Best Wholesale Kitchen Cabinets:
1. Shop Around:
Don’t always buy the first thing you see. If you’re in the market for new kitchen cabinets to impress guests at your next dinner party, compare prices wherever possible. You’d be surprised at the options that are available from online retailers. You could easily save a pretty penny by shopping online.
2. Discount Is Your Friend:
Black Friday sales and wholesale discounts are wonderful ways to take advantage of good deals by planning well ahead. Things like wholesale kitchen cabinets can be a cost-effective way of changing the entire dynamic of an existing kitchen. Every cent adds up and saving a little bit here and there could yield a handsome saving at the end of the day. Many retailers also offer a friendly reward system that allows customers to accumulate credit for later use.
3. Type:
There is an assortment of different kitchen cabinets available for sale. Some have tekta glass doors, some have doors that are patterned, and some have no doors at all. Keep in mind what type of image you are trying to end up with and remember that different styles will vary in price. The door-less variety of wholesale kitchen cabinets are usually more cost-effective and can have the effect of making the kitchen appear more spacious, but generally suit only the most organized among us.
4. Functionality:
Consider why it is that you are getting your cabinets in the first place. Do you need more storage area or are you looking to install cabinets to fill vacant space? Sometimes less is more, and cabinets should always compliment the rest of a kitchen. The cost of functionality also cannot be overstated. Anything can be functional on any budget with proper planning.
5. Appearance:
While it's easy to feel uninspired when you've been looking at the same kitchen year after year, making some changes here and there could make space feel brand new. Old worn cabinets can be replaced at competitive prices or revitalized with a paint job, and sticking to one color saves on paint and makes for cheaper maintenance in the long-term. Keep in mind the fact that your kitchen tells a story, and all the separate parts of your kitchen should be harmonious.
People tend to make big life changes reluctantly, but when those changes are budget-friendly and add value to your life, there's no need to remain stagnant. Online retailers like Wholesale kitchen Cabinets make the job that much easier for shoppers to make thrifty decisions, so taking the plunge and making steps towards your dream has never been easier.
Read Also:
4 Tips For A Successful Home Renovation
Top 4 Must-Have Appliances In Every Kitchen
7 Unique Kitchen Design Ideas That Your Family Will Enjoy
Basil is one of the most popular and versatile herbs you can grow in your garden or indoors. It has a fresh and aromatic flavor that can enhance any dish, from salads and soups to pizzas and pastas. Basil is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants just like cilantro. It can benefit your health and well-being. But how do you harvest basil properly so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves?
If these are some of the things you want to know, I have you covered! In this article, I will answer all these questions and more and give you everything you need to know about harvesting basil! So, keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…
How to Harvest Basil Leaves?
The first thing you need to know about harvesting basil is when to do it. The best time to harvest basil leaves is in the morning when the plant is still fresh and moist. Avoid harvesting basil in the afternoon or evening when the plant is dry and wilted. Also, avoid harvesting basil when it is raining or wet, as this can cause the leaves to rot or mold.
Steps to Harvest Basil Leaves
To harvest basil leaves, you will need a pair of scissors or a sharp knife and a basket or a bowl to collect the leaves. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves, but be careful not to damage the stem or the plant. Here are the steps to follow:
Start from the top of the plant, and look for the stems with leaf clusters. These are called the terminal buds, and they are where the basil flowers will grow. You want to remove these buds, as they will make the plant stop producing new leaves and focus on flowering and seeding. This will reduce the flavor and quality of the basil leaves.
Cut or pinch off the stem just below the terminal bud, leaving about a quarter of an inch of stem above the next pair of leaves. This will encourage the plant to grow two new stems from the leaf nodes and produce more leaves. You can also cut or pinch off any other stems that are too long or leggy and leave about four to six pairs of leaves on each stem.
Repeat this process for all the stems that have terminal buds, and collect the leaves in your basket or bowl. You can also harvest some of the lower leaves but leave enough leaves on the plant to allow it to photosynthesize and grow. You should not harvest more than a third of the plant at a time, as this can stress the plant and reduce its growth and health.
After harvesting, rinse the leaves with water and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can use them fresh or store them for later use.
How to Harvest Basil So It Keeps Growing
One of the benefits of harvesting basil is that it stimulates the plant to grow more leaves and branches and prevents it from flowering and seeding.
However, you need to harvest basil regularly and correctly, so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves.
Here are some tips to follow. For instance, you must harvest basil:
At least once every two weeks, or more often if you see the terminal buds forming. This will keep the plant bushy and compact and prevent it from becoming woody and bitter.
From different parts of the plant, and not always from the same spot. This will ensure that the plant grows evenly and does not become lopsided or uneven.
Before it flowers. This is because the flowers will reduce the flavor and quality of the leaves. If you see any flowers forming, remove them as soon as possible. You can also pinch off the flowers and use them as edible garnishes or decorations, as they have a mild and sweet flavor.
Before the frost, as the cold weather will kill the plant. You can either harvest the whole plant and store it for later use, or bring it indoors and keep it in a sunny and warm spot. You can also propagate the plant by taking cuttings and rooting them in water or soil and grow new plants for the next season.
How to Harvest Basil Without Killing The Plant?
Harvesting basil is different from harvesting lettuce or other plants. The process is good for the plant and you, as you can enjoy the fresh and aromatic leaves in your dishes.
However, you need to be careful not to harvest too much or too often, as this can harm and kill the plant.
Here are some dos and don'ts of harvesting basil without killing it:
Do harvest basil from the top of the plant, not the bottom or the middle. This will allow the plant to grow stems and leaves from the lower nodes and maintain its shape and structure.
Don't harvest basil from the main stem or cut it too close to the ground. This will damage the plant and prevent it from growing new stems and leaves. Leave at least four to six pairs of leaves on each stem and about an inch of stem above the ground.
Do harvest basil gently and carefully, and not roughly or forcefully. This will avoid injuring the plant and exposing it to diseases or pests. Use a sharp and clean tool, such as scissors or a knife, and make clean and smooth cuts. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves but be gentle and precise.
Don't harvest basil when it is stressed or unhealthy, such as when it is wilting, yellowing, or diseased. This will weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to further damage. Wait until the plant recovers and looks healthy and green before harvesting. You can also water and fertilize the plant to help it grow and thrive.
Do harvest basil when it is young and tender, not old and tough. This will ensure the leaves are fresh, flavorful, and not bitter or woody. Harvest basil when the leaves are about two to three inches long before they curl or turn brown.
How to Pick Basil Leaves?
Picking basil leaves is another way to harvest and use the leaves in your dishes. You can pick basil leaves with your fingers or with a pair of tweezers, depending on your preference and convenience. Here are some tips on how to pick basil leaves. For instance, you can pick it:
From the top of the plant, not the bottom or the middle. This will allow the plant to grow stems and leaves from the lower nodes and maintain its shape and structure.
From the stems that have terminal buds, not from those that have none. This will prevent the plant from flowering and seeding and producing more leaves. You can also pick some of the lower leaves but leave enough leaves on the plant to allow it to photosynthesize and grow.
Gently and carefully, and not roughly or forcefully. This will avoid injuring the plant and exposing it to diseases or pests. Use your fingers to pinch off the leaves or a pair of tweezers to pluck them off. Be gentle and precise, and do not pull or tug on the leaves or the stems.
When they are young and tender and not when they are old and tough, this will ensure the leaves are fresh, flavorful, and not bitter or woody. Pick basil when the leaves are about two to three inches long before they curl or turn brown.
How to Store Basil Leaves?
Storing basil leaves is a great way to preserve and enjoy them for later use. You can store basil leaves in different ways, depending on how long you want to keep them and how you want to use them. Here are some of the best ways to store basil leaves:
Refrigerate Them
You can refrigerate basil leaves for up to a week, by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and placing them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. This will keep them moist and fresh, and prevent them from wilting or drying out. However, you should not wash them.
Freeze Them
You can freeze basil leaves for up to six months, by blanching them in boiling water for a few seconds, and then plunging them in ice water to stop the cooking process. This will preserve their color and flavor, and prevent them from browning or oxidizing. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel, and place them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. You can also chop them and mix them with some olive oil, and freeze them in ice cube trays. This will make it easier to use them in soups, sauces, or dressings.
Dry Them
You can dry basil leaves for up to a year, by hanging them upside down in a warm and dry place, such as a closet or a pantry. This will dehydrate them and concentrate their flavor, and make them last longer. However, you should avoid drying them in direct sunlight, as this can bleach them and reduce their quality. You can also dry them in an oven or a microwave, but be careful not to burn them or overcook them. Once they are dry, you can store them in a glass jar or a spice container, and crush them or grind them before using them.
Make Pesto
You can make pesto with basil leaves, by blending them with some garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This will create a delicious and versatile sauce that you can use for pasta, sandwiches, salads, or dips. You can store pesto in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to six months. You can also customize pesto by adding other herbs, nuts, cheeses, or spices, according to your taste and preference.
How to Cut Basil?
Cutting basil is a simple and easy way to harvest and use the leaves in your dishes. You can cut basil with scissors, a knife, or your fingers, depending on your preference and convenience.
Here are some tips on how to cut basil:
Wash and dry the basil leaves before cutting them to remove any dirt or insects. You can rinse them under running water or soak them in a water bowl with a few drops of vinegar. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel or spin them in a salad spinner.
Cut the basil leaves just before using them, to preserve their flavor and aroma. If you cut them too early, they will lose their freshness and wilt. You can also bruise or damage the leaves if you cut them too roughly or with a dull tool.
Cut the basil leaves according to the size and shape that you need for your recipe. You can either leave them whole or chop them finely or coarsely. You can also cut them into ribbons or strips, by stacking several leaves together, rolling them up, and slicing them thinly. This is called the chiffonade technique, and it creates a beautiful and elegant garnish.
Cut the basil leaves with a sharp and clean tool, such as scissors or a knife, and not with a blender or a food processor. This will avoid bruising or crushing the leaves and releasing their oils and juices. You can also use your fingers to tear or pinch off the leaves but be gentle and careful.
How to Use Basil Leaves?
Using basil leaves is a fun and easy way to add flavor and aroma to your dishes. You can use basil leaves in different ways, depending on your mood and occasion. Here are some of the best ways to use basil leaves:
Fresh
You can use fresh basil leaves to garnish and enhance your dishes, such as salads, soups, pizzas, and pastas. Also you can use fresh basil leaves to make salads, such as caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, or Greek salad with cucumbers, feta cheese, and basil. You can also use fresh basil leaves to make drinks, such as lemonade, tea, or cocktails, with basil, lemon, sugar, and water.
Cooked
You can use cooked basil leaves to flavor and season your dishes, such as sauces, stews, curries, and casseroles. Also you can use cooked basil leaves to make dishes, such as tomato sauce with basil, garlic, and onion, or chicken with basil, cream, and mushrooms. You can also use cooked basil leaves to make breads, such as focaccia with basil, olive oil, and salt, or muffins with basil, cheese, and eggs.
Preserved
You can use preserved basil leaves to store and enjoy them for later use, such as freezing, drying, or making pesto. Also you can use preserved basil leaves to make dishes, such as pesto pasta with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, or roasted vegetables with basil, olive oil, and salt. You can also use preserved basil leaves to make snacks, such as crackers with basil, cheese, and honey, or popcorn with basil, butter, and salt.
Wrapping It Up!
Basil is a wonderful herb that you can grow and harvest in your garden or indoors. It has a fresh and aromatic flavor that can enhance any dish, and a rich and nutritious profile that can benefit your health and well-being. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can learn how to harvest basil properly, so that it keeps growing and producing more leaves, how to cut basil, pick basil leaves, and store them for later use, and how to use basil leaves in different and delicious ways.
Read Also:
Some Facts You Need to Know About Rainwater Harvesting
Asparagus 101: When, How, And How Often To Harvest?
Exploring Ideas For A Biophilic Home Design
