When Tradition meets modernity
Sun-drying is a traditional food preservation method used among Northern Indigenous communities. For thousands of years, it has been passed down generations as an essential skill to stock fish, buffalo, elk, and berries. All essential nutrients to the Indigenous people’s diet were retained to survive the harsh winter with 6 months of snow and blizzard.
At Canukshuk, a pioneer Air-Dehydration system with UV sterilization was designed to salute this First Nation’s legacy. The original sun-dry process has been simulated and optimized by modern technology within a food-grade, high-efficiency dehydrator.
Cutting-edge Dehydrating Technology
The conventional air-drying process is to introduce heated dry air (60-80 degrees Celsius) through drying tunnels. Hot air will be exhausted directly into the environment with vaporized steam.
Canukshuk’s unique Low-Temperature Uniform-Air Circulated Dehumidifying (LUCD) system powered by Biomass fuel and Geothermal heat was designed by Sustainable Energy specialist Dr. Eric Bibeau of the University of Manitoba. This system circulates intermittently heated air in the drying chamber with heat recovery units and discharges only condensed water.
Energy Efficiency and Improved Outcome
This LUCD system assures the highest energy efficiency: energy use can be reduced significantly through uniformed air distribution and smart controls including weight reduction monitoring and predictive Batch Scheduling. While much less heat is used, dehydration outcomes (texture, appearance, palatability) and quality (protein denaturation, vitamin, and flavorful nutrients) are improved significantly.
Industrial Solution Services
CAS’s LUCD system is food-grade, certified by CSA and CFIA, and complies with global process and export regulations (HACCP, BRC, and APPA). It is commercially available for food production, agriculture, and aquaculture use. Our engineering team and industrial partners can provide modification, operating system optimization, and full technical support to all potential users.
If you need to upgrade your business for higher efficiency and lower energy cost, contact us via info@canukshukanimalscience.com for more information.