††††The microorganisms which cause food to decay require air, water and a suitable temperature. Depriving the microorganisms of any of these conditions means that they cannot grow and multiply.
Drying food as a means of preservation was used by the Chinese around 1000 BC. The Chinese also preserved food around this time by using spices or by smoking or salting the food. Today, certain foods such as peas, beans and certain fruits, are still preserved by drying, and in some parts of the world where refrigeration is not available, fish and meat are dried.
