Abstract: A method and apparatus for hygienically preparing dried peppers by continuously sterilizing and drying fresh peppers are provided. The method includes: screening fresh peppers, removing the stems of the peppers, and aging the peppers; washing the peppers to remove foreign materials and pesticide residue from the surfaces of the peppers; optionally sterilizing the surfaces of the washed peppers using a chemical sterilant solution; cutting and separating seeds from the washed or sterilized peppers; sterilizing the cut peppers using a chemical sterilant solution and/or high-temperature and high-pressure steam; drying the sterilized peppers by hot air or freeze-drying; and grinding the dried peppers into a product. The preparation method includes repeated sterilization and drying processes so that a sanitary problem common to dried peppers can be solved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hygienically preparing dried peppers by continuously sterilizing and drying fresh peppers are provided. The method includes: screening fresh peppers, removing the stems of the peppers, and aging the peppers; washing the peppers to remove foreign materials and pesticide residue from the surfaces of the peppers; optionally sterilizing the surfaces of the washed peppers using a chemical sterilant solution; cutting and separating seeds from the washed or sterilized peppers; sterilizing the cut peppers using a chemical sterilant solution and/or high-temperature and high-pressure steam; drying the sterilized peppers by hot air or freeze-drying; and grinding the dried peppers into a product. The preparation method includes repeated sterilization and drying processes so that a sanitary problem common to dried peppers can be solved.