Abstract: An improved dryer and method for drying the surface of produce and other objects. The dryer has a continuous conveyor for transporting the objects in a substantially horizontal path, a heat reservoir disposed beneath the conveyor for radiating heat, and a drying hood assembly for enclosing a volume above the heat reservoir and the continuous conveyor. The drying hood assembly has a hood, air baffles disposed near the conveyor, and a hood fan to facilitate air flow turbulence about the air baffles within the drying hood assembly. A heat source is provided for heating the heat reservoir. A monitoring system is provided for receiving and interpreting sensory readings received from sensors disposed at locations about the dryer. The monitoring system also provides controlling signals to regulate the drying conditions for objects being conveyed.