What You Need to Know
The modest heat (30‑45 °C) drives water evaporation, lowering water activity below 0.6 and inhibiting microbial growth. Limited Maillard reactions preserve essential amino acids, while controlled drying preserves fat integrity; however, prolonged exposure or excessive UV can oxidize the ~15 % fat, forming aldehydes and off‑flavors.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Water evaporation (dehydration)