Michigan
State University Extension
Preserving
Food Safely - 01600533
10/13/97
Michigan weather does not lend itself to drying fruits and
vegetables in the sun. Spoilage--souring or molding--will
probably occur before drying is achieved.
Sun drying requires temperatures over 98 degrees
Fahrenheit and low relative humidity such as conditions
found in the Southwestern United States. For example, in
Phoenix, Arizona, the average maximum temperature in August
is 102 degrees Fahrenheit, the humidity bottoms out at 24
percent, and 17 of the 31 days are clear.
Typical Michigan weather varies greatly from these ideal
drying conditions. In Lansing, the average maximum
temperature in August is 81 degrees Fahrenheit, the humidity
at the driest time of the day averages 56 percent, and only
10 days are clear.