Drying technology development for future starchy staples food processing: Research process, challenges, and application prospects

Starchy staples are the main source of energy for most of the global population, and future growing populations and limited arable land areas dictate that reducing post-harvest losses of produce and conserving energy consumption are critical. With the increased prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (such as cardiovascular disease) and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the benefits of grains for human health are being rethought. Drying, as a significant and energy-intensive unit operation in post-harvest handling and storage of grain, has been extensively studied by scholars. This paper describes several common types of starchy staple foods and their drying and pretreatment technologies in recent years, focusing on some auxiliary drying technologies to improve drying efficiency and energy-saving aspects, while pretreatment technologies not only improve drying efficiency but also help to retain nutrient content. And with the increasing pursuit of nutrition, personalized food is essential in the future. This paper also introduces the application prospects of starchy staples, including 3D printing, the aerospace field, and special medical food.