Toona sinensis, commonly known as Chinese toon, is a popular woody vegetable valued for its rich nutritional content and distinctive flavor. However, wild Toona sinensis buds are only available in the market during one season each year, and they are difficult to preserve fresh for long. In order to extend their shelf life, people often harvest the buds during the peak season and dehydrate them into dried citrons for storage. This method has proven highly effective, preserving the color, aroma, and taste of the buds almost as they were when fresh.
The process involves several key steps:
1. **Harvesting**: Only the unwooded buds can be used for drying. The ideal time for harvesting is from early March to early April according to the lunar calendar. At this time, the buds are plump, tender, fragrant, and packed with nutrients. When picking, it's important to carefully remove or cut the buds without damaging the plant. After harvesting, cover the buds with a damp cloth to prevent them from shriveling. Processing should be done on the same day, ideally within 10 hours.
2. **Blanching**: Cut off the tough base of the buds and blanch them in boiling water for about 3 minutes. The ratio of buds to boiling water should be 1:2. Gently stir the buds in the hot water until they soften slightly. Then immediately transfer them to cold water at 4°C to stop the cooking process and maintain their vibrant color.
3. **Drying**: Drain the blanched buds thoroughly before spreading them out in thin layers for sun-drying. If the weather is unfavorable, they can be dried using a low-heat oven. During the drying process, protect the buds from dust and contamination. For best results, use a water-sweeping machine to gently remove excess moisture, followed by freeze-drying under vacuum conditions. This helps retain the original color and fragrance of the buds. The final product should have low moisture content and remain intact without breaking apart.
4. **Packaging**: Once fully dried, sort the buds by size and quality. Store them in thick, food-grade plastic bags with vacuum sealing to extend their shelf life. They can also be stored using traditional methods if necessary. Keep the dried buds in a cool, dry place. With proper preparation, they can last up to 1–2 years without spoiling. Before use, simply soak them in warm water for about 2 hours to restore their original appearance and texture.
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