The invention relates to a method and to a device for processing raw materials and effectively producing meat- and sausage-based raw cured goods by means of a drying and aging process together with the addition of starter cultures, wherein the raw material or an already available intermediate product is exposed to a vacuum. According to the invention, moisture, in particular water or water vapor, released during the treatment under vacuum is bound by means of adsorbents in order to accelerate the drying process, wherein the adsorption process occurs in one or more stages depending on the desired degree of drying or the aw value of the raw material or intermediate product.