The present invention is related to the treatment of plant- and animal-based foods for preservation thereof and use in extraction of the active substances contained therein. More specifically, the invention relates to the treatment of said foods by comprehensive application of solar radiation. Said comprehensive use of solar radiation in the dehydration of plant- and animal-based foods is characterised by consisting in a dehydration process comprising the following series of steps: a) slicing the product to be dehydrated into slices with a thickness of 1 to 2 mm； b) exposing the skin-free surfaces of the product to direct sunlight, c) maintaining a flow of air, possibly laminar, in the enclosure to equalise the water content in the mass of air； ch) dehydrating the product to a water content of 5-10%； and d) packaging the product dehydrated in this manner.
