Final answer:
To dry apples quickly while preserving nutrients, farmers can use desiccation methods such as freeze-drying. Refrigerated and well-ventilated storage facilities also help control fruit maturation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To dry the apples quickly while preserving their nutrients, the farmer should use desiccation methods. Desiccation, or drying, has been used for centuries to preserve food by removing water, which microbes and cells need for survival. There are different methods of desiccation, including sun drying and freeze-drying. Freeze-drying is particularly effective as it combines exposure to cold temperatures and desiccation, preserving the original qualities of the apples more effectively than conventional methods. The farmer should also consider the use of refrigerated and well-ventilated storage facilities, as these conditions slow down chemical reactions and control fruit maturation.