Production of dried fruits and dried meat

Question

Why are sugar and salt employed in the production of dried fruits and dried meat?

Answer 1

Substances which maintain a highly hypertonic atmosphere, such as sugar and salt, are employed in the production of dried meat, fruits or fish (for illustration, cod) since the material to be conserved is then dehydrated and the resultant dryness prevents the expansion of populations of decomposer beings (as such beings as well lose water and die).