Abstract:
A cooking device (1) has a vapor generating device (5) for supplying vapor to a heating chamber (2), a heater (14) for changing saturated water vapor generated by the vapor generating device to superheated water vapor, and a circulation fan (14) for circulating gas in the heating comber (2) through a circulation duct (10). A control device (60) for controlling the entire cooking device (1) performs, according to selection by a user, a bacteria elimination mode such as a resin tableware mode, a ceramic mode, or a kitchenware mode, and the modes have different water vapor temperature settings for different categories of objects from which bacteria are to be eliminated. When a bacteria elimination key (70) provided at an operation section (3b) is pressed, the cooking device (1) enters an operation for selecting among the bacteria elimination modes.
Abstract:
A method for pasteurising and restoring the refrigerant cycle in a freezing machine (1) for making crushed-ice drinks and the like comprises a pasteurising step during which a predetermined maximum temperature (T1) is reached and a step of restoring the refrigerant cycle, during which a predetermined freezing temperature (T3) is reached; the step of restoring the refrigerant cycle comprises a sub-step of rapid cooling of the pasteurising temperature with a first thermal excursion (ΔT') with passage from the temperature (T1) to a temperature (T2) and a sub-step of slow cooling from the temperature (T2) to the freezing temperature (T3) with a second thermal excursion (ΔT"), in which the first thermal excursion (ΔT') is greater than the second thermal excursion (ΔT").
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for microbial intervention and pasteurization of food product surfaces, especially produce. The apparatus comprises a chamber (20, 25), a steam generator (30), a controller (60), a timer (160), a power source, and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor (10, 15), along with the timer, is used to control the exposure of food products to steam. After a controlled period of steam application, a chilled water source is used to douche the food products. The method includes the steps of placing food in the chamber, adding steam to the chamber, continuing to add steam until the surface of the food is greater than a first preselected temperature, maintaining the surface temperature by the continued application of steam for a period of about 60 seconds or until it is greater than a second preselected temperature, and then douching the outer surface of the food with chilled water for about 60 seconds. The use of this method results in a 5-log reduction in the population of microorganisms and bacteria on the surface of the food.
Abstract:
Processing techniques for preserving and packaging foods with an extended shelf life that helps overcome the shortcomings of conventional processes. The invention includes four basic innovations: (i) performing the steam cooking and subsequent cooling steps in the same vessel, (2) evacuating the vessel before steam is introduced for cooking, (3) introducing steam into the vessel while the vessel is still under vacuum, and (4) vacuum cooling the cooked food. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, the process includes the steps of placing a food product in a vessel, cooking the food product in the vessel with steam and then cooling the cooked food product in the same vessel without exposing the food product to cooling water or other potential sources of external contamination. In a second embodiment, the process includes the steps of placing the food product in the vessel, removing substantially all of the air from the vessel, cooking the food product, and then cooling the cooked food product. In a third embodiment of the invention, the process includes the steps of placing the food product in the vessel, creating a vacuum in the vessel, introducing steam into the vessel while the vessel is still under vacuum, cooking the food product and then cooling the food product. In a fourth embodiment, the process includes the steps of placing the food product in the vessel, cooking the food product, and then cooling the cooked food product by vaporizing residual moisture left in the vessel after cooking, including any moisture on or in the food product.
Abstract:
Um feste Fett- und Zucker enthaltende Lebensmittel, deren Wassergehalt unter 5 Gew.% liegt, wie beispielsweise Schokolade, in Lebensmittel mit einem hohen Wassergehalt, wie beispielsweise Molkereiprodukte, in kleinstückige Form einsetzen zu können, wird ein Sterilisationsverfahren mit folgenden Verfahrensschritten vorgeschlagen:
a) Das Lebensmittel wird auf eine Temperatur T 1 oberhalb seiner Schmelztemperatur T s erwärmt. b) Während eines Aufheizzeitraums wird Wasserdampf in feinstverteilter Form in das flüssige Lebensmittel eingebracht und dieses auf eine Temperatur T 2 erhitzt, wodurch in dem Lebensmittel enthaltene Mikroorganismen und deren Dauerformen (Sporen)abgetötet werden. c) Zumindest während eines Teils des Aufheizzeitraums wird das Lebensmittel unter einen gegenüber dem Atmosphärendruck erhöhten Druck p 1 gesetzt. d) Der Wassergehalt des Lebensmittels wird wieder auf einen Wert von weniger als 5 Gew.-% vermindert.
Abstract:
Apparatus (1) for sterilization and/or heat treatment of products in particle form, e.g. bone meal, and comprising an upright-standing pressure vessel (2) with elevator arrangement (6) which lifts the meal from the bottom area (5) to the top area (4), and lets it fall back to the bottom area for re-lifting. The processing is effected by direct steam supply (16), whereby the meal is heated to sterilization temperature. After the treatment or the sterilization, the vessel is emptied by the opening of a bottom valve (10). During the whole of the process, i.e. during filling, sterilization and emptying, the elevator arrangement (6) is in operation. The elevator arrangement is, for example, a helical vibration elevator firmly built into the vessel and with external vibration motors (8), so that the whole of the vessel is made to vibrate.
Abstract:
A process is provided for preparing a preserved, packaged pasta or rice foodstuff with inhibited microbiological spoilage comprising heating the foodstuff to fully cook it and render it edible, applying a solution of an edible acid to the foodstuff to produce a pH in the range from 3.5 to 4.6, optionally coating the foodstuff with an edible oil and sealing it in an oxygen-barrier package. A fully cooked foodstuff obtained in the process is also provided.