Abstract:
System for producing tomato paste and powder using both reverse osmosis and evaporation. A tomato juice is separated into a juice and a pulp component. The juice is clarified with a centrifuge (110) and/or micro-filter and processed with reverse osmosis to produce a pre-concentrated juice by removing a first portion of water. A second pulp component (110b) (and possibly a third pulp component) are produced during clarification. The pre-concentrated juice is provided to a multi-effect evaporator (162), which removes a second portion of water to form a concentrate. Thermal vapor recompression can be used to recycle steam that is used during evaporation. The concentrate is mixed with the pulp components to produce an intermediate paste, which is processed to produce a tomato paste. Tomato powder can also be produced.
Abstract:
Method for producing tomato paste and powder using both reverse osmosis and evaporation. A tomato juice is separated into a juice and a first pulp. The juice is clarified with a centrifuge and/or filter to produce a clarified juice and a second pulp component. The clarified juice is processed with reverse osmosis to produce a pre-concentrated juice by removing a first portion of water. The pre-concentrated juice is provided to a multi-effect evaporator, which removes a second portion of water to form a concentrate. Thermal vapor recompression can be used to recycle steam that is used during evaporation. The concentrate is mixed with the first pulp component or a pulp mixture to produce an intermediate paste, which is processed to produce a tomato paste by combining juice and pulp components. Tomato powder can also be produced.
Abstract:
A method and system for producing a casingless sausage product. An emulsion, such as a meat emulsion, is heated by a first heating element, such as conductive element, such as a heat exchanger or a direct heating element, from a first temperature to an initial heating temperature. The initial heating forms a warm emulsion. After the first heating stage, the warmed emulsion is heated again during a second stage with a second heating element from the initial heating temperature to a higher, second heating temperature. Other numbers of heating elements can be utilized as necessary. The second heating element can be a rapid heating element, such as a microwave or radio frequency (RF). The second heating produces a casingless sausage. The casingless sausage is subsequently cooled or chilled to produce the casingless sausage product. The product can be cut to a length and packaged in a container or can.
Abstract:
A flexible package for a liquid-based food item and a packaged liquid-based food item, such as a soup. A flexible package or pouch includes an outer member or pouch and an inner dividing member or pouch that is disposed or positioned inside the outer member to define inner and outer cavities. A liquid, such as water or broth, and one or more seasonings are placed in the inner cavity. Particulates, such as meat and vegetable particulates and, if necessary, water, are placed in the outer cavity. Seasonings are separated from particulates, and the seasoning does not diffuse into the particulates. Thus, the tastes of the individual ingredients are maintained. A sealing member extends across a tops of the inner and outer members to close the package. When the sealing member is removed to open the package, the water or broth with the seasoning, and the particulates and any water can be poured from their respective cavities in a single motion. By reducing or eliminating diffusion of seasonings into particulates, reduced quantities of salt and other seasonings can be added to processed soup products and allows salt and other seasonings to be added just prior to cooking, providing more natural flavor. Separating broth and particulates within a container can also reduce sterilization times.
Abstract:
An improved processing method and system for producing tomato paste and other food products affected by viscosity. Tomatoes are processed into tomato juice. The juice is provided to a decanter that separates or fractionates the juice into two portions - a thicker, more viscous cake portion and a thinner, less viscous serum portion. The serum portion is concentrated by removing a portion of water using an evaporator such as a thin film or juice evaporator. The cake portion can be concentrated if necessary with a drier. The serum and cake portions are recombined to produce a tomato paste having improved color, texture, flavor and nutrition.
Abstract:
System for producing tomato paste and powder using both reverse osmosis and evaporation. A tomato juice is separated into a juice and a pulp component. The juice is clarified with a centrifuge and/or micro-filter and processed with reverse osmosis to produce a pre-concentrated juice by removing a first portion of water. A second pulp component (and possibly a third pulp component) are produced during clarification. The pre-concentrated juice is provided to a multi-effect evaporator, which removes a second portion of water to form a concentrate. Thermal vapor recompression can be used to recycle steam that is used during evaporation. The concentrate is mixed with the pulp components to produce an intermediate paste, which is processed to produce a tomato paste. Tomato powder can also be produced.
Abstract:
A container for a liquid-based food item and a packaged liquid-based food item, such as a soup. A container includes an outer member and an inner dividing member that is positioned inside the outer member to define inner and outer cavities. A liquid, such as water or broth, and one or more seasonings are placed in the inner cavity. Particulates, such as meat and vegetable particulates and, if necessary, water, are placed in the outer cavity. Seasonings are separated from particulates, and the seasoning does not diffuse into the particulates. Thus, the tastes of the individual ingredients are maintained. A sealing member extends across a tops of the inner and outer members to close the package. When the sealing member is removed to open the package, the water or broth with the seasoning, and the particulates and any water can be poured from their respective cavities in a single motion. By reducing or eliminating diffusion of seasonings into particulates, reduced quantities of salt and other seasonings can be added to processed soup products and allows salt and other seasonings to be added just prior to cooking, providing more natural flavor. Separating broth and particulates within a container can also reduce sterilization times.
Abstract:
A method for producing tomato sauce and food items including a tomato sauce, and the products produced thereby. A tomato sauce is produced by mixing a paste and other necessary ingredients. The paste mixture is extruded cold, forming a plurality of cold paste mixture portions, which are placed in a container. Heated water is added to the container. The heated water convectively heats the paste mixture portions, thereby forming a sauce. The container can also include a pasta item, such as ravioli so that the resulting sauce is applied to the ravioli.
Abstract:
Method for producing tomato paste and powder using both reverse osmosis and evaporation. A tomato juice is separated into a juice and a first pulp. The juice is clarified with a centrifuge and/or filter to produce a clarified juice and a second pulp component. The clarified juice is processed with reverse osmosis to produce a pre-concentrated juice by removing a first portion of water. The pre-concentrated juice is provided to a multi-effect evaporator, which removes a second portion of water to form a concentrate. Thermal vapor recompression can be used to recycle steam that is used during evaporation. The concentrate is mixed with the first pulp component or a pulp mixture to produce an intermediate paste, which is processed to produce a tomato paste by combining juice and pulp components. Tomato powder can also be produced.
Abstract:
A method and system for producing a casingless sausage product. An emulsion, such as a meat emulsion, is heated by a first heating element, such as conductive element, such as a heat exchanger or a direct heating element, from a first temperature to an initial heating temperature. The initial heating forms a warm emulsion. After the first heating stage, the warmed emulsion is heated again during a second stage with a second heating element from the initial heating temperature to a higher, second heating temperature. Other numbers of heating elements can be utilized as necessary. The second heating element can be a rapid heating element, such as a microwave or radio frequency (RF). The second heating produces a casingless sausage. The casingless sausage is subsequently cooled or chilled to produce the casingless sausage product. The product can be cut to a length and packaged in a container or can.