Process for injecting thermal fluids for food processing

Abstract

A process for internally cooking food includes the steps of injecting a condensable cooking fluid into the interior of the food at a plurality of spaced-apart locations, dispersing the cooking fluid within the interior, and condensing the cooking fluid while in direct contact with the interior. The heat of condensation of the cooking fluid releases considerable heat energy useful for either pre-cooking the food to a desired intermediate cooking level, or thoroughly cooking the food. The heat of condensation of the fluid is high enough that only a small amount of condensable cooking fluid is required, per quantity unit of food being cooked. As a result, the food does not become excessively loaded with cooking fluid, and flavorants such as marinade substantially remain within the food. Where the condensable fluid is used for pre-cooking, the cooking may be thoroughly completed by placing the pre-cooked food in a conventional hot air oven. The pre-cooking or thorough cooking of food using properly injected condensable cooking fluid, considerably reduces the total cooking time compared to conventional oven cooking.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A process for heating food from a first lower temperature to a second elevated temperature, comprising the steps of: 
 injecting a condensable cooking fluid into an interior of the food; and    converting the condensable fluid from a gaseous phase to a liquid phase while in direct contact with the interior of the food;    wherein the condensable fluid is injected in an amount of about 0.01 to about 0.25 pounds of condensable fluid per pound of food being heated.    
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the condensable fluid comprises steam.  
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the first lower temperature is about 32-45° F.  
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 3 , wherein the second elevated temperature is about 80-130° F.  
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 3 , wherein the second elevated temperature is about 90-120° F.