Infrared Based Peeling of Fruits and Vegetables

Abstract

A method and apparatus for infrared peeling of fruits and vegetables is disclosed herein.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for peeling fruits or vegetables comprising (i) exposing the fruit or vegetable to heat from at least one concave infrared emitter or plurality thereof (ii) wherein the distance between the fruit surface and the emitter surface is between 5-40 mm (iii) and the surface temperature of the fruits and vegetables during and after IR heating is 70-100° C. for a time sufficient to promote peeling and a tissue ratio of intercellular/intracellular area ranging from about 25% to 33%. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the emitter is ceramic. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the ceramic emitter consists of an array or z configuration. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the fruit or vegetable is exposed to the emitter while rotating the fruit. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the fruit or vegetable is selected from the group consisting of pear, peach, apricot, apple, grape, cherries, tomato, bananas, potato, eggplant, tomato, cucumber, zucchini, oranges, lemons, grapefruit. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the emitter surface temperature is in the range of 200-850° C. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the fruit or vegetable passes through multiple emitter zones of same or varied temperatures. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus for dry peeling of fruits and vegetables comprising a conveyor system for delivery of the fruit or vegetable to an area containing at least one concave infrared emitter or plurality thereof wherein the emitter temperature is 200-850° C. and the distance between the fruit surface and the emitter surface is between 5-40 mm. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  further comprising a rotating stand for the fruit or vegetable within the area heated by the emitter. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the emitter is ceramic. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the conveyor system contains recessed wells for holding the fruit or vegetable and promoting uniformity of heat exposure. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 8  which is encased in a metal housing and may contain an air circulation mechanism to facilitate uniform distribution of heat during processing. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the apparatus contains multiple emitter zones of same or varied temperatures.