Methods of processing bivalve molluscs
US6010397A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23L17/50
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of processing bivalve molluscs comprises filling a basket-like container (11) with the bivalve molluscs and vibrating the bivalve molluscs within the container (11), thereby inducing them to close tightly under stress and compacting them together. A lid (12) is closed to maintain the compact configuration of the bivalve molluscs, which are cooked by immersing the container into boiling seawater, before being removed and plunged into chilled water to halt the cooking process. The bivalve molluscs are then blast frozen. Because the shells of the bivalve molluscs are tightly closed and better compaction is achieved by vibrating the bivalve molluscs than by compressing them into the container (11), the shells are unable to open and the internal juices are retained within the shells throughout the cooking, chilling and freezing steps, thereby resulting in processed bivalve molluscs having greatly improved organoleptic qualities upon thawing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.