Method and apparatus for hygienically preparing dried pepper by continuous sterilization and drying processes
US6770313B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23L27/14
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus for hygienically preparing dried peppers by continuously sterilizing and drying fresh peppers are provided. The method includes: screening fresh peppers, removing the stems of the peppers, and aging the peppers; washing the peppers to remove foreign materials and pesticide residue from the surfaces of the peppers; optionally sterilizing the surfaces of the washed peppers using a chemical sterilant solution; cutting and separating seeds from the washed or sterilized peppers; sterilizing the cut peppers using a chemical sterilant solution and/or high-temperature and high-pressure steam; drying the sterilized peppers by hot air or freeze-drying; and grinding the dried peppers into a product. The preparation method includes repeated sterilization and drying processes so that a sanitary problem common to dried peppers can be solved. In addition, deep-freezing may be optionally performed as needed to improve storability and preservative quality so that quality peppers are available through the year. Because red peppers are dried by the freeze-drying, the unique flavor and texture of red peppers can easily be restored by the addition of boiling water. Each step of t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.