Pasteurization or pasteurization is a process in which packaged and unpackaged foods (such as milk and juice) are treated with mild heat, usually below 100°C (212°F), to remove remove pathogens and extend shelf life. This process is intended to destroy or inactivate organisms and enzymes that contribute to spoilage or disease risk, including vegetative bacteria, but not bacterial spores.
The process is named after the French microbiologist Louis Pasteur, whose research in the 1860s demonstrated that heat treatment inactivated unwanted microorganisms in wine. . The spoilage enzymes are also inactivated during pasteurization. Today, pasteurization is widely used in the dairy industry and other food processing industries for food preservation and food safety.
Since flavor is essential in food production, cross-contamination of pathogens from herbs and spices is a food safety challenge throughout the food manufacturing industry. To avoid pathogens such as mold, yeast and Salmonella from entering the food supply chain, herbs and spices should be pasteurized - ASTA (American Spice Trade Association) has recommended in this guide. Guide “Clean, Safe Spices” for the spice industry.
Steam heating for pasteurization and sterilization is widely used and accepted worldwide. In particular, FDA-approved organic almonds are steam pasteurized, meeting the national standards of the USDA Organic Program.
Challenge
Due to the fragile nature of herbs and spices, pasteurization treatment needs to inactivate harmful pathogens without altering the organoleptic properties of the spice such as colour, taste, aroma and texture. The pasteurization process is ideal for spices and herbs that retain qualities such as color, flavor and texture of the original product and achieve a good reduction.
Challenges for the pasteurization of spices
The pasteurization of spices has its own requirements. To preserve the original quality of the product, new pasteurization techniques are required.
With our pasteurization solution you get the perfect mix of treatment time and the highest reduced product quality. We help you find the optimal balance between quality, production needs and food safety. The pasteurization system can be used for different spices.
The most relevant factors to control:
Temperature
Humidity of pasteurized air
Humidity of preheated air
Airflow
The pasteurization system creates the right balance and optimal conditions to ensure the highest reduction with the best product quality. Food safety is guaranteed while preserving the essential flavor of your spices. For specific information regarding products and solutions, please contact our team.
Some models are referenced by the world's leading spice pasteurization solutions and manufacturers.
We can provide the same solution at a much lower cost.
