PROCESSING OF FOOD PRODUCTS WITH VOLUMETRIC HEATING
A method for continuous processing food product is provided. The method includes providing a food product and a solution. The food product and solution are mixed so that the food product is equally distributed in the solution forming a food solution. The food solution is continuously pumped from a hopper or container through an electromagnetic or volumetric source, which rapidly heats the food solution. The processed food solution may then be filled in packages, such as flexible pouches.
1 . A method for continuous processing food product, the method comprising:
providing a food product and a solution;
mixing the food product and solution so the food product is equally distributed in the solution forming a food solution;
rapid heating the food solution using a volumetric source; and
filling a package with the processed food solution.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the volumetric source is one of a microwave generator, an RF source, or an Ohmic source.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the food product comprises kernels of corn.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the food product comprises raw food.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the package comprises a flexible package.
6 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising continuously pumping the food product throughout a conveying system that is exposed, at least partially, to the rapid heating.
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the continuously pumping the food product comprises continuously pumping the food product from the hopper to a container through a system that exposes the food product to an output of the volumetric source so that the food product continuously moves through the conveying system.
8 . A food heating and processing system comprising:
a device for providing a food product and a solution;
a mixer that mixes the food product and solution so the food product is equally distributed in the solution forming a food solution;
a volumetric source that rapidly heats the food solution using volumetric energy; and
a filler that receives the processed food solution and fills a package with the processed food solution.
9 . The food heating and processing system of claim 8 , wherein the volumetric source comprises one of one of a microwave generator, an RF source, or an Ohmic source.
10 . The food heating and processing system of claim 8 , further comprising a conveying system that continuously pumps the food product from the device for providing the food product and solution to the volumetric source.