Information On Brine Peeling
Information On Brine Peeling
Information On Brine Peeling
Do
not
assume content
scientific
knowledge,
document
reflects current
policies, or practices.
AIC-1
April, 1943
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This information sheet is a brief preliminary report on a' method whe reby
operators of vegetable processing plants can peel potatoefej rutabagas, and
possibly other root vegetables by scalding them in a hot saturated salt
solution and then removing the peel in a suitable washer. The brine solution
can be brought to a temperature higher than that of boiling water that is,
to 228 F. under sea level conditions, or 16 degrees above the boiling
temperature of water. Brief immersi<
in the high-temperature brine bath
softens the cells adjacent to the skin, thus loosening it from the vegetable.
Since the method has certain advantages in comparison with other methods,
it has been given experimental trial at the Western Regional Research Laboratory,
Pro cedure
Shipment
The U. S. Department of Ag
has prepared two brine peeler designs for
use with either gas or oil as a fuel. Steam is used for rapid initial
heating during "start-up" periods. These units can be modified for use with
indirect steam heating. The designs are shown on USDA Drawings Nos. D-109
and D-lll, and are designated as designs No<. 1 and No. 2 respectively. The
AIC-1
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Excessive retention periods with either method will soften the surface too deeply
and result in excessive peeling loss. The effect of high altitudes on reducing
the boiling temperature of the liquid may prevent successful use of brine peeling
in some localities. The normal peeling loss with brine peeling ranges between
12 and 15 percent on potatoes, and the over-all loss, including paring and
peeling, will range from 13 to 18 percent.
Brine peeling has not undergone a full-scale commercial test as yet. Experimental trial runs are recommended for plants that are handling potatoes,
rutabagas, sweetpotatoes, or carrots.
Numerous other high-boiling liquids have been studied in addition to brine.
Mineral oil is the only other fluid that has given satisfactory results, but
further study must be made before it can be recommended.
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