Abstract:
Radio frequency (RF) energy is used to quickly heat the yolk portion of a shell egg. An anode and corresponding cathode are applied to each individual egg. As the egg is selectively and systematically rotated, RF energy and a stream of cooling fluid (preferably water) are simultaneously applied to the egg. This initiates pasteurization of the egg yolk while maintaining a low temperature in the heat-sensitive albumen (egg white) thus preventing denaturation of the albumen. Immediately after the RF yolk heating process, the egg is placed in a hot water bath designed to rapidly pasteurize the albumen as well as to minimize heat loss from the yolk and pasteurize any portion of the yolk that is not already pasteurized through the RF yolk heating process.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device for pasteurizing or sterilizing a mass of foodstuff, which device comprises: a feed for supplying the mass; heating means for heating the mass, comprising: a tube of an electrically and magnetically inert material connecting to the feed; a system of mutually co-acting electrodes which are added to the tube and which are connected to an RF power generator which generates energy at a frequency in the range of about 10-50 MHZ to the electrodes such that the mass present in the first tube can be heated during its first residence time in this first tube; and a discharge for discharging the mass, wherein the electrodes have rounded corners on their end zones facing toward the inner surface of the tube for the purpose of locally limiting the strength of the electric field generated by the electrodes.
Abstract:
An in-shell egg pasteurization process (10) includes, in a temperature raising stage (16), raising the temperature of albumen of an in-shell egg predominantly by means of microwave radiation to a temperature between 57° C. and 60° C., the albumen temperature being raised at a rate which reduces at least once over time. Simultaneously, in the temperature raising stage (16), the temperature of an external surface of the egg is raised predominantly by means of external heat radiation or conduction to a temperature of between 57° C. and 70° C., or alternatively or in addition the egg surface temperature is allowed to rise to a temperature of between 57° C. and 70° C. as a result of the microwave radiation by inhibiting heat loss from the egg. Said temperatures are then maintained by means of microwave radiation and external heat radiation or conduction for at least some time.
Abstract:
A microwave apparatus is used to pasteurize eggs. The apparatus may include means for preferentially microwave-heating yolk of the eggs. The albumen may be separately heated or may be precooled. Alternatively, the albumen may be heated by diffusion from the yolk in one or more stages or may be heated in an additional stage along with the yolk.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for pasteurizing egg products utilizing high frequency radio waves to heat the egg products being pasteurized. Suitable products to be treated include liquid egg products, packaged liquid egg products, and shell eggs. The methods may be used with either continuous processing systems or batch processing systems.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of electroheating and pasteurizing liquid egg and particularly liquid whole egg so as to provide an extended refrigerated shelf life. The method utilizes generally minimum pasteurization parameters coupled with packaging and storage at 40.degree. F. or below.
Abstract:
A microwave egg cooking utensil having a microwave transparent container for water, a metal tray with at least one depression for holding the egg, and a metal lid. Both the tray and the lid are supported by a lip of the container such that there is a small gap between the outer perimeter edge of the tray and the inner surface of the lid. The combination of the tray and the lid provides substantial microwave shielding of the interior there defined; the separation of these metal parts prevents arcing therebetween. It is preferable that the edge of the tray be raised from the lip so that the small gap is not filled with condensation which would minimize the effect of the gap. The water in the container is heated to boiling by radiation of microwave energy. The steam heats the tray and the egg cooks by conduction rather than by microwave radiation.
Abstract:
A method of and means for cooking and sterilizing is disclosed involving the application of microwave energy to complete processes of food products in the precooked state. Continuous transport of the product being treated is provided by means of a conveyorized system.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for cooking at least one egg with an eggshell The apparatus comprises a housing provided with a device for providing microwave radiation in a confined space in the housing and a holder located in the confined space. The holder is provided with at least one cavity adapted to the shape of the egg with the eggshell. The apparatus further comprises means to insert a liquid into the holder for filling the cavity with the liquid to at least partly surround the eggshell of the egg located in the cavity. The apparatus comprises also means to control the amount of liquid in the holder during a cooking process of the at least one egg, wherein: —a first amount of liquid is inserted into the cavity before providing microwave radiation in the cavity, which first amount of liquid surrounds the eggshell of the egg located in the cavity; —a second amount of liquid is gradually inserted into the cavity.
Abstract:
An in-shell egg pasteurization system configured to pasteurize and handle eggs includes a loading system configured to accept and load an in-shell egg. The system also includes a microwave system configured to impart microwave energy to the yolk of the in-shell egg to heat the yolk to a first predetermined temperature and to impart microwave energy to the albumen of the in-shell egg to heat the albumen to a second predetermined temperature.