JPH11508776A - Vegetable washing, packaging and transportation methods - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] Remove all mud, insects and other debris from ordinary head vegetables such as iceberg lettuce, while preserving the characteristics and flexibility of the vegetables in fresh form A vegetable processing method that can ship and transport vegetables. The method includes harvesting 10 of the mature or nearly mature vegetables and core 12 of leafy head vegetables. Thereafter, washing and drying 16 of the leaves separated by coring are performed. The leaves separated by coring are preferably maintained in a low temperature environment of 0 ° to 12.8 ° C. Thereafter, the leaves that have been cored and separated are packaged 22 in a container sealed with a breathable film or membrane capable of exchanging gas in the atmosphere with gas in the inside.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION                     Vegetable washing, packaging and transportation methods                                 Technical field   The present invention relates to a method for packaging, storing and transporting various head vegetables, particularly an ice bar. How to package, store, preserve and transport head vegetables such as guar lettuce Things.                                Background of the Invention   Various methods and devices for packaging, storing and transporting various head vegetables have been proposed. Used. In the late 1970's, commercial production of various headed leafy vegetables Domestic market for freshly packaged fruits and vegetables due to successful improved atmosphere package Has grown rapidly into an industry with annual sales of $ 650 million. Including processed leafy vegetables Lada was convenient, so it became popular in the market, and all indicators were sales of this product. Indicates that it will grow further. However, before the invention was implemented, Vegetables for various salads, such as g-lettuce, are firmly sliced or cut into small pieces. Only chopped pieces were on the market. Headlet letter of larger shape Phytosanitary conditions could not be met As a result, such products could not be introduced. If you use the present invention Can introduce the above products and replace them with products currently available to consumers. In addition, valuable products can be provided.   The export market has been around for a long time, for growers and shippers of fresh fruit and vegetables. It was an attractive market. But for some foreign markets, such as Japan Had limited types and quantities of export products. Trouble in the export market for the above products The problem is that many fruits and vegetables are susceptible to insect contamination, such as aphids. If such insect contamination occurs, imports will be rejected at the port of import. ( 1000 cars with 24,000 to 38,000 lettuce, for example) If one arimaki is present in a ton of cargo, the entire cargo is rejected for import. It can even be lost. However, the demand for lettuce by Japanese and other consumers The point is high, and the demand is growing.   For a while, wash and pre-cut, such as chopped or shredded lettuce Limited export of fumigation lettuce to Japan with chopped products was successful . However, the demand for whole lettuce and the whole lettuce The demand for what can be managed has increased. Until now, the color of cooking leafy vegetables Various methods were proposed, but the ball was firmly headed like Iceberg Lettuce There was no satisfactory way for vegetables. With the use of the present invention, very demand Higher types of lettuce can now be shipped whole or in larger leaves As a result, lettuce can be cooked freely, and the significant demand that has arisen has been met. Can be satisfied.   The packaging and distribution method of seemingly simple fresh vegetables did not work Because there were significant technical obstacles that could not be You. Fresh fruits and vegetables continue to breathe after harvest. During the post-harvest breathing, The conversion of oxygen to carbon dioxide by the metabolism of its fruits and vegetables, and often Sometimes includes the release of ethylene. Ethylene usually promotes metabolic rate Plant hormones, for example, in some crops such as bananas and tomatoes. Used commercially to promote ripening.   Excessive ethylene in head greens promotes aging and undesired spots There is a risk that dots will appear on the surface quickly. Excessive oxygen can cause harmful oxidation processes This may cause the harvested plants to become less durable. For example, phenoloxy When a case catalyzed reaction occurs, the white rib structure of Iceberg Lettuce is `` pink '' Color, and the cut and / or damaged tissue may turn black or discolored Or Carbon dioxide is also a very serious problem. Because carbon dioxide is planted While the product is aging, it is made continuously and the product is wrapped or packed. Carbon dioxide accumulates in the vessel and can cause significant discoloration. This is because that.   Furthermore, in a closed environment, oxygen is consumed and carbon dioxide is produced. Then, there is a possibility that the concentration of oxygen immediately becomes less than 1%. Oxygen concentration Below that concentration, the respiratory process can take a different course, namely the anaerobic process. Seth. If the respiratory process goes through these anaerobic pathways, Partially acidic, such as aldehydes and ketones, which will give off the smell and aroma of Aging waste is generated. Also, when anaerobic, harmful anaerobic microorganisms grow There is fear.   All of the above factors are affected by temperature, and the higher the temperature, the more harmful Results occur more rapidly. In addition, requirements for hygiene, temperature control, and Efficient processing techniques to minimize fabric damage and contained in air and breath Sanitary methods can be carried out in a state where the gas can flow properly Packaging technology complicates the system and the specific fruits and vegetables that are handled Specific requirements change depending on the final requirements.   A great variety of packaging, storage and transport methods have been developed for crops, , All such methods have various problems and limitations that are rather troublesome, A particular problem arises when the method is applied to shipping and processing of various types of head vegetables. It is clear that this is a significant limitation and problem that restricts the export of such goods. Is.   Accordingly, a main object of the present invention is a method for cleaning, packaging and transporting various head vegetables. It is to provide. With this method, the important and important properties of the above vegetables While maintaining and also ensuring that insects or other contaminants and debris are removed. Vegetables can be harvested, washed, packaged and shipped. Also use this method Low cost and high efficiency.   Other objects and advantages of the present invention are described in the following description of the invention, and Some will be self-evident from reading it, and from practicing the invention. You can know. Objects and advantages of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. It can be known and obtained by the methods described above and combinations thereof.                                Disclosure of the invention   The present invention preserves all important and important properties and makes cabbage, iceberg Various head vegetables like insects, raddichio and other products, insects Washing, packaging and transporting the above leaves, while protecting from and other contamination and debris And a method for harvesting, washing and packaging the goods.   To this end, the present invention has been specifically and broadly described. In accordance with the object of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for growing mature or nearly mature Harvesting, core of leafy vegetables, and multiple leafed and cored leaves For cleaning, treating, packaging and storing various head vegetables, including separating leaves Provide a method for Then, the cored and separated leaves are used to remove mud, insects and other leaves. Washed to remove debris. The cored and separated leaves are then dried Is cooled. The leaves, which have been cored and separated, are then separated from the atmospheric and internal gases. Sealed by a breathable container or membrane that can be exchanged with the body Packaged in a container.   The method of the present invention is preferably carried out with iceberg lettuce and radisio and capsicum. For other leafy vegetables like lettuce, including other leafy vegetables like betu It is preferable to use it. However, alternatively, the method of the present invention may be used in other fields. It can also be applied to vegetables and fruits. In fact, determine a specific use Only depends on the needs of the user. Because the method described herein Can be used to wash, package and transport a wide variety of head vegetables This is because that.   The invention also relates to the harvesting of mature or nearly mature lettuce and the de-coring of lettuce. Separated leaves from lettuce, cored and separated, cored and separated Washing leaves, coring and drying multiple leaves isolated and coring After cooling the leaves, the leaves separated by coring are separated into atmospheric gas and internal gas. Packaging in a container sealed with a breathable film or membrane that can be exchanged with the body For cleaning, processing, packaging and storage of iceberg lettuce, including Provide a better way.                             BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES   The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. Ma In addition, the above general description and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments provide The principle of Ming will be explained.   FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for washing, packaging, and transporting various head vegetables according to the present invention. It is.                         The best way to carry out the invention   Preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in the attached drawings will be described in detail.   According to the present invention, mature or almost mature headed leafy vegetables are harvested, and leafy vegetables are harvested. The leaves are separated from the leafy vegetables, and the core is removed. Coring to remove mud, insects and other debris from multiple leaves Wash the leaves separated and dry the cores and dry the separated leaves. Cool the leaves that have been removed and separated, and remove the leaves that have been Packed in a gas permeable container or a container sealed with a membrane that can exchange gas with internal gas Methods for cleaning, treating, packaging and storing various head vegetables, including Provided.   Further, according to the present invention, mature or almost mature lettuce is harvested, Pruned, cored and separated leaves separated from lettuce, cored and separated Washing multiple leaves, de-coring and drying multiple leaves, de-coring and separating Cooling multiple leaves, cored and separated multiple leaves into air and internal gases Packaging in a container sealed with a breathable film or membrane that can be exchanged for Including, including varieties such as Iceberg lettuce, lettuce or Lactuca setti A method is provided for cleaning, treating, packaging and storing a bag.   The flowchart of FIG. 1 outlines the steps of the method of the present invention. Steps In 10, a wrap inside a lettuce such as an Iceberg lettuce damages the leaves Normal harvest time, preferably 5-7 days before, which can be easily separated without Then, harvesting of mature or nearly mature lettuce or other commodities takes place. Harvested Lettuce or other commodities are standard, such as cartons, baskets, or bins with lids In a secure container, but preferably with a basket or lid that can be reused. Preferably, a bin is used.   As shown, in step 12, lettuce or other commodities are manually Alternatively, the core is removed by mechanical means. The mechanical means includes a mechanical bracket. And a core removing device. Next, in step 14, mud, debris, insects and other In order to eliminate the contamination of leaves, the leaves that have been cored and separated are Separated from other products. Preferably, the leaves are separated in a stream of low pressure water. preferable. Cleaning and inspection, completely free of insects or other contamination and debris In order to create an elephant product with all the important characteristics of the vegetable, lettuce or lettuce Or it is very important to core the other products.   Thereafter, the leaves separated from the coring are washed with water as shown in step 16. Be done. If necessary, chlorine or other disinfectants can be added to the water. When using chlorine, a solution with a chlorine concentration of 10 to 1000 ppm in water It is preferred to use In the above washing step, mud, debris, insects and Other contaminants are removed from the leaves. In step 20, the core is separated and separated. The cooling of the leaves is performed. However, cooling can take place in any of the above steps. Can be done before the trip. The leaves, according to size, color or other characteristics, Classification can be made at any point in the method of the invention.   After that, the separated leaves are separated from each other by sufficient air and internal gas. Sealed with a breathable film or membrane to replace but not excessively Packaged in a container. The film may be high density, medium density or low density, For example, it may be breathable polyethylene or a linear low density polyethylene. Polypropylene, polystyrene, biaxially directional polypropylene, vinyl acetate ・ Copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, mixtures of the above materials, multilayer films of the above materials, Thermoplastic Plus that does not adhere to other surfaces, such as and other polymers and copolymers Ticks can also be used. A very important property of any film or membrane is The gas in the atmosphere and the gas inside can be sufficiently exchanged, but excessively It is a property that does not.   Preferably, from the first stage of cooling, through the chain process of product distribution, It is preferable that cooling is performed, and thereafter, temperature control is continuously performed. Most In that case, the preferred temperature range is about 0-1.7 ° C (32-35 ° F). Above cooling By any of a number of means well known to those skilled in the art, such as vacuum cooling. Or by exposing the product to cold air. Alternatively, The water cooling method using cooling water is also effective. This water cooling method can be performed when washing with water.   The method of the present invention is very efficient, cheap and easy to implement and use. Can be. The method of the present invention may be applied to a manufacturing room, packaging house or any other suitable building. Or can be run in place. Alternatively, the method of the present invention can be used directly in the field. It can be carried out on a portable harvesting machine to be used directly. The invention described in this specification The bright light method can be used for various types of head vegetables, Greens, especially when used on lettuce such as iceberg lettuce. Fruits and consumers, both domestically and worldwide, with insects or other contaminants, mud and debris. Fresh products that are not included in all but maintain all important and important characteristics throughout the year Can be supplied.   Other advantages and modifications of the present invention will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Would. Therefore, the present invention, in a broad sense, relates to the devices illustrated and described herein, and It is not limited to specific parts of the exemplary embodiment. Therefore, the applicant of the present invention Various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the general inventive concept of the present invention.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page    (72) Inventors Tani, Michael, Wy.             93455 United States of America, California,             Santa Maria, Skyway Drive             2225

Claims (1)

[Claims]   1. Preserving all the important and important properties of vegetables A method for washing, processing, packing and storing ball vegetables,   Harvest mature or nearly mature leaf-headed vegetables,   Core the leafy head vegetables,   Separating the leaves separated by coring from the leafy head vegetables,   To remove mud, insects, and other debris from multiple leaves that have been cored and separated Wash the leaves separated by coring,   Dry the leaves separated by coring,   Cool the leaves separated by coring,   The leaves separated by coring can be exchanged between atmospheric gas and internal gas. Packaging in a gas permeable container or a container sealed with a membrane.   2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the leafy head vegetable is iceberg lettuce.   3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the leaf-headed vegetable is radisio lettuce.   4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the core removal is performed manually.   5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the coring is performed by a mechanical method.   6. Wrap a package of leaves separated by coring and wrap one lettuce in one package. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the method is performed.   7. Cleaning, processing and cleaning lettuce while preserving all the important and important properties of lettuce A method for packaging and storage,   Harvest the mature or nearly mature lettuce,   Core the above lettuce,   Separating a plurality of cored and separated leaves from the lettuce,   Wash the leaves separated by coring,   Dry the leaves separated by coring,   Cool the leaves separated by coring,   The leaves separated by coring can be exchanged between atmospheric gas and internal gas. Packaging in a container sealed with a breathable film or membrane.   8. The method of claim 7, wherein the lettuce is Iceberg lettuce.   9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the core removal is performed manually.   10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the coring is performed by a mechanical method.   11. Combine the above packages of leaves separated by coring into one package in one package. The method according to claim 9, wherein the task is wrapped.