Method for continuous produce surface treatment

Abstract

Method for removing material from the surface of fruits and vegetables (produce) and separating the removed material from the resultant mixture utilizes the rotation of an upwardly directed cage formed of elongated rotating spindles having a material removing surface thereon, the cage rotary speed being sufficient, at the interior radius thereof, to maintain the produce in continuous centrifugal force contact against the spindle material removing surface, but generally insufficient to prevent downward movement or migration of the produce within the cage under the force of gravity. Produce to be treated is urged into engagement with the spindles and the rotating cage causes the produce to accelerate substantially to said rotary speed, whereby the produce travels with the cage in contact with the rotating material removing spindle surfaces. The produce moves downwardly through the cage under the force of gravity, but is restrained from moving downwardly as fast as conditions would otherwise dictate by resisting surface contact against the lower portions of the produce, thereby increasing cage residence time. The resisting surface is displaced downwardly during cage rotation so as to control the descent of the produce downwardly through the cage during treatment. The removed material is continuously separated from the produce by centrifugal force which may be aided by air suction.