An Even Flow is Critical for Seasoning Equipment

Coating can be applied before, during, or after frying or freezing. This would be in the form of a starch-based batter, with or without flavor, before frying. In the case of potato chips, seasoning is done after frying and is often quite an expensive process so waste must be kept to a minimum.

Seasoning system accuracy is critical to product quality and flavor, and today's equipment manufacturers are eager to provide processors with advanced systems that can aid in this critical process.

Manufacturers are looking for even coverage of the product with the exact amount of seasoning during this step in the process. An accurate seasoning system is not only a guarantee for a great snack product but is also an insurance policy for controlling the production economy.

Consistency is required in a good seasoning solution to ensure an even flow of potato chips, as well as to limit the number of unwanted stops in production. These should be avoided because each stop will result in a different application of seasoning.

Processors strive to always apply seasoning according to their recipe with an even flow of snack product entering the seasoning drum. Manufacturers require a buffer to accumulate product to achieve this flow. The product is then transported on vibratory conveyors to ensure even distribution.

Furthermore, processors should consider the performance of the seasoning drum, as seasoning is typically applied in a rotating drum in which the potato chips are kept in motion and slowly moved forward. It is critical to create a steady wave of product inside the drum that is not too high. When done correctly, the result is complete seasoning coverage. The seasoning performance of the drum is influenced by factors such as gentle product handling, a steady wave, and an exit where the snack lands smoothly.

Seasoning must be accurately fed because it is fed onto a scarf feeder with a bias-cut exit. Seasoning is slowly shaken forward into the seasoning drum, and the challenge is to achieve a good spread of seasoning and an even forward speed. In addition to the factors mentioned above, several others influence the perfect seasoning of snacks. The ability to glue the seasoning to the snack is affected by the temperature of the product and the amount of oil used. Different seasoning blends have different adhesion properties to the product.

Seasoning systems are available in a variety of standard configurations from equipment manufacturers and can be designed and customized to meet any coating requirement. Slow speed, gentle action, and uniform product depth prevent product breakage and ensure optimal coverage with all types of seasoning.

All seasoning systems are built on a single skid for ease of installation, and the design includes a retractable scarf feeder, drum/swivel, and 90-degree rotating seasoning feeder. The seasoning drum's design allows the product to be gently treated/tumbled, ensuring that all of the product in the drum receives the same level of seasoning coverage. As a result, the product will be evenly seasoned with no wasted ingredients.

You can read the rest of this article in your complimentary e-copy of Issue 2 of Potato Business Dossier 2022, which you can access by clickinghere.