In a world increasingly conscious of its environmental impact and the sustainability of its food systems, the rise of plant-based products and alternative proteins has been nothing short of revolutionary.
From burgers that “bleed” beetroot juice to dairy-free cheeses that melt and stretch like their traditional counterparts, technology has enabled a culinary revolution that challenges the very notion of what constitutes a meal. Beyond taste and texture, these innovations hold the promise of mitigating the ecological strain of conventional animal agriculture, offering a pathway towards a more sustainable future.
Plant-based foodstuffs, also known as alternative proteins, have been a growing niche market for Urschel machinery. The Comitrol Processor series continues to play a key role in particle size reduction of a wide array of ingredients. The M Series, the M VersaPro (MVP) Dicer and its precursor, the M6 Dicer, have both excelled in the processing of many different forms of HMMA (high moisture meat analogs) to produce dice, strips, or shreds. Food processors in this niche market choose the M Series because they are proven to work the most effectively with extruders.
Urschel supports many different higher learning initiatives related to the food processing industry. One such initiative is with Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, US. Purdue has national and international preeminence in food science. Their esteemed, recognized FEMI (Food Entrepreneurship and Manufacturing Institute) is part of the Purdue College of Agriculture. “The M6 Dicer is a key component of our plant-based protein production facility as it allows us to create a wide range of product formats. There is a gap in available research concerning the cutting and restructuring of High Moisture Meat Analogs, so I personally am excited to use the dicer to fill this gap. It will serve as a key component of our research here at FEMI,” according to Audrey Searing Hettel, PhD candidate, working with alternative proteins under the guidance of Dr. Dharmendra Mishra.
New machines for vegetables and fruit
Recent Urschel innovations in the fruit/vegetable sector include the TranSlicer 2520 Cutter (T2520), E TranSlicer with discharge conveyor (ETRS-C), new DiversaCut models (2110A and Sprint 2) with built-in discharge conveyors, the Affinity CD-L Dicer, and the Comitrol Processor Models 1700HMI and 9310. According to Alan Major, chief sales officer, Urschel the T2520 is the latest evolution of the original TranSlicer that revolutionized the fresh salad industry. It excels in commercial food processing of fresh-cut salads, leafy vegetables, celery, leek, carrots, and cucumbers.
The design concept encompasses the next generation of sanitation to greatly reduce cleaning times. To accommodate different types of products, the machine offers a choice between three feed belt configurations: primary and secondary belts, full-length primary belts, or the more compact machine version featuring shorter primary belts. HMI option is also available. The ETRS-C, DiversaCut 2110A (2110A) and Sprint 2 Dicers feature built-in discharge conveyors to facilitate dispensing cut product into totes. The built-in conveyors assist in effectively capturing slivered, small cuts of products such as leeks, onions, or peppers to promote complete discharge from each machine.
Also new for the 2110A, the DiversaCut 2110A equipped with a large product input. Urschel delivers a targeted solution to processing whole heads of leafy vegetables — the DiversaCut 2110A Dicer specially equipped with a large feed hopper and a new type of impeller. Withing with leading fresh-cut processors, this new development alleviates precutting and minimizes product handling. The Affinity CD-L Dicer, the most recent addition to the Affinity series, combines new technology with the utility of previous Urschel Model CD-A and L-A machines. Processors replacing Model L-A’s with the CD-L achieved more than twice the capacity. Feed spindle, feed drum, and 5 HP (3.7 kW) motor work effectively with the cutting components in the successful processing of dried fruits and other products. Optional integrated oil spray system lubricates circular knives to assist in the processing of sticky products.
The Comitrol Processor Models 1700 and 9310 now offer new technology. Among these features is the available HMI. An HMI integrated system monitors amperage, temperature of the motor bearings and inside air of the support housing, identifies misaligned safety sensors, and flags machine runtime, motor loads, and overfeeding issues. The Comitrol series is popular for purees and pastes in such products as baby food, nut milks, nut butters, and beverage bases.
To read the entire article, please access your complimentary e-copy of Frozen Food Dossier Spring, 2024 here.