Garlic is an essential spice that adds flavor to many dishes. It is a staple ingredient in the food industry, and garlic factories often handle large quantities of the seasoning. However, washing garlic can be a difficult task, especially in a factory setting. It is crucial to ensure that the garlic is clean and free of contaminants to avoid contamination of the finished product. Therefore, factories must follow strict hygiene regulations when washing garlic. In this article, we discuss the best ways to wash garlic in factories.
- Sorting
Sorting is the first step in the garlic washing process. It involves separating the good garlic bulbs from the bad ones. Factors that determine good garlic include freshness, size, and hardness. Any garlic bulbs that show signs of rot, softness, or bruises should be discarded. Sorting removes damaged garlic bulbs, which can lead to contamination of the finished product.
- Washing
The second step is to wash the garlic to remove any dirt, debris, or foreign matter that may be present. It is crucial to wash the garlic thoroughly because the garlic may have come into contact with pesticides and other contaminants. Therefore, the garlic should be washed using a garlic washing machine to ensure that all impurities are removed.
- Peeling
Peeling is an essential step in the garlic washing process. Before proceeding to the next step, it is crucial to remove the outer layer of the garlic. Peeling involves removing the dried, papery layer of the garlic. Once peeled, the garlic is ready for further processing such as slicing, mincing or crushing.
- Sterilization
Sterilization is a critical process in the garlic cleaning process. It involves exposing the garlic to high temperatures to kill any bacteria, viruses or pathogens that may be present. Steam sterilization is the most common method of sterilizing garlic. The garlic is placed in a sealed chamber and high-pressure steam is applied for several minutes. The high temperature and pressure kill any microorganisms, ensuring that the garlic is safe to eat.
- Packaging
Once the garlic is cleaned and sterilized, it is ready for packaging. The packaging process determines how long the garlic can stay fresh. It is crucial to package the garlic in a sealed container to prevent moisture and air from entering. Vacuum packaging is the industry standard for garlic as it extends the shelf life and reduces the risk of contamination.
Conclusion
Garlic cleaning is an important process to ensure the safety and quality of the finished product. Garlic factories must follow strict hygiene regulations during the cleaning process. The steps of factory cleaning garlic include sorting, cleaning, peeling, sterilizing and packaging. Following these steps ensures that the garlic is free of contaminants, extending its shelf life and making it safe to eat. If you want to start a garlic processing business, you can always contact us and we will provide you with a complete garlic solution and quotation.