Author of the article: Sudakov A.P.
Pumpkin or sunflower seeds are used in the food industry. They contain proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as a group of vitamins that ensure the normal functioning of the human body, so they are also used for medicinal purposes. It is worth noting that the natural product requires pre-processing, which consists of peeling the kernels. How can this be done in an industrial environment and is it possible to simplify the procedure for preparing products for use in everyday life?
Pumpkin and sunflower seed kernels
Selection and preparation of seeds
When purchasing seeds, you should make sure that they are well dried, as evidenced by the hard husk. There should be no smell of depravity. Damaged seeds have a bitter taste.
Before processing the kernels, they should be washed thoroughly. To check the purity criterion, you can wet your fingers and feel the seeds with them. They will be sticky if not washed enough. It should be noted that if raw materials are processed inappropriately, storage of finished products will be difficult due to the increased likelihood of infection by mold fungi.
Characteristics of husk pellets
Name of indicator Actual value Unit of measurement Heat transfer 4142/5252 kcal/kg Higher calorific value 21.99 kJ/kg Lower calorific value 17.34 kJ/kg Mass fraction of ash up to 7% Mass fraction of water up to 10.6% Total sulfur absent - Granule size( diameter) 5-12 mm Granule size (length) 50 mm Odor characteristic of sunflower husks -
Not long ago, individuals and industrial enterprises chose pellets as a solid fuel. But even in such a short time, the product managed to earn enormous popularity and more and more people began to use it. According to statistics, the demand for alternative fuel is growing every year and amounts to about 30%. For example, the Swedish government has created a program that provides for an increase in the annual use of fuel pellets by at least 7 million tons; in the UK this number is no more than 600 thousand tons.
Thanks to the analysis of various offers on the global network, you can see that wood pellets, for example, in Poland are approximately 110 euros per ton of material, and those made from sunflower husks are five euros cheaper. Of course, such prices can hardly be considered low. But since tariffs for gas, oil, and electricity are constantly rising, for many countries pellets will become an excellent replacement, so the demand for them will rise.
What are the benefits of husk pellets?
Consumers of husk pellets chose this alternative fuel because of their many advantages in contrast to traditional energy resources. Firstly, the material is environmentally friendly, as it does not contain chemicals, spores and plant seeds that cause allergies. Secondly, the use of pellets is economical, since their cost is affordable. Thirdly, they are functional, having low biochemical activity, they can be stored without observing special conditions, transportation of fuel is convenient due to their standard sizes and flowability.
Flaws
As mentioned above, pellets made from sunflower husks have a fairly high percentage of ash. therefore, they are recommended for firing industrial boilers. There is a myth that they have a very detrimental effect on solid fuel boilers and chimney systems, this is not so. Such problems can only arise in incorrectly calculated systems where the diameter of the chimney is significantly narrowed or its system itself has sharp turns or loose pipe connections, which reduces draft. In such cases, ash deposition will be higher than normal, but this will occur when using any solid fuel.
Essence of the process
The question of how seeds are peeled from husks in production is relevant when planning large-scale activities in this area, focused on making a profit. From this perspective, an entrepreneur can specialize in the supply of raw materials to production workers or independently organize the production of food products, the basic component of which is seeds.
Industrialists clean the seeds using special equipment, which qualitatively separates the elements only when prepared seeds are loaded into it.
If they are not washed and dried, the machine will not be able to efficiently cope with the task assigned to it. The seeds should not be covered in dirt, since, due to their special physical properties, it will certainly stick to the seeds freed from the husk.
After pre-processing the seeds, they are placed in a hopper, from which they are moved in portions to an apparatus, the functionality of which ensures selection by size. The first stage of separating the shells from the seeds is done in a drum, but the result is not clean grains. Some of them may have husks remaining on them due to incomplete drying or due to the characteristics of the grain due to the tight fit of the peel. The separation of elements is carried out using a winnower and a cyclone. For final cleaning, the resulting mass is unloaded onto a special table, where, after vibration, it is finally released from the husk.
Cleaning apparatus
How to quickly peel sunflower seeds at home: methods, tips
It is not easy to peel a large number of seeds at home. We usually crush the seeds with our fingers or teeth. But it is very difficult to clear large quantities of semen this way. Accordingly, non-manual methods are chosen to obtain purified kernels.
Instructions for cleaning seeds:
- Place a small amount of seeds into the blender and pulse for a few seconds.
- After this, repeat the manipulation several times. As a result of such actions, the peel is damaged.
- After this, fill the seeds with water and wait for the peel to float up. Drain the top and refill with water.
- As a result of such manipulations, most of the peelings will float, and the kernels will remain at the bottom. Now dry the kernels or fry them.
How to quickly peel sunflower seeds at home: methods, tips
Separating pumpkin seeds from the peel
Pumpkin seeds are used in baking certain types of bread, as well as in the manufacture of confectionery.
Pumpkin seeds are cleaned in production using the same equipment as sunflower kernels, if the entrepreneur has purchased multifunctional equipment that supports such an option. Some equipment models do not allow you to work with different types of raw materials, which must be taken into account when choosing it before making a purchase. Equipment aimed at simultaneous activities with several types of products can increase profit margins, which will allow for a faster return on the funds invested in the business.
Frying Tips
— Before frying, you need to sort out the seeds from pebbles and plant debris.
— To prepare well-salted seeds, dilute the salt in water (50 milliliters of water per 1 teaspoon) and add to the seeds at the very beginning of frying: as they cook, the salt will be absorbed into the seeds and the water will evaporate. — You don’t have to add oil to the frying pan, then the seeds will taste a little drier. Thanks to the oil, the seeds are fried at high temperatures, making them crispier, fattier and more aromatic. It is also important that using oil allows you to salt the seeds without adding water.
— During frying, it is not recommended to add seeds so that they all fry evenly.
— It is recommended to fry a large number of seeds in several pans.
— The seeds burn instantly from strong fire. To properly prepare the seeds for the first time, carefully monitor the smoke: a light smoke indicates that the seeds are almost completely ready, but a strong smoke indicates that the seeds are starting to burn. You should remove the pan from the heat and taste the seeds. Also keep in mind that the fried seeds will fry for a couple of minutes due to the internal temperature.
Sunflower
Oksana Konstantinova Dried seeds are not only tasty, but also a very healthy snack. Pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds are rich in vitamins, macro- and microelements that have a beneficial effect on human health. True, only if they are properly prepared.
Expert opinion
Ekaterina Korneva, expert in the field of care, cleanliness and beauty
I will help you understand all the intricacies.
The optimal solution would be to use special life hacks that have been tested in practice and have many positive qualities, since the kernel is not damaged and the taste of the product is preserved. Cleaning equipment is used for the production of kozinaki and in the confectionery industry. Calibrated sunflower seeds. When size matters For any questions, please contact me, I will be happy to answer!
About waste-free production
Appearance of the device
The main waste from industrial activities is husks. It can be transferred under a transportation contract for disposal, for which you will have to pay. It is worth noting that kernel shells are a raw material in the production of biofuel. It is also used for growing mushrooms, as well as pontoon and hyxose sugar. Therefore, having concluded a supply agreement, you don’t have to worry about where to put the husks, but transfer them and receive money for it.
Microwave
- cut the pumpkin and remove the seeds;
- free the seeds from the pulp, wash with water in a colander;
- blot with a napkin and place on a baking sheet;
- dry them a little from moisture;
- lightly roll the product with a rolling pin;
- put in a saucepan, pour boiling water (1:2).
- cook for 30 minutes over low heat.
The further development prospect is very tempting: the ovens used in production can be reconfigured for roasting pumpkin seeds, peanuts, coffee beans, etc. By purchasing additional equipment for separation, peeling and cleaning of seeds in the future, it is possible to produce sunflower kernels. It is also possible in the future to produce butter, margarine, feed cake, drying oil, kozinaki, halva and much, much more.
Results
Seeds are cleaned from the shell in production using special equipment. It is expensive, so its purchase is relevant when planning large-scale production, which will quickly recoup the investment. To simplify the process and reduce its cost, it is recommended to automate the process. When purchasing a production line, you should familiarize yourself with its functionality and opt for those options that can be reprogrammed for processing different types of raw materials, as well as connecting operations for heat treatment, spice saturation and packaging. When cleaning seeds for yourself, you can use home appliances, the functionality of which includes the option of mixing and grinding.
Oil content of sunflower seeds
On average, one seed weighs 0.05 grams. and contains 0.02 g. oils Thus, from 14 sunflowers you can get 4 kg of seeds, and from them - 1.2 liters of oil.
However, the quality of sunflower oil directly depends on the quality of the seeds themselves, the timing and conditions of their storage before pressing. The seeds must be whole, not cracked or damaged. They must be thoroughly cleaned; the debris content cannot exceed 1%.
The main quality characteristics for sunflower seeds are oil content and moisture content. Oil content is the content of crude fat and fat-like substances that pass into the ethereal extract during their research; it depends on the variety of sunflower and how warm and sunny the summer was. The higher the oil content, the greater the oil yield. The optimal percentage of moisture content for sunflower seeds is 6%.
Determination of the class of sunflower seeds is carried out using laboratory tests based on the following indicators: oil content; humidity; oil acid number; presence of pests. The first class is characterized by an oil content of no less than 50% of the grain weight, as well as a complete absence of pests. The second class sets the oil content relative to the entire grain mass to 40%.
By pressing 1 kg of dry first class sunflower seeds at home you can get the following oils:
Another indicator is production time. For home oil pressors, productivity reaches 4 kg/h (with preheating of the device to 100°C).
Positive properties
Pumpkin seeds are a storehouse of nutrients. The kernels contain antioxidants, vitamins A, C, D, K, E, some representatives of group B, as well as proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The seeds are rich in minerals, especially zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus. Ingestion of pumpkin seeds helps treat and prevent many diseases, saturate the body with useful substances, replenish calcium deficiency in the bones, remove parasites, lose weight and slow down aging.
How to get pumpkin seeds? Of course, the best way is to grow organic fruit in your own garden. Cut, separate the seeds from the pulp and dry yourself. However, in the conditions of the city and the pace of modern life, this is difficult to achieve. It is much easier to purchase a small bag of already peeled ones. How it's done?
Premises, production workshop
There are no serious restrictions regarding the location of the facility. Even buildings on the outskirts of the city are suitable. Thanks to this, it will be possible to save on the rental price. Use the money saved to purchase an effective cleaner.
But there are some requests regarding the premises where the production process is being established:
- Passing inspections from Rospotrebnadzor and fire inspections. Sanitary and fire safety standards are the most important to comply with.
- Good communications, ventilation.
- Power line of sufficient power for processing sunflower seeds.
It is necessary to equip warehouses where raw products and finished goods are stored. The main thing is to organize protection against small rodents getting inside.
The cost of one production line ranges from 700 thousand to 3 million rubles. At the same time, any line requires maintenance by a staff of workers, even if it is automated, for the most part. One equipment requires up to 4-5 people. The automatic line needs at least 2-3 people. Each manufacturer decides for himself how beneficial the automated option will be for him. After this, it is easier to understand how the sunflower will be processed.
Benefits of roasted sunflower seeds and pumpkin kernels
Almost every person associates roasted sunflower seeds with watching TV or summer walks along the streets. Sunflower seeds are an amazing product that is easily absorbed by the body, saturating it with vitamins and minerals.
The biological value of sunflower seeds is much higher than that of eggs or meat. The vitamin D content exceeds acceptable standards, even compared to cod liver oil. Sunflower seeds can improve the condition of the skin and mucous membranes; when consumed, the acid-base balance is normalized. Sunflower seeds contain a large amount of essential amino acids, which ensures normal metabolism. Potassium, magnesium, phosphorus ensure stable functioning of the cardiovascular system, prevent the occurrence of myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis.
Peeling the seeds helps strengthen the nervous system, because opening the peel calms the nerves. Such a simple process is a kind of meditation, which in terms of effectiveness can be compared to the use of rosary beads. When the seeds are peeled manually, a massage is created on the fingertips, where the nerve endings are located.
