Producing Tomato Paste Without Additives and Preservatives for Commercial Purposes
Introduction
Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes that is widely used in various cuisines around the world. Producing it without additives and preservatives is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and strict adherence to sanitation and safety standards. This article will guide you through the steps involved in producing natural, additive-free tomato paste for commercial purposes.
Material and Setup Requirements
Material:
The production of tomato paste using whole material in a totally closed system is critical to prevent contamination. Stainless steel 304 and 316 are commonly used due to their high resistance to corrosion and compliance with sanitary standards. This ensures that the paste remains uncontaminated throughout the production process.
Sterilization Process
Hot Water/Steam Sterilization:
Effective sterilization is achieved through the use of hot water or steam at specific temperatures and pressures. The sterilizer is designed to eliminate bacteria and mold from the tomato paste. The continuous monitoring of temperature and pressure is essential to ensure the efficacy of the sterilization process.
Filling Process
Aseptic Filling:
Filling is done using an aseptic filler, which is critical to maintaining the sterility of the product. This system strictly adheres to aseptic techniques to prevent contamination even during the filling process. The tomato paste is transferred into aseptic bags, which are then sealed under sterile conditions.
Storage and Shelf Life
No Additives Needed:
When stored in aseptic bags, the natural properties of tomato paste ensure that it can be stored for up to two years without the need for additives. This is due to the high acidity levels that naturally preserve the paste. The bag can be stored under optimal conditions to maintain its quality and flavor.
Dilution and Packaging
Paste Concentrate:
The concentrate is then diluted into sauces and packed into various containers such as PET, tinplate, glass, or pouches. A post-sterilizing system ensures that these containers are also free from contaminants. It is crucial to maintain the sterility throughout the production and packaging processes to provide a safe and natural product to consumers.
Capacity and Turnkey Solutions
Top Manufacturer:
Our company is a leading manufacturer of tomato processing machinery and offers comprehensive solutions for building tomato paste processing plants with capacities ranging from 1T to 100TPH. We provide a turnkey solution for a seamless implementation.
Additional Additives and Drying Process
Simple Additives and Drying:
While it is possible to include simple additives like sugar, salt, and vinegar in the process, these are not strictly necessary for a pure tomato paste. The drying process can be an additional step to improve the concentration and texture of the paste.
Standards and Approvals
Safety Certification:
After the cooking process, which involves heating to kill all bacteria, mold, and their spores or cysts, the product must be aseptically canned. This ensures that the container is sealed under sterile conditions. Obtaining certification from local food safety organizations, such as the FDA in the United States, confirms that the product is safe for consumption.
Conclusion
Producing natural, additive-free tomato paste for commercial purposes involves meticulous attention to detail in material selection, sterilization, filling, and storage. By following these guidelines, you can produce a high-quality, safe, and flavorful product that meets the demands of the market without compromising on natural integrity.
Keywords: Tomato Paste Production, Natural Tomato Paste, Additive-Free Tomato Paste