Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for removing the pellicle from nut kernels and a blanching composition for use in the treatment of nuts.More particularly, the process of the invention comprises the steps of:(a) immersing nut kernels in a composition comprising a mixture of a vegetable oil and a wetting agent in a solution of water and, optionally, a sugar, at ambient temperature to soften and loosen the pellicle;(b) removing the nut kernels from the composition and draining the nut kernels;(c) exposing the nut kernels to ambient temperature water to remove the pellicle; and(d) separating the nut kernels from the pellicle.

Abstract: An improved shell sorter is disclosed. One improvement resides in the incorporation of a bandpass filter with a center frequency selected on the basis of the signals produced by a transducer in response to the impact of shell fragments or other components of the material to be rejected against a target plate, instead of a high pass filter which passes signals above a given frequency which possibly represent not only components of the material to be rejected, but other components of the material which may not be desired to be rejected. The use of a bandpass filter provides higher selectivity and precision of operation with respect to the rejection of shell fragments. Another improvement resides in the use of a differential or window comparator circuit for discriminating shell fragments from nut meats which for some reason, such as dryness, cause the transducer to produce a signal having a frequency characteristic which is typically representative of shell fragments.

Abstract: A process for the removal of pellicle from nut kernels is disclosed which simultaneously roasts the nuts. The process involves immersing the pellicle-covered kernels in a heated fluid at a moderate temperature for a sufficient period of time to permit the oil to penetrate the pellicle and to draw at least a portion of the moisture in the kernel to the kernel surface. The kernels are then heated at a higher termperature to vaporize the moisture previously drawn up to the surface and simultaneously detach the pellicle from the kernels and roast the kernels. The process is of particular utility in removing pellicle from nuts such as American hazelnuts and Brazil nuts in which the pellicle is strongly bound to the kernels and not readily removed by simple abrasion.

Abstract: A process for the production of fruit pastes or purees from drupaceous fruits other than plums is disclosed, which comprises dehydrating the fruits with skins and stones intact, then compressing the whole dried fruits against a perforated barrier to force therethrough the flesh of the fruit substantially free of solids. This avoids the need to halve the fruits and remove the stones prior to drying, and thereby lowers the expense of processing such fruits considerably. It also provides a method of achieving a palatable product fit for human consumption from materials heretofore considered useless.