Abstract: A method and system of processing citrus fruit is disclosed. A peeling chamber has opposing ends and a fruit inlet and fruit outlet formed at respective opposing ends. Abrasive rollers are rotatably mounted in an arcuate configuration within the peeling chamber at an area forming a lower portion of the peeling chamber. Citrus fruit is fed into the peeling chamber through the fruit inlet to the fruit outlet. The citrus fruit engages the rotating abrasive rollers with a residence time within the peeling chamber for peeling off the outer surface of the fruit in an amount sufficient to remove a majority of the oil within the citrus fruit and leaving sufficient peel thickness for maintaining peel integrity.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 16, 2002
Publication date:
May 23, 2002
Applicant:
FMC Thchnologeies, Inc.
Inventors:
Don Thomas, Alex Schuermans, Michael L. Suter, Salvador Garcia