Abstract: A method for plasticing nuts, such as almonds and the like, includes the steps of heating a mass or bulk of nuts in a dry atmosphere to a uniform temperature as they are being conveyed, and moisturing the nuts to a preselected moisture content as they are being conveyed. The method further includes at least partially or semi-fluidizing the mass of nuts as they are being heated and moisturized. The method also includes heating the moisturized nuts to dry the skins of the nuts. An apparatus for plasticizing nuts, such as almonds and the like, includes a vibrating housing along which the nuts are conveyed in mass from one end to the other end thereof. The housing includes a perforated deck plate over which the mass of nuts move and defining an air chamber below the deck plate. The air chamber is divided into three plenums along the length of the housing.

Abstract: A method for plasticizing nuts, such as almonds and the like, includes the steps of heating a mass or bulk of nuts in a dry atmosphere to a uniform temperature as they are being conveyed, and moisturizing the nuts to a preselected moisture content as they are being conveyed. The method further includes at least partially or semi-fluidizing the mass of nuts as they are being heated and moisturized. The method also includes heating the moisturized nuts to dry the skins of the nuts. An apparatus for plasticizing nuts, such as almonds and the like, includes a vibrating housing along which the nuts are conveyed in mass from one end to the other end thereof. The housing includes a perforated deck plate over which the mass of nuts move and defining an air chamber below the deck plate. The air chamber is divided into three plenums along the length of the housing.