Abstract: An apparatus for making citrus juice preferably includes a supply of relatively small frozen bodies comprising at least one of citrus juice and pulp, a heating section for adding heat to the frozen bodies to thaw the frozen bodies, and a filling section downstream from the heating section for filling juice containers with citrus juice. The relatively small frozen bodies may have at least one dimension less than about 1.5 inches. The apparatus may also include a pasteurizing section upstream from the filling section. In one embodiment, the supply comprises a plurality of portable containers each containing a plurality of frozen bodies. The heating section preferably comprises a heat transfer tank, a heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer tank, a heater for the heat transfer fluid, and a conveyor for advancing the containers of frozen bodies through the heat transfer fluid. Each portable container may comprise a flexible bag, for example.

Abstract: In a method for freezing the surface of one of a food product, the product is placed on a supporting structure (1). This has previously been given such a low temperature that the product when contacting the supporting structure will not freeze on to it. The product is maintained on the supporting structure for a sufficient time to cause at least its surface layer nearest the supporting structure to pass into the frozen state. An arrangement for carrying out the method comprises, in addition to the supporting structure, also means for imparting to it the low temperature, such as means (2-4) for supplying a cooling agent to the underside of the supporting structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for heat treatment of unpackaged food products by means of a fluid, especially a liquid, which has a temperature different from that of the unpackaged products and which supplies heat to the product or remove heat therefrom. The product is placed on a support of high thermal conductivity and is covered by a thin, flexible and fluid-tight covering layer which can be brought to closely follow the product. Upon flushing of such fluid towards the underside of the support and towards the top side of the cover, the fluid is adapted to cause the cover to adhere closely to the products thereby establishing a maximized contact surface for the exchange of heat between the fluid and the products.