Abstract: A heat treatment vessel configured to receive at least two stacks of food products, includes a chamber with an inlet opening and a discharge opening separated from the inlet opening. The vessel also includes a movement device configured to engage a stack received through the inlet opening and to transport it toward the discharge opening.

Abstract: A method and system for processing food products in a vessel includes the steps of introducing intermediate temperature water from a first reservoir into the vessel, circulating the water and emptying it back into the first reservoir. Next, hot water from a second reservoir fills the vessel, is regulated by circulation between the second reservoir and the vessel, and is emptied back into the second reservoir. Intermediate temperature water from the first reservoir is then reintroduced into the vessel, circulated and emptied. Then, chilled water or brine from a third reservoir fills the vessel, is regulated by circulation between the third reservoir and the vessel, and is emptied back into the third reservoir.