Macadamia nut pasteurizing & roasting - Advantages of infrared technology
Infrared technology enables gentle nut pasteurizing, roasting, and coating of our macadamia nuts (with water-soluble salt or spice solutions).
- Homogeneous process: IRD light (infrared light) heats the nut kernels evenly from the inside and outside.
- Quality assurance: No moisture loss and preservation of sensory qualities (taste, appearance, smell, and retention of vitamins and minerals).
- Gentle treatment: Minimizing breakage for maximum yield.
- Efficiency: 3 in 1: During roasting, nuts can be simultaneously pasteurized and coated, saving time and resources.
- Moisture control: Compared to traditional steam nut pasteurizing, infrared pasteurization offers better control over moisture content. Maintaining a low moisture content has a positive effect on the shelf life of the products.
Nut pasteurizing with 5-LOG safety
One highlight of infrared technology is the possibility of achieving a 5-LOG reduction in germ counts. This means an effective reduction of germs such as salmonella, yeast, mold, E. coli, etc. to a minimum – just in a few minutes. During this process, the macadamia nuts are gently mixed and evenly heated, aided by a fine mist of water that enhances the germ-reducing effect.
Advantages of infrared pasteurization:
- Maximum food safety:
Validated 5-LOG reduction of germ counts. - Preservation of (organic) quality:
Organic certification, taste and appearance are maintained. - Natural process:
Effective germ reduction without gases, additives, or chemicals.
Gentle Macadamia roasting with infrared
The roasting process also benefits from the precise control and heating provided by infrared technology. This results in a perfectly uniform roast, both inside and out. The gentle movement in the rotating drum protects the delicate structure of the macadamia nuts, ensuring optimal results.
Advantages of roasting with infrared:
- Gentle and effective: Maximum flavor development with minimal impact on the nut kernels.
- Safe roasting: Reduced acrylamide levels.
- Flexibility: Different roasting levels with consistent quality.
- Continuity: Uniform roasting.
Creating More Value in Kenya with Renewable Energy
With the expansion of our processing capacities on-site, we consistently implement our philosophy of directly involving local communities in the value chain. Additional processing steps create skilled jobs, promote the regional economy, and reduce the need for energy-intensive transport.
Furthermore, the nut pasteurizing and roasting of macadamia nuts with infrared technology is operated in an environmentally friendly manner:
The energy required is provided by our combined heat and power plant, which uses macadamia shells as a sustainable energy source—an efficient solution without relying on fossil fuels.
- Maximum food safety due to 5-LOG pathogen reduction
- Avoid reputational damage due to recalls
- Maintain organic quality
- Save time and money by processing at source
- 100% traceability of nuts from farmer to customer
- Everything from a single source: seamless further processing of macadamias on site in Kenya
- Extended shelf life compared to other processes
