From Farm to Flavor: Our Sun-Dried Tomato Process:
Egypt, a land of rich history and fertile soil, is renowned for its bountiful harvests. Among its agricultural treasures, tomatoes stand out as a cornerstone, offering a canvas for economic opportunity and immense potential as one of Egypt’s most abundant crops as it’s:
· The largest cultivated area of vegetables (about half a million acres annually).
· It is planted in the three seasons (summer – winter – autumn) and in all governorates and all types of soil.
· It is characterized by extreme price fluctuations, leading to a high percentage of waste.
· It is planted in all types of land areas (small – medium – large).
Our state-of-the-art process line is a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation. We blend traditional sun-drying techniques with modern technology to deliver an outstanding product as from the moment the tomatoes are harvested to the final stages of packaging, we meticulously oversee every step, ensuring that only the finest products reach the final consumer.
Sun-dried Tomato Processing Steps
• Material Feeding
Our process begins with the careful handling of fresh tomatoes that are packed in plastic crates into our robust inclined conveyor system to the subsequent stages of our production line.
• Manual Sorting
Ensuring the highest quality for our sun-dried tomatoes begins with meticulous selection. Following the initial feeding stage, the tomatoes undergo a critical manual sorting process on our inspection conveyor. This stainless-steel roller conveyor belt equipment propels the tomatoes forward at a consistent speed, offering a clear view for the quality control experts. By carefully examining each tomato, our team efficiently removes any rotten, damaged, or underripe fruit, guaranteeing that only the finest specimens continue their journey towards sun-dried perfection.
• Washing
To ensure optimal hygiene and remove any residual impurities, our tomatoes undergo a rigorous two-step washing process:
Step 1: Water Immersion Washing:
Initially, the tomatoes are submerged in a specialized washing machine, where they are thoroughly cleansed with water.
Step 2: Brushing:
Subsequently, they move to our advanced brushing machine, designed specifically for cleaning and polishing round and elongated fruits and vegetables. This machinery significantly enhances production efficiency by reducing labor requirements and contributing to overall cost reduction. By the end of this stage, our tomatoes are impeccably clean and ready for the next phase of the production process.
• Cutting
To prepare the tomatoes for optimal sun-drying, a precise and efficient cutting process is essential. Our advanced conveyor system seamlessly transports the washed tomatoes to our state-of-the-art cutting machine. This specialized equipment is designed to accurately and rapidly slice each tomato in half, ensuring consistent dimensions and maximizing the surface area exposed to the sun. The cutting machine is a cornerstone of our production process, as it significantly enhances efficiency and product uniformity. By automating this critical step, we minimize human error, reduce labor costs, and guarantee a consistent supply of perfectly prepared tomato halves for the subsequent drying phase.
• Packing and Preparing for Drying
To facilitate efficient handling and drying, the sliced tomato halves undergo a careful packing process. The tomatoes are meticulously arranged in plastic crates, ensuring optimal airflow and preventing damage during transportation. Once packed, the crates are transferred to the designated drying area, marking the commencement of the crucial sun-drying phase. This organized approach safeguards the quality of the product and ensures a smooth transition to the next critical stage of production.
• Drying
The drying process is a critical juncture in transforming fresh tomatoes into sun-dried delicacies. Immediately following the slicing stage, a crucial step involves the application of salt or sulfur to the tomato halves. This process is time-sensitive, as delaying it, especially in high temperatures, can lead to suboptimal drying conditions and increased risk of contamination.
Key considerations for salt or sulfur application:
• Timely application: Salt or sulfur should be applied within 15-20 minutes of slicing.
• Expert handling: Personnel must be well-trained in application techniques and dosage.
• Salt quality: Use dry kitchen salt (grade 2) for even distribution.
• Sulfur quality: Use coarse sulfur for effective application.
• Even distribution: Employ a sieve to ensure consistent coverage.
• Weather conditions: Adjust application method for windy conditions.
• Quantity control: Apply 15-25 kg of salt per ton of tomatoes.
Drying Process:
The drying process takes place over several days, with the duration influenced by weather conditions. Summer typically requires 4-5 days, while winter may extend to 12-15 days. Regular inspection is crucial to determine the optimal drying time and prevent overdrying. To streamline operations and monitor production, the drying area is divided into numbered units. Detailed records are maintained for each unit, including date, slicing area, and drying progress. This information is essential for quality control and production analysis. The final product is collected once it reaches the desired level of dryness, as determined by market demands. By adhering to these meticulous procedures, we ensure that our sun-dried tomatoes achieve the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and quality.
• Impurity Removal
Once the sun-drying process is complete, the dried tomatoes are carefully collected and returned to our production facility. The product, packed in crates, is then placed on our conveyor system, initiating the impurity removal phase. To ensure the highest product quality, our advanced impurity removal vibrator is employed. Equipped with a high-pressure air pump and a vibrating motor, this machinery effectively separates the dried tomatoes from any foreign contaminants. Through a combination of vibration and airflow, the system efficiently removes unwanted particles, such as stems, leaves, or other debris, resulting in a pristine and pure final product. This critical step is essential in maintaining the exceptional quality standards of our sun-dried tomatoes.
• The Final Sorting (Pre-packing Sorting)
Following the impurity removal stage, our sun-dried tomatoes undergo a meticulous final sorting and grading process. This crucial step ensures consistent quality and caters to the diverse needs of different markets.
Sorting Environment:
• Dedicated Sorting Area: Sorting takes place in a dedicated space that adheres to stringent food safety regulations, guaranteeing a clean and hygienic environment.
• Optimal Lighting: Ample lighting is provided to facilitate accurate sorting of the sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring a discerning and consistent process.
• Trained Personnel: Highly trained and experienced staff carry out the sorting, carefully examining each tomato and adhering to strict quality control measures. Supervision is maintained to ensure every batch meets the highest standards.
• Thorough Inspection: Each sun-dried tomato is meticulously inspected from both sides, leaving no room for imperfections to pass through.
Sorting Technology:
• Automated Conveyor System: To enhance efficiency and maintain a smooth workflow, a conveyor system seamlessly transports the sun-dried tomatoes through the sorting process.
• Gentle Cleaning: A unique addition to the conveyor is a soft roller brush made of horsehair. This feature gently cleans and removes any residual dust from the tomatoes, further refining the product for optimal quality.
Product Classification:
Based on the technical specifications of various markets, the sun-dried tomatoes are categorized into distinct grades. This ensures that each customer receives a product that perfectly aligns with their needs and desired characteristics. Through this rigorous sorting and grading system, we guarantee the consistent excellence of our sun-dried tomatoes, delivering a product that reflects our unwavering commitment to quality.
• Packing & Storage
The final stage in our sun-dried tomato production process involves meticulous packing and careful storage.
Packing:
To preserve the quality and ensure optimal transportation, our sun-dried tomatoes are carefully packed into sturdy 10 kg cardboard boxes or 10-15 kg cardboard bags. To maximize shipping efficiency and product longevity, we offer the option of vacuum packaging, which can increase storage space by up to 50%. Our advanced multi-head weigher packing machine automates the packing process, ensuring precision and efficiency.
Key features of this machine include:
• Versatility: Accommodates various bag types to suit different packaging requirements.
• Flexibility: Adjustable bag size and weight for customization.
• User-Friendly: Simple bag former changeover for different bag sizes.
• Automation: Automated measuring, feeding, filling, bag making, and printing.
• Hygiene: Constructed from food-grade stainless steel for safety and durability.
• Precision: Temperature control for each heating block ensures optimal sealing.
• Traceability: Thermal date printer for product identification and freshness tracking.
Storage:
To maintain product quality and extend shelf life, our sun-dried tomatoes are stored under specific conditions. Optimal storage involves a temperature of 5°C and low relative humidity. Under these conditions, the product can retain its freshness for up to 24 months.
By combining advanced packaging technology with precise storage conditions, we deliver sun-dried tomatoes that are not only exceptional in taste but also safe and durable for consumption.