Simultaneous slicing and washing of vegetables

摘要

Simultaneous slicing and washing of relatively firm raw vegetable or fruit products is accomplished in a vat of water into which a slicer apparatus (21) is positioned such that the slices are formed and discharge directly into the water (13). An inclined takeout conveyor (17) serves to receive the slices and remove them from the water. A circulating water current and fluid jets (44,46) urge the slices to disperse onto the conveyor. A spray of water or air blast (47) removes residual vegetable matter from the slice surfaces before leaving the takeout conveyor for further processing. Slicing and washing a vegetable is undertaken in a flume volute (52) dispersing the slices onto a takeout conveyor (56); water medium being collected in a tub and recycled back to flow in the flume to a level that covers the slicer's operative parts. The apparatus may be used for simultaneous slicing and cooking of raw vegetables, where hot cooking oil is maintained in the system and recycled for reheating.