摘要 |
A processor (10) for processing food products, including those derived from animals such as catfish (12), includes a perforator (20) for perforating the membranes of the animal products. Fillets (22) are weighed by a scale (24) and analyzed for fat content by an analyzer (26). A vacuum tumbler (32) exposes the fillets (22) to both a partial vacuum created by vacuum source (44) and a hypotonic saline processing solution (48) partially filling the cylindrical drum (34) of the vacuum tumbler (32). A computer (28) provides central control of the processor (10). Processed fillets (50) may be weighed and analyzed for fat content, and then sorted and packaged for delivery. A sequence of process steps performed by the processor (10) may include feed-forward lines (120) or feedback lines (126) to prepare the vacuum tumbler (32) for processing or to initiate a re-tumble. The processing solution (48) may also be a hypotonic saline solution with selected amounts of an organic acid, such as ascorbic acid, and yeast. |