OptiCEPT® PEF system for drying in use at German prducer Steinicke

The OptiCEPT® SD7 system creates pores on the plant cells allowing the water to be released. This results in reduced drying time leading to enhanced flavor and vivid color on the final dried product.

What is OptiCEPT®?

OptiCEPT® SD7 is a pulsed electric field (PEF) system that is applied to fruits, vegetables, and herbs, before the drying or dehydrating processes.

OptiCEPT® creates pores on the plant cells allowing the water to be released. This results in reduced drying time leading to enhanced flavor and vivid color on the final dried product.

With this technology, the drying process can be streamlined, better quality is achieved, as well as better color, aroma, and taste.

Drying as a method

Food drying is the process of removing water from vegetables or fruits, which in its turn inhibits the growth of bacteria and enzymes and as such preserves it for a longer period.

Drying refers to the removal of free water from the vegetables or fruit whereas dehydration is the removal of all the water from the compound.

By applying PEF in the process, the process is significantly more efficient.

Advantages of food drying

The drying of fruit and vegetables leads to several advantages:

Stopping the growth of bacteria, yeast & mold by removing moisture

Slowing down enzymatic activity

Minimizing packaging requirement

Reducing transport weight

Commercial agreement with Steinicke using OptiCEPT®

During the previous months, Steinicke carried out a pilot project with OptiCEPT® for drying installed in its production line for drying carrots.

Great results achieved during this period now lead to further cooperation and the first commercial installation of OptiCEPT®.

About Steinicke

Steinicke is a family-owned company with a focus on sustainability and provides the largest brands in the world with its products.

Steinicke is a leading manufacturer of air-dried herbs and vegetables. Their growth has come as a strategic partner to many international producers of famous brands. Steinicke is a company open to new developments and new business partnerships worldwide. Located in Northern Germany this family company just keeps growing every year.

“Another major breakthrough for OptiCept, which is now opening up the market for dried food for us in a good way. We have a close and good collaboration with Steinicke and look good potential to also develop the business in the long run and include other types of crops included in their product portfolio, ”says Johan Möllerström, CEO of OptiCept Technologies.