Patent number: EP4473848A1.
Highly automatable device and associated method designed to artificially create an opening in closed pistachios, starting from the tip of the pistachio and running along the shell suture. This allows the kernel/seed to remain inside the shell while keeping the shell intact and unbroken.
The process results in a natural-looking opening with dimensions large enough to allow consumers to insert their fingernails and open the artificially split pistachios easily, without the need for any tools.
The invention describes an assembly of components—and a method that uses this assembly—that can be integrated into an automated system for in-line opening of closed pistachios. The system is currently at the patent application stage.
A high percentage of pistachios harvested are closed, which can range from 20% to 70% of total production depending on the season. A significant share of these closed pistachios have the right density and therefore a kernel size suitable for opening and marketing in the appetizer/snack segment, where consumers value the kernel remaining inside the shell (rather than outside) and an opening with appropriate dimensions.
The device and method create an opening starting from the tip of the pistachio and running along the shell suture, so that the kernel/seed remains inside the shell and the shell is not broken.
Opening closed pistachios.
Sectors: Food sector, Ingredients industry, Manufacturers of machinery and industrial equipment
Research lines: New foods and technologies
Research sublines: Processing and conserving technologies