Salvatore C Felice

US Patent:

60998822, Aug 8, 2000

Filed:

Jun 7, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/327115

Inventors:

Spencer Charles Risner - Hollister CA
Greg M. Durst - Yuba City CA
Salvatore C. Felice - Hollister CA

Assignee:

California Fire-Roasted, L.L.C. - West Sacramento CA

International Classification:

A23L 101

US Classification:

426314

Abstract:

A system for preparing a skinned food product includes a roasting unit, a smoking chamber, and a conveyor system for transporting the skinned food product through the roasting unit and through the smoking chamber. The roasting unit has a heated zone for at least partially loosening the skin of the skinned food product. The heat in the heated zone may also blacken portions of the skinned food product. The conveyor system rotates the skinned food product as the product passes through the heated zone. The contact with the smoke in the smoking chamber provides the skinned food product with a desired flavor. A method for preparing a skinned food product includes contacting the product with heat to at least partially loosen a skin thereof, and contacting the product with smoke for a period of time sufficient to provide the product with a smoked flavor. The system and method may be used to prepare skinned food products such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, corn, potatoes, and artichokes.