Freshcut produce is a growing need in the food industry, driven by consumer demand for convenience. Whether it’s peeled onions, diced carrots, or frozen chips, once produce is cut or trimmed its shelf life quickly shortens.
When fruits or vegetables are peeled, sliced, or diced, the protective outer layers are removed which accelerates moisture loss and oxidation; this can lead to discoloration, the produce becoming softer, and spoiling much faster. So, how can food processors extend produce freshness?
Extending the shelf life of cut produce begins with precision cutting. The smoother and cleaner the cut, the less damage occurs, which reduces the rate of spoilage. Equipment such as M&P Engineering’s Carousel Grid Cutting Machine and Onion Peeling Machines are designed to deliver accuracy and consistency, helping to preserve the structure of the produce.
Hygiene is another factor that directly affects shelf life. Machines that are easy to clean and resistant to contamination reduce the risk of bacteria being introduced during processing. Stainless steel construction and accessible designs, like those found in M&P’s machinery, support both hygiene and efficiency.
Longer shelf life doesn’t just benefit retailers and consumers – it reduces food waste throughout the supply chain. By ensuring that cut and trimmed produce remains fresh for longer, processors can both meet customer expectations and reduce the volume of product that spoils before it reaches the consumer.
Extending the shelf life of cut and trimmed produce requires a complete approach: precision cutting, hygienic processing, and even smart packaging. By focusing on these factors, food processors can deliver fresh, safe, and visually appealing products with reduced waste and greater efficiency. With advanced solutions, like the food processing equipment M&P Engineering designs and manufacturers, food processors are well equipped to meet growing consumer demand for fresh convenience foods while protecting quality every step of the way.
M&P Engineering is an industry leading manufacturer and supplier of food processing equipment to food production sites across the globe. With over 50 years’ experience in the industry, M&P Engineering has grown to become a global business.
M&P Engineering manufactures high quality freshcut machinery. New technology is constantly being developed and improved to meet the ever-increasing demand for fresh fruit and vegetables ready to eat.
M&P’s Carousel Grid Cutting machine is capable of cutting vegetables and fruit into fries, batons, wedges, petals and slices.
In addition, M&P Engineering also has available a world-renowned onion peeling machine. M&P’s Large Onion Peeler uses self-adjusting knife assemblies to top, tail and peel onions. It also uses air compressors to remove the outer skin.
If you would like to find out more information about M&P’s products and services, please call on +44 (0)161 872 8378 or contact us here.