Salad processing lines

In this phase, the operators prepare the salad heads to enter the processing line, removing the core, where present, and external leaves that are not suitable for processing and packaging. Whatever the production required, we are able to adapt the workstations of the preparation and sorting tables to the number of operators, automating repetitive tasks as much as possible.

When it comes to ready-to-eat fresh products (such as the fresh-cut range), washing is absolutely crucial. Any weeds or impurities present in the salad leaves must be absolutely eliminated before arriving at the packaging. The legislation on the subject is increasingly stringent and, in addition to requiring 2 subsequent washes, it now introduces severe limitations on the use of chemical agents.

Our solutions, which meet the most different needs, both in terms of product to wash and hourly capacity, include:

• washing tanks
• washing machines for leafy vegetables

Equally important, to ensure an adequate shelf-life of the product, is the drying phase.

Whether it is a continuous industrial line or a small processing line, we can offer various solutions:

• basket centrifuge (suitable for small productions)
• automatic centrifuge
• drying tunnel.

The optical sorter finds defects in salad leaves, such as discoloration and rot spots. It also allows the identification of foreign objects, such as insects, worms, snails, rather than pieces of wood, plastic, metal. The accuracy of the sorting process guarantees hygiene, quality and freshness of the product, particularly important for fresh-cut products.

When we talk about fresh-cut we talk about processed and ready-to-eat products. The transformation takes place thanks to the cutters that reduce salad, (and the other mixed products to put in the bags), to the desired format. Whether it is a quadrotto, julienne or other, Sgorbati is able to recommend the most suitable solution, among which:

• belt cutters
• 3D cutters (dicers)
• multi-purpose cutters

If your production needs do not require industrial type of machinery, we are able to offer you smaller solutions suitable for catering.

When the need is not to transform the product but to pack it whole as it appears in the field, Sgorbati provides the right solution with the packaging systems that, through an innovative sealing method, allow to reduce packaging times and costs and to extend the shelf life of the product, thanks to the use of a specific patented and customizable film.

Due to the greater attention paid to environmental issues, salad heads packaged with paper trays tied with a paper band are increasingly widespread.
For this solution Sgorbati has a banderoling machine that can be working as stand alone or as part of an automated line.