Developments in food science and technology have made it possible to optimize production processes in factories, improving energy efficiency, product quality and yield. A key ally in this progress is the rotary evaporator, a laboratory instrument adapted to large industrial scale, whose applications in the food industry are increasingly valued.
The adaptation of laboratory technologies such as the inclusion of this to the food industry has a significant impact on process optimization, waste reduction and product quality improvement. Through their versatility, rotary evaporators are positioned as a preferred choice for concentration, purification, aroma and flavor recovery, and extraction of bioactive compounds.
Concentration and Purification of Food By-Products
This is a vacuum distillation apparatus that separates the components of a mixture, usually of different boiling points, by means of rotation and controlled heating. In the food industry, one of its main uses is the concentration and purification of food by-products. This process, thanks to rotary distillation, makes it possible to recover and reuse components that would otherwise be wasted.
For example, in the production of fruit juice, it makes it possible to concentrate the juice by extracting the water, thus improving its flavor and extending its shelf life. In addition, this process can be precisely controlled to keep flavors and nutrients intact, ensuring a high quality product.
Aroma and Flavor Recovery
Distillation is a frequently used method to recover aromas and flavors in the food industry. Rotary evaporators, thanks to their ability to operate under controlled vacuum conditions, facilitate the recovery of volatiles at low temperatures without causing thermal degradation.
This is particularly advantageous in the production of products such as broths or soups, where the rotary evaporator can capture and condense the volatile aroma compounds released during cooking. These can then be reintroduced into the product, improving its aromatic and flavor profile.
Extraction of Bioactive Compounds
Another significant use of rotary evaporators in the food industry is the extraction of bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds, present in fruits, vegetables and cereals, are highly beneficial to human health and have become a priority in the design of functional foods.
The rotary evaporator makes it possible to extract these compounds at moderate temperatures, minimizing their degradation and maximizing their concentration in the final product. This process, in addition to adding nutritional value to the product, allows the creation of new healthy product lines.
Kalstein rotary evaporators
These technological advances undoubtedly translate into added value for consumers by allowing the creation of innovative, tasty and nutritional products.
As a manufacturer of laboratory equipment we can offer you the best prices in the market, designed with resistant materials and above all that meet the requirements of quality and European certification; learn more about us HERE, if you want to process your purchase, and you have doubts about the different types of rotary evaporators, discover their characteristics HERE.
