Preserving Quality & Nutrition with Freeze-Drying Technology | Gina’s Table

Summary

At Gina Table, we produce 100% natural, Australian freeze-dried fruits through an automated, sustainable process. The fruit is sanitized, sorted by size, and snap-frozen at -20°C. It then undergoes a unique freeze-drying method that preserves its shape, flavor, and nutritional value. The fruit is coated with natural flavors before being carefully packaged with automated quality control. Freeze-dried fruits are a nutritious, preservative-free option, and Gina Table supports local Australian growers by helping them add value to their products.

Takeaways

• 😀 The company produces 100% natural, Australian-made products using fruit, with a focus on sustainability.
• 😀 The factory is highly automated, ensuring efficient and sustainable processes from start to finish.
• 😀 The first step in the process is receiving and sanitizing the fruit, which is automatically processed through a tumble bath system at 40°C to maintain its integrity.
• 😀 The fruit is then graded by size, with different-sized fruits going through different production lines.
• 😀 Larger fruits are sliced, and the leaves are removed before being processed in an IQF (Individual Quick Freeze) machine at -20°C.
• 😀 IQF freezing preserves the quality of the fruit by freezing it quickly at extremely low temperatures.
• 😀 After freezing, the fruit is transferred to a freeze-drying process, where it undergoes a gentle drying process that retains its intense flavor and nutritional value.
• 😀 Freeze-dried fruits maintain 100% of their nutritional content, unlike dehydrated products, which lose some of their nutritional value.
• 😀 After the freeze-drying process, the fruit is coated with natural seasonings such as mango, raspberry, or strawberry powder.
• 😀 The company’s facility uses automated packing machines with metal detectors and weighing systems, allowing for different-sized packaging for both frozen and freeze-dried products.
• 😀 The freeze-dried fruit is valued for its ability to retain size, shape, and nutritional content, making it ideal for large-scale commercial use without the need for preservatives or artificial additives.
• 😀 The facility supports not only the company's own farm but also other growers in the region, helping them add value to their produce and bring it to market.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the company mentioned in the transcript?

The company focuses on producing 100% natural, Australian-made fruit products, ensuring sustainability and maintaining the integrity of the fruit throughout the production process.

How does the company ensure the fruit is sanitized before processing?

The fruit goes through an automatic sanitizing process where it is subjected to a tumble bath with sanitizing water at a temperature of 40°C to maintain its integrity.

What is the role of the IQF (Individual Quick Freeze) machine in the production process?

The IQF machine, also known as 'snap freeze', freezes the fruit at a temperature of minus 20°C to preserve its quality, texture, and nutritional value before further processing.

What makes freeze-drying different from traditional dehydration methods?

Freeze-drying involves first freezing the fruit and then using a very low heat process to remove the moisture. This preserves the fruit's intense flavor and nutritional value, unlike traditional dehydration, which can degrade these qualities.

What are the nutritional benefits of the freeze-dried fruit produced by the company?

The freeze-dried fruit retains 100% of its original nutritional value, including vitamins and minerals, as it is not exposed to high heat during the drying process.

How is the fruit coated after freeze-drying?

After the freeze-drying process, the fruit is transferred to a seasoning machine where it is coated or dusted with flavors such as mango, raspberry, or strawberry.

What kind of packaging process does the company use?

The company uses automated machines for the packing process. These machines perform functions like weighing, metal detection, and can package products in various sizes for both frozen and freeze-dried fruit.

Why is freeze-dried fruit considered a valuable product in the market?

Freeze-dried fruit is highly valued because it preserves the fruit's size, shape, and nutritional content without the need for preservatives or artificial additives. This makes it an excellent long-term preservation method.

What sets the company's freeze-dried fruit apart from other products in the market?

The company's freeze-dried fruit is unique because it is 100% natural, with no added preservatives or artificial ingredients, making it a clean, nutrient-dense product.

How does the company support local farmers in Australia?

The company's facility not only supports its own farm but also works with other growers in the region, helping them add value to their products and bring them to market, benefiting the broader agricultural community in Australia.