New Separating Technology for Pomegranate Launched

Hefestus’ proprietary technology takes a complete pomegranate and, with water and sound-wave technology, separates the peel from the arils as well as separating them from the paper-thin white membrane surrounding seed clusters.

19/09/08 Pomegranate (Punica granatum) places challenges even for the dedicated healthy consumer since peeling and picking the fruited arils takes time and effort. Hefestus, Ltd., Israel, provides multiple solutions and longer shelf-life for ready-to-eat pomegranates.

"The pomegranate has become the favorite superfruit of modern consumers, thanks to its exotic taste and antioxidant health benefits," says Oded Shtemer, CEO of Hefestus. "They want the ‘whole package’: a ready-to-eat superfruit with all the health benefits, maximum freshness and ease of use. With our proprietary technology, the consumer gets the pomegranate arils without the mess involved in peeling the fruit."

Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants proven to help keep LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. This degradation of LDL is believed to be an initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, pomegranate juice, like aspirin, can help keep blood platelets from clumping together to form unwanted clots.

Hefestus’ proprietary technology takes a complete pomegranate and, with water and sound-wave technology, separates the peel from the arils as well as separating them from the paper-thin white membrane surrounding seed clusters.

The technology also enables the release of a natural preservative from the skin, which coats each seed and provides natural anti-rancidity protection. To achieve optimal long-lasting shelf life, Hefestus also can pack the fruit in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) via a new, patented method of sealing trays with modified atmosphere (MAP technology) called SLB™. – Shelf Life Booster. SLB is the best alternative for vacuum packaging. It extends product shelf life without using synthetic preservatives.

"These advantages ensure continuous production and low waste, achieving long-lasting shelf life at relatively low cost," adds Shtemer. "Hefestus’ technology also can serve food producers creating products that contain pomegranate, such as dressings and jams. It is the first and ultimate pomegranate technology providing a full solution, from a whole fruit to separated arils packed in ready-to eat tray, or arils ready for extraction of juice.”