Hazelnuts are a beloved ingredient used in various recipes and products, from chocolates to spreads and beyond. However, storing hazelnuts can pose a challenge due to their high oil content, and other features this treat has.
To give you a better idea of how Modified Atmosphere packaging works on individual products, we’ll zoom into the challenges of storing hazelnuts in bulk and how Modified Atmosphere serves as a chemical-free solution – with plenty of benefits.
The challenges of storing hazelnuts in bulk
Storing bulk hazelnut products for an extended period poses various challenges. Hazelnuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, with a high oil content comprising 65% of their kernel weight.
As a result, they are highly susceptible to rancidity, particularly when stored long-term in the presence of air. Hazelnuts stored in low oxygen concentrations are less prone to rancidity.
Proper storage temperatures are also crucial, with recommended temperatures below 10◦C. Hazelnuts are vulnerable to insect infestations, particularly by the nut weevil.
Additionally, hazelnuts can experience autoxidation, mold growth, and biological activity, leading to off-odors and mycotoxin production. Their high lipid content also makes them prone to absorbing odors from other commodities stored in close proximity.
How Modified Atmosphere Packaging keeps hazelnuts fresh
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is an effective solution for protecting hazelnuts from the various risks associated with storage. By reducing the oxygen level and creating a modified atmosphere within the packaging, MAP technology helps to maintain the quality and freshness of the hazelnuts. Here’s how:
- One of the primary risks associated with storing hazelnuts is rancidity, which can be caused by exposure to oxygen. By reducing the oxygen level within the packaging, MAP technology helps to prevent the oxidation of the hazelnuts, which slows down the rancidity process.
- Another risk that hazelnuts face during storage is insect infestation, particularly by the nut weevil. The modified atmosphere created by MAP helps to inhibit the growth of insects and other microorganisms, which prevents the hazelnuts from becoming contaminated.
- Mold growth is another risk that hazelnuts face during storage. The modified atmosphere created by MAP inhibits the growth of mold by limiting the moisture content and preventing the formation of condensation.
- Biological activity, which causes elevated humidity levels and off-odors, can also be controlled with MAP technology. The modified atmosphere created by MAP helps to slow down the respiration process, which reduces the buildup of humidity and off-odors.
- Lastly, the high lipid content of hazelnuts makes them prone to absorbing odors from other commodities stored in close proximity. The modified atmosphere created by MAP helps to prevent the transfer of odors from other commodities, which helps to maintain the integrity and flavor of the hazelnuts.
Want to know how Modified Atmosphere affects other products than hazelnuts? Read: Modified Atmosphere Packaging results for different food products
Other benefits of Modified Atmosphere Packaging
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a revolutionary technology that has transformed the food industry by providing numerous benefits to products like cashew nuts and, of course, hazelnuts.
Benefit 1: Longer shelf life
One of the primary benefits of MAP is its ability to extend the shelf life of food products by controlling the atmosphere inside the package. By slowing down the degradation of the product, MAP reduces the risk of spoilage and extends its freshness, ensuring that the product remains safe and of high quality for an extended period.
Benefit 2: Quality control
Additionally, MAP helps to maintain the quality of the product by controlling the atmosphere inside the package, reducing the risk of off-flavors and textures. It also helps to prevent contamination of the product by reducing the risk of mold growth and insect infestation, ensuring that the product remains safe and of high quality.
Benefit 3: Sustainable solution
Furthermore, MAP is a sustainable option for storing food products, as it helps to avoid the use of chemicals in the storage process, which is particularly important for sensitive products like hazelnuts.
Read more: Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Organic Products
Benefit 4: Supply chain optimization
With MAP, manufacturers can also gain greater control over their inventory and supply chain, allowing them to optimize when and where to sell their products. This means that companies can reduce costs associated with waste, recalls, and lost revenue due to spoilage. Overall, MAP provides numerous economic benefits to companies that utilize it for their products.
Read more: Is Modified Atmosphere Packaging a profitable choice?
With Modified Atmosphere Packaging, we provide a solution that helps to extend the shelf life of your products, benefits your business, and the environment. Here’s what you need to know about implementing Modified Atmosphere Packaging into your supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions about Modified Atmosphere Packaging for food
1. What is Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), and how does it protect hazelnuts during storage?
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is a packaging technique that creates a modified atmosphere by reducing the oxygen level and controlling other gases, such as carbon dioxide, inside the package. This slows down the process of oxidation, inhibits the growth of microorganisms, and helps to maintain the quality and freshness of the hazelnuts during storage.
2. How long can hazelnuts be stored using Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)?
Hazelnuts can be stored using Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) for an extended period, typically up to 12-18 months depending on the specific conditions and packaging materials used.
3. What types of products can benefit from Modified Atmosphere Packaging?
A wide range of food products, including grains, dairy products, and powders, can benefit from Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). The technique is particularly useful for products that are sensitive to oxygen, moisture, and other environmental factors that can cause spoilage and degradation.