PROCESSING OF TOMATO The entire tomato processing line can be divided in the following sections: ·       Tomato Preparation Section ·       Tomato Pre-processing Section ·       Tomato Processing Section ·       Tomato Packaging Section   PREPARATION This involves the following operations: Tomato Washer – The tomatoes are thoroughly washed in this unit due to agitation in water with the help of blower. Inspection cum Preparation Conveyor – After washing the product is passed on a 3 lane conveyor where inspection of the product takes place.   PRE-PROCESSING Hot Break System – This system is installed to retain the pectin, which ensures viscosity and other important properties of tomato, after crushing of tomato. The system consists of the crushing machine, closed tank, heat exchanger and high speed recirculation pump interconnected to each other. Pulper cum Refiner - The crushed tomato received from the hot break system is passed through the pulper to remove the seeds of tomato and extract the juice.   PROCESSING Standardization Tank – The tomato pulp received from the pulping section is standardized for consistency of properties like concentration, sweetness etc. Vacuum Pan – The tomato pulp is concentrated under vacuum. Pasteurizer – The concentrate is pasteurized by heating it at high temperature for specified amount of time.   PACKAGING Depending upon the processing technology used, packaging type differs. For Canning line, packaging is done in tin cans. Ketchup is filled in glass or PET bottles. For Aseptic filling, the tomato paste is filled in drums of large sizes.