Pascalization
Pascalization, also known as High Pressure Processing (HPP) or High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP), is a method of preserving and sterilizing food, in which a product is processed under very high pressure, leading to the inactivation of certain microorganisms and enzymes in the food. The technique is named after Blaise Pascal, the French scientist who discovered the principle that pressure applied to a fluid in a closed system is transmitted equally throughout the fluid.
History[edit | edit source]
The concept of Pascalization was first developed in the late 19th century, but it wasn't until the 1990s that the technology was commercially applied to food products. The first commercial use of HPP was in Japan in 1990, where it was used to process fruit jellies.
Process[edit | edit source]
In Pascalization, food is placed in a pressure vessel and subjected to high levels of hydrostatic pressure (between 100 and 800 MPa). This pressure is maintained for a certain amount of time, usually between a few seconds to several minutes. The process can be conducted at or near room temperature, making it a form of cold pasteurization.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Pascalization is used in the food industry to extend the shelf life of products and to maintain their original quality. It is particularly effective for foods with a high water activity, such as fresh meats, fruit juices, and ready-to-eat meals. The process does not affect the taste, texture, or nutritional value of the food, making it a preferred method of preservation for many manufacturers.
Advantages and Disadvantages[edit | edit source]
The main advantage of Pascalization is that it can effectively kill harmful bacteria and other microorganisms without the use of heat or chemicals. This makes it a more natural and environmentally friendly method of food preservation. However, the process is not effective against all types of bacteria, and some may be able to survive the high pressure. Additionally, the high cost of the equipment and the energy required for the process can be prohibitive for some food manufacturers.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
