Experimental processing laboratory
The aim of the research of the Experimental processing laboratory of LSIFG is – evaluation of the suitability of fruit and berry cultivars for different ways of processing (juice, puree, jam, jelly, drying, freezing) and the development of new products.
Technical equipment of the laboratory:
- complex for obtaining juice,
- chopper for hard fruits with different fractions, equipment for making ice-cream,
- various drying equipment (dryer with compulsory air circulation, microwave vacuum and liophylic dryers),
- laboratory autoclave, laboratory equipment for making jam,
- disintegrator for dry products.
Annually the Unit of Experimental Fruit and Berry Processing evaluates about 200 - 300 different samples of fruit and berry varieties and elite hybrids. The Unit has stable cooperation with Latvian and foreign fruit and berry processing enterprises. The work done at the Experimental processing laboratory can be considered as a link between growers and food processors. The growers are regularly informed about fruit varieties which are suitable for processing, while to the processing enterprises we offer recipes of new products and new processing technologies for Latvian-grown fruits and berries.
The Experimental processing laboratory provides practical background of Bachelor, Master and Doctor studies for students of the University of Latvia – Faculties of Biology and Chemistry, as well as the Latvian University of Agriculture – Faculties of Agriculture and Food Technology.