Information courtesy: Ajith S, Global Foods, Kolazhy, Thrissur.
The world is changing fast. People are busy. Meat dishes, vegetables, and curries can all be cooked in an instant, or you can eat instant dishes. Everyone’s diet is changing rapidly. Did our elders ever think they would witness this? Retort technology is what made this possible.
The fame of retort technology is that it can preserve local curries and dishes for months without spoilage. This facility, which was once only available to large companies to package and market under fancy names both abroad and domestically, is now accessible to ordinary people as well.
This technological assistance is behind all famous brands. Without a large investment, including food safety certification, it is possible to eat.
Those who like local boiled tapioca and fish curry can eat it today while sitting in foreign countries by utilizing this facility.
Polypropylene
Aluminium foil
Polyester
Retort packs are used. This is a suitable pack for maintaining the quality of food and keeping it sterile. Retort packs are not like ordinary plastic covers or containers. These are covers made using a technology with different layers.
Most importantly, the part that comes in contact with the food will be made of polypropylene. In addition to this, it may have several layers made of polyester and aluminum. Many materials like polyester, aluminum foil, nylon, and polypropylene (plastic) are part of this.
They help protect the food item from oxygen and moisture and keep it from spoiling for a long time.
The food is heated after being packed in the retort pouch. No chemicals are used in retort-processed products. Unlike ordinary packs, retort packs can withstand high pressure and heat.
Moisture and oxygen cannot pass through a pack that has been sterilized. Atmospheric germs cannot enter and cause damage. After packing, it is cooked at a temperature of 121 degrees.
This will have more taste and quality than canned food. Sterilization means destroying disease-causing microorganisms. It also destroys spoilage bacteria. Heat is the main component.
- ✅ After the ingredients are boiled, they are cooled.
- ✅ Then, the remaining moisture is removed and it is packed.
The Agricultural University is able to prepare and provide such products to the common people as well. The Agri Business Incubator at the Agricultural University is leading this.
Interested individuals can learn this technology from the Agricultural University, get trained, obtain the necessary license, and start an enterprise. The Agri Business Incubator provides all the help for this.
There is a facility here to prepare your own products and send them abroad. Various products are prepared here under the Agricultural University’s brand itself.
These are prepared from vegetables procured directly from farmers. Farmers also get a good income through this.
Here, women’s groups work to prepare the products. SHG groups work here to procure directly from farmers.
Recently, more than 20 dishes including boiled tapioca and fish curry, tender jackfruit thoran, prawn roast, chicken curry, beef, mutton curry, sambar, avial, and kootukari were sent to England. Preparations are underway to send more dishes.
This promotes entrepreneurship among the youth. Retort-packed products are finding good markets both abroad and domestically.
An enterprise can be started with a small investment. You can also own the brand name through this. Even lesser-known local dishes can be brought to the foreign market.
For more information: Agri Business Incubator, Vellanikkara, Phone: 0487-2438332.
What is retort technology in food processing?
Retort technology is a processing method that helps preserve local curries and dishes for months without spoilage. Food is packed in a special retort pouch and then heated. The process keeps food sterile, protects it from oxygen and moisture, and helps ready-to-eat dishes travel to domestic and foreign markets.
Are chemicals used in retort-packed local dishes?
No chemicals are used in retort-processed products. According to the article, the key method is heat. After packing, the food is cooked at 121 degrees, which destroys disease-causing microorganisms and spoilage bacteria. This helps keep the food safe without depending on chemical preservation.
Why are retort packs different from ordinary plastic covers?
Retort packs are not like ordinary plastic covers or containers. They are made with different layers such as polypropylene, polyester, aluminum foil, and sometimes nylon. These layers help block oxygen and moisture, withstand high pressure and heat, and protect the food from atmospheric germs after sterilization.
Which Kerala-style dishes were sent to England?
More than 20 dishes were recently sent to England, including boiled tapioca and fish curry, tender jackfruit thoran, prawn roast, chicken curry, beef, mutton curry, sambar, avial, and kootukari. Preparations are also underway to send more dishes through this retort-packed food facility.
Can small entrepreneurs start a retort-packed food business?
Yes. Interested individuals can learn the technology from the Agricultural University, get trained, obtain the necessary license, and start an enterprise. The Agri Business Incubator provides help, and the article notes that an enterprise can be started with a small investment while also creating an own brand name.
How does retort food processing support farmers?
The products are prepared from vegetables procured directly from farmers, which helps farmers get a good income. SHG groups work to procure directly from farmers, while women’s groups work to prepare the products. This connects farming, food processing, and export opportunities in one practical system.
