Cablevey Blog

Conveying Pumpkin Seeds

A pile of pumpkin seeds

Although there are many great snacks on the market, one of the healthiest options that always stands out from the competition is the pumpkin seed. This delicious food is considered a fragile material, which means that conveying pumpkin seeds can be a challenging process for manufacturers. How can they ensure their material is handled gently? Keep reading to learn all about the proper conveying of pumpkin seeds. 

Benefits of Eating Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are an ingredient in many Mexican dishes, and their oil is prized for cooking in middle Europe. In the US, roasted seeds are often used as a healthful, high-protein snack food. One hundred grams (3.5 oz.) of pumpkin seeds provides 54% of the daily requirement for protein and 16% of the fiber. These seeds are among the best sources of plant-based Omega-3 fats that help lower bad cholesterol (LDL). This promotes clear arteries and helps prevent heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, these seeds contain phytoestrogens that increase good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce postmenopausal symptoms.

100g of pumpkin seeds provides 80% of a day’s needed zinc, which promotes both the immune system and prostate health. It also gives 214% of the manganese, 155% of the magnesium, 168% of the phosphorus, and 62% of the iron needed each day. The seeds are rich in B-complex vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9. They also contain vitamins C, E, and K. 

Research studies suggest that pumpkin seeds may block the hormone DHEA to reduce the risk of prostate and ovarian cancers. Animal studies suggest that they improve insulin regulation and reduce oxidative stress to decrease diabetic complications, including kidney failure. One animal study found that the anti-inflammatory effects of pumpkin seed oil worked as well as the drug indomethacin in treating arthritis.

Five pumpkin seeds on a white background

How Do You Convey Pumpkin Seeds Without Breakage?

The key to competing in a global market is providing services tailored to each customer’s requirements. Cablevey’s strategy for competing in the global market includes understanding and catering to each customer’s unique needs and concerns. Sunshine Produce’s concerns required a unique testing protocol to simulate the production processes. They will take clean, dry pumpkin seeds and place them in a mixer with a measured quantity of water so that the husk of the seed will soften and swell. 

After 6 hours of conditioning, the seeds will be conveyed from the mixer to the husk remover, where the heart of the seed is captured for use as a food supplement or snack food. From experience, they knew that many types of conveyor systems would abrade or break some of the fragile seed hearts. Consumers expect to receive unbroken hearts with the natural green skin intact. Any visible flaw significantly reduces the product’s value.

Pumpkin Seed Challenge

Sunshine Produce challenged Cablevey Conveyors to use their test protocol to prove that Cablevey conveyor technologies would be superior to what cheaper competitors offer. Cablevey has several of its own conveyors installed in its facility to demonstrate how well customers’ fragile materials will convey. Sunshine shipped test sample seeds to Cablevey. So, what happened next?

Actions Taken to Evaluate Conveying Pumpkin Seeds

Three Cablevey employees worked for 2 days examining each individual seed until 80 lbs of perfect seeds had been sorted. When Mr. Liyuan Chen, Managing Director of Sunshine Produce, arrived in Oskaloosa, he was able to clarify test details before witnessing the tests. Seeds were weighed, the quantity of water to add was calculated, and they were mixed by hand in plastic tubs. 

After soaking the seeds for 6 hours, they were loaded into the conveyor. Mr. Chen observed that the seeds conveyed very well, and afterward, he took a small sample of the seeds to examine. He inspected them very closely and concluded that very, very few were damaged.

Pumpkin seed hearts

Cablevey Conveyors Offers Top-Rated Conveyor Systems – Find Out Why We’re the Best in the Business

Cablevey Conveyors stands unmatched in providing highly efficient conveyor solutions tailored for the gentle handling of fragile materials like pumpkin seeds. Our industrial conveyor systems, backed by innovative engineering, ensure that materials are transported safely and that they remain intact, reducing waste and boosting productivity. 

Our adaptability caters to diverse applications, meeting varied processing needs with precision. At Cablevey, we are committed to advancing your operational efficiency and profitability, transforming challenges into triumphs. Discover unparalleled quality and innovation with Cablevey, and let’s elevate your processing operations to new heights of excellence. Contact us to learn more about conveyor manufacturing and our superb automated conveyor systems.

FAQ

Why Is Conveying Pumpkin Seeds a Complex Process for Manufacturers?

Conveying pumpkin seeds is complex because they are fragile and can be easily damaged. Manufacturers must ensure gentle handling to maintain the seeds’ quality. Damage or visible flaws can significantly reduce their value, making the selection of appropriate conveyor systems crucial to prevent abrasion or breakage and to keep the natural green skin of the seed hearts intact.

What Are the Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds?

Pumpkin seeds are a high-protein snack rich in Omega-3 fats, vitamins, and minerals. They lower bad cholesterol, promote heart health, and contain phytoestrogens that increase good cholesterol and alleviate postmenopausal symptoms. The seeds are also suggested to reduce the risk of certain cancers and diabetic complications and have anti-inflammatory effects beneficial for arthritis treatment.

How Does Cablevey Ensure the Gentle Conveyance of Pumpkin Seeds Without Breakage?

Cablevey uses a tailored approach, incorporating specific tests to ensure gentle conveyance. For Sunshine Produce, seeds were conditioned and conveyed through Cablevey’s system, which proved minimal damage. Cablevey’s technology ensures the seeds, especially the fragile seed hearts, are conveyed with care, maintaining their quality and value in the market.

How Did Cablevey Prove the Effectiveness of Their Conveyor Systems for Pumpkin Seeds?

Cablevey accepted Sunshine Produce’s challenge to test its conveyor technology’s effectiveness. Cablevey conditioned and conveyed the seeds, allowing Sunshine’s Managing Director to witness the process. The test confirmed that Cablevey’s conveyor systems caused very minimal damage to the seeds, proving their superiority in handling fragile materials like pumpkin seeds.

What Makes Cablevey’s Conveyor Systems the Best Choice for Conveying Fragile Materials Like Pumpkin Seeds?

Cablevey stands out for its tailored, gentle handling of fragile materials, reducing waste and boosting productivity. Their innovative engineering ensures safe transport, maintaining the quality of delicate items like pumpkin seeds. Cablevey’s adaptability meets diverse processing needs with precision, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and profitability for businesses in various industries.

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