The Colombian herb company La Corsaria is currently able to clean approximately 100 kg of mint per hour – with impressive capacity reserves. When it comes to processing its delicate bunches of fresh mint, the company relies on a solution by KRONEN: a GEWA 3800V ECO HELICAL washing machine combined with an integrated insect and fine particle removal system and accompanied by KS‑100 PLUS vegetable and lettuce spin-dryers.
Fresh mint is an extremely delicate product, and its essential oils and fine leaf textures, as well as possible foreign objects such as insects, place special demands on processing activities. During mechanical washing or drying, it is not only important that the aroma and sensitive texture are not damaged; it is also essential that insects, sand or other fine particles are reliably removed.
Washing mint without losing its aroma – gently yet thoroughly
The delicate mint is hand-picked by La Corsaria, tied into bunches secured with elastic bands, and transported gently into the washing machine via conveyor belt. One of the main challenges involved in this process is reliably removing even the tiniest insects such as fleas or larvae without damaging the fine leaves or losing their aromatic essential oils.
This task is mastered by the GEWA 3800V ECO washing machine, which features an upward-facing water jet at the inlet that automatically moves the bunches under the surface of the water. Particularly light bunches are completely submerged as they pass through the insect and fine particle removal drum to ensure particularly thorough cleaning.
A fresh water shower above the outfeed belt then sprays off any disinfectant residues from the washed product in an additional rinsing stage that uses fresh water. At the same time, this process constantly refills the wash tank.
Efficient drying: bunches of mint perfectly prepared for packaging
After the washing process, the bunches of mint are discharged via a vibration outfeed into baskets on a basket carousel, dried by three KS-100 PLUS spin-dryers, and finally packaged. With this solution, La Corsaria is setting new quality standards in the field of mint processing in Colombia.
The combination of gentle product handling, thorough cleaning, and efficient use of resources enables hygienic, product-friendly processing that meets the high demands of a modern, responsible processing facility.
Clean mint, low water consumption, and high product safety
The rotating insect removal system with a drum was developed especially for more delicate products and whole leaves. The insect drum can be easily swiveled out of the wash tank, for example for cleaning. It also has an open design for easy access. At the same time, operational safety is guaranteed.
Using this combination of a GEWA 3800V ECO and spin-drying technology offers La Corsaria a multitude of benefits: The mint retains its full flavor, its leaf quality is preserved, and even the tiniest impurities, especially insects, are removed.
The KRONEN washing system works efficiently with just one circulation pump and saves water while still remaining scalable for future increases in production capacity. It also guarantees a consistently high hygiene standard, which is absolutely essential when it comes to meeting the demands of the international herb market. La Corsaria exports 100 % of its processed bunches of mint, most of which are supplied to customers in the U.S.
The GEWA 3800 ECO ensures hygienic efficiency in processing
The use of the GEWA washing machine, equipped with the HELICAL washing system, enables the gentle, effective washing of the herbs in a spiral movement that carefully removes dirt and insects. Further benefits of the machine include:
Flexible use for delicate herbs, as well as fruit, vegetables, and salad leaves
Continuous process – with automatic filling, no operating personnel required
Reduced water consumption with perfect washing results
Ideal accessibility for cleaning and maintenance
Cost-reduced EVO model with a capacity of up to 1,800 kg/h
Washing, disinfection, mixing, and rinsing in one machine possible
The optional fine particle removal drum reliably removes even the tiniest insects and foreign particles
About KRONEN GmbH
KRONEN is a family-managed, globally operating producer and supplier of stand-alone machines, special-purpose machines, and high-tech processing facilities for the fresh-cut industry. The product portfolio of KRONEN and its partners covers fruit, vegetable, and salad leaf processing: from preparing, cutting, washing, drying, dewatering, peeling, and sterilizing right through to packaging. KRONEN additionally offers machines for the processing of meat and fish, special vegan products, baked goods, and pet food.
The company, which is based in Kehl am Rhein, Germany, and has a second production site in the nearby city of Achern, currently employs more than 130 members of staff, has representatives in over 80 countries worldwide, and supplies its products to more than 120 nations all over the globe.
With more than 45 years of experience in food technology, KRONEN prides itself on its quality awareness and constantly strives to achieve the best possible solutions in its day-to-day work. The machine manufacturer focuses on taking a sustainable, holistic approach toward the hygienic, reliable, and resource-friendly production of fresh foods. KRONEN considers itself to be a think tank that provides innovative solutions to benefit its customers and meet all their needs. It guarantees top-quality advice and planning expertise in close cooperation with the industry and research establishments.
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Do you require more or other material? We are happy to help! Feel free to contact us here: presse@kronen.eu, T +49 (0) 7854 9646-160 / -161.
