| abstract |
A method and apparatus for removing the skins or hulls from nuts and other seeds, including those of legumes, grains, drupes, silques, achenes and the like involves wetting the seeds with an alkaline solution (10) and then with a peroxygen solution (12). The two substances react underneath the skin to liberate gas between the seed meat and the skin. The gas bubbles blister the skin, causing it to become loosened. Slight mechanical action is used to dislodge the blistered skins from the seed meats. |