Yam processing

Types of yam processing

Yam is a tuberous root vegetable rich in carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese. It's a valuable food resource and has many uses in the food industry. The yam processing helps to meet the high demand for yam products both in local and export markets.

The flow chart illustrates various stages of yam processing along with types of yam processing machines.

Generally, there are two main categories of yam processing technology: traditional and modern. The traditional technology is labor-intensive and uses simple tools like knives and wooden mortars to extract yam flour. On the other hand, modern technologies use specialized machinery for large-scale production. These include the following:

• yam peeling machine: This machine peels yams quickly with accuracy, saving time and labor. It uses a rotary drum with peeling blades. The unpeeled yams are placed in the drum, which rotates. As it rotates, the peeling blades scrape off the outer skins of the yams. The peeled yams come out through the discharge opening of the drum.
• yam slicing machine: It slices processed yam tubers into uniform slices. The sliced yams are placed in the frying or boiling water for cooking. This machine has blades that cut through the yam quickly.
• yam milling machine: It grinds cooked yam slices into fine paste or dough. It can also grind other food ingredients like rice and millet. The cooked slices are fed into the hopper of the milling machine. A motor drives the milling blades. It chops and mashes the yam pieces that are ejected through the outlet in the form of paste.
• yam frying machine: It fries yam slices in cooking oil at high temperature. The fried yam can be packaged for sale or sold directly to customers. This machine is made from food-grade stainless steel that is safe and durable for processing various kinds of food.
• yam flour milling machine: It extracts yam flour after processing the yam into paste, dough or gel. The yam is frozen and dried inside a freeze dryer. The dried yam is ground into flour by the milling machine.
• yam packaging machine: It packages processed yam slices or yam flour into packets for retailing. It can package products made from any kind of food ingredient. This machine can be manual, semi-automated or fully-automated. The type of packaging used varies depending on the product and customer specifications.

Conclusion

In addition to industrial scale processing machines, there are still other simple tools and manual techniques that are commonly used to process yam in many local communities. These include the use of knives to peel yam tubers and traditional mortars and pestles to mash or pound cooked yam.

Although the traditional methods are simple, they are very time-consuming and labor intensive. However, modern technology has made it possible to process yam more efficiently and faster with specialized machinery.

Specifications and maintenance of yam processing

• Capacity

  The capacity of yam processing machines varies depending on the type and size. For example, yam peeling machines can process anywhere from 100kg/h to 2000kg/h of yams.

• Power Consumption

  Power consumption is an important specification, which is usually indicated in kW or kW/h. For instance, the power consumption of a yam washing and peeling machine may be 2kW, and the dewatering machine 1.5kW.

• Production line length

  Based on the processing capacity, the length of the yam processing production line can vary from 5m to 30m. For example, the yam processing plant line comprising a washing machine, peeling machine, slicing machine, frying machine, and packing machine is approximately 25m long.

• Automation degree

  The degree of automation in yam processing machines can vary from fully automatic to semi-automatic. For example, the automatic yam processing machine includes feeding and receiving by an electric motor.

• Material

  The materials used in yam processing equipment include stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloy steel. For example, stainless steel is often used in food processing for its easy cleaning and low bacterial growth.

Cleaning and maintenance of yam processing machines is extremely important to guarantee hygiene and safety. Below are some maintenance techniques related to cleaning the machines:

• Safety First:

  Before starting the cleaning, ensure that the power supply has been cut off and wear suitable safety equipment.

• Regular Inspection:

  Carry out regular inspections to check whether components such as belts, electrical lines, and water pipes are damaged or loosened, and make timely repairs or replacements as needed.

• Washing Parts:

  For detachable parts, clean them with water and detergent, and then dry them with a clean cloth.

• Cleaning the Machine:

  Manually clean the whole machine with a damp cloth and detergent, paying attention to corners and crevices to ensure comprehensive cleaning.

• Maintenance after cleaning:

  After cleaning, apply lubricant to parts that require lubrication, such as chains, belts, and bearings, to ensure the smooth running of the machine.

• Dust removal:

  Finally, cover the dust with the machine to keep it clean and prevent it from being damaged by dust and foreign objects.

Scenarios of yam processing

Apart from the food industry where processed yam is the primary product, several other industries also use different yam processing equipment.

• Pharmaceuticals: Some of the active ingredients used in certain medication are extracted from yam tubers. For instance, dihydroepiandrosterone is sourced from wild yam, and it is used as a supplement for numerous health benefits. Furthermore, a steroidal compound known as diosgenin, which is present in yam, serves as a vital precursor for synthesizing various steroids, including hormones, contraceptives, and corticosteroids. Hormonal therapies that feature synthetic hormones derived from processed yam utilize specialized processing equipment to ensure the proper extraction and synthesis of these steroidal compounds. These hormones play a significant role in managing conditions such as hormonal imbalances, menopause symptoms, and certain inflammatory disorders.
• Cosmetics and personal care: Some cosmetic cream and lotions are made with yam extract because of its moisturizing properties. Hormonal therapies that feature synthetic hormones derived from processed yam employ specialized processing equipment to ensure the proper extraction and synthesis of these steroidal compounds. These hormones play a significant role in managing conditions such as hormonal imbalances, menopause symptoms, and certain inflammatory disorders.
• S নার e-commerce and retail: Several e-commerce platforms now offer processed yam products for sale to customers globally. Numerous retail shops have also sprung up around the world to sell processed yam products. According to a survey by Grand View Research, the global yam market is estimated to reach around 22.4 billion USD by 2030. This increase shows the need for yam processing equipment for packaging and preparing to meet the demands of individual customers all over the world.

How to choose yam processing machine

When investing in yam processing for sale, buyers will need to select the right equipment. This is in line with what the target market can afford and the level of processing they want to achieve.

• Capacity and size

  Every buyers' needs will differ in the capacity and size of the yam processing machines they want. Consider how much yam a buyer can process in a day and what space requirements they have. If the buyer is a small-scale business owner, a compact machine with lower capacity will suffice, but larger commercial businesses will need bigger machines with more capacity.

• Functions and versatility

  Several standalone yam processing machines are available, and many more combined functionalities. Check what each machine can do and what end product it will produce.

• Quality and durability

  Investing in a quality machine that is strong and sturdy will make all the difference to long-term success. A quality machine that lasts will reduce production downtime. It will also have a spare part's availability. Furthermore, it can be easily repaired when necessary.

• Automation vs manual operation

  Consider how automated the machine is. Automation speeds up processing time and cuts labor costs. Yet, manually operated machines can be easier to operate and simpler to understand. Look for user-friendly controls that are easy to learn and have clear explanations.

• Energy efficiency

  Energy-efficient machines can save money by consuming less electricity during processing. Consider the power requirements of each machine and the output in relation to electricity use.

• Cost and budget

  With many kinds of yam processing equipment to pick, businesses have a choice to make on their budget. Compare prices of similar items and look for the best value without compromising quality.

• Supplier and service support

  Buyers should find a reliable supplier with good after-sales support and guidance when buying a processing machine. Check that the supplier has warranty service and installation support when selecting a processing machine to buy.

Yam processing FAQ

Q1 Is yam processing business profitable?

A1 Yes. The demand for yam processed food is high because many people eat yam.

Q2: What are the benefits of yam processing?

A2 The benefits of yam processing include increased shelf life, added value, diverse products, improved nutrition, and job creation.

Q3: What does yam processing entail?

A3 Yam processing involves extracting food from yam tubers, depending on the type of product required.

Q4: What type of machines are used in yam processing?

A4 Different yam processing machines are used for different processes, including washing, peeling, slicing, drying, milling, and packaging.