Technical feasibility of using infrared radiation in dry-peeling for hazelnuts

In this study, removal of the brown skin (seed coat) on the hazelnut kernel was investigated using infrared radiation. Evaluation of the infrared radiation method to achieve the highest percentage of seed coat loosening on the kernel. The effects of infrared emitter power at three levels of 800, 1200 and 1600 W, radiation duration at three levels of 2, 3 and 4 minutes, and the initial moisture content of hazelnuts at four levels of 4, 6, 8, and 10% wet basis (w.b.) were investigated. Experiments were conducted at factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications. The peel loosening percentage was determined with using image processing method The results showed that by increasing in the IR radiation power and radiation time increased the percentage skin loosening significantly (p