Methods, process and ways of processing mint.

Processing mint is a complex process that requires care and precision to preserve its valuable properties.
Let’s take a closer look at the various steps and the possibilities offered by modern science and technology.

Harvesting, a key moment for quality

• Deadline: Studies indicate that the optimal time to harvest mint is just before flowering, when the plants reach a height of 20-30 cm.
  At this time, the content of essential oils such as menthol, menthone and menthyl acetate is highest [1].
• Method: Traditionally, mint is harvested by hand to select the best leaves.
  However, for large plantations, mechanical harvesting is also used, which is faster, but can lead to plant damage and reduced quality of the raw material [2].

 

Drying – a delicate art

• Objective: The goal of drying is to reduce the moisture content of mint leaves to less than 10%, which prevents the growth of microorganisms and ensures the shelf life of the product [3].
• Methods:
  • Natural drying: This is a traditional method that involves spreading the leaves in a thin layer in an airy, shady place.
    However, the process is time-consuming and dependent on weather conditions.
  • Mechanical drying: Tunnel or chamber dryers are used, where temperature, humidity and airflow can be controlled.
    Studies have shown that drying mint at 40-50°C preserves more essential oils than drying at higher temperatures [4].
  • Modern technologies: Researchers are also exploring the use of innovative drying methods, such as microwave drying, vacuum drying and freeze drying.
    These methods can reduce drying time and improve product quality, but are costly for now and require further research [5].

Processing: From leaf to product

• Crushing: Dried mint leaves are shredded into smaller pieces, making them easier to use further and increasing the surface area in contact with water during tea brewing.

 

 

SCORPION® 5m thinner – reliability and quality See how our herb thinner works.

 

 

• Mixing: Mint can be combined with other herbs to create blends with different properties and flavors.
  Popular combinations include mint with lemon balm, chamomile, or rosehips.
• Packaging: Processed mint is packaged in airtight packaging that protects it from moisture, light and oxidation, allowing it to retain its freshness and flavor for a longer period of time.

 

Mint products: a wealth of uses

• Teas: Mint is one of the most popular herbs used to brew tea.
  Studies confirm its beneficial effects on the digestive system, relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and its relaxing and calming effects [6].
• Essential oils: Peppermint oil is extracted by steam distillation.
  Its main component is menthol, which has cooling, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
  Peppermint oil is used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical industries [7].
• Extracts: Mint extracts are concentrated preparations that contain the valuable active ingredients of mint.
  They are used as additives in food, beverages, cosmetics and medicines.
• Spices: Dried mint is a popular spice that adds freshness and flavor to dishes, desserts and drinks.
• Cosmetic products: Mint is an ingredient in many cosmetic products, such as toothpastes, mouthwashes, creams and lotions.
  Its refreshing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are valued in skin and oral care [8].

Innovative processing methods

• Freezing: Freezing fresh mint leaves allows them to retain their freshness and flavor for a longer period of time.
  Studies have shown that frozen mint retains most of its bioactive properties [9].
• Crystallization and candyzing: These methods of processing mint produce sweet, flavorful additions to desserts and cakes.

Safety and quality first Throughout the entire mint processing process, from harvesting to packaging, Good Hygiene Practice (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) must be followed to ensure the safety and quality of the final product.

 

Companies and regions that are related to mint productionEastern Europe:

• Ukraine is one of the largest producers of mint in the world, especially peppermint.
• Bulgaria also has a significant share of mint production, mainly mint oil. Example companies:

 

Western Europe:

• France is famous for its production of Provençal mint, used in liqueurs and sweets.
• Germany has a developed mint processing industry, producing teas, essential oils and extracts.
• Netherlands specializes in growing mint for food and pharmaceutical purposes Example companies:

 

Southern Europe:

• Italy is known for producing mint for culinary purposes, especially for desserts and drinks.
• Spain grows mint mainly for the food and cosmetic industries. For example, a francorous company producing essential oils, including mint of Provence, an Italian company specializing in the production of plant extracts, including mint, for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, a Spanish company producing natural extracts and active ingredients, including from mint, for the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

  Examples from other companies are also worth mentioning. German company specializing in processing herbs, including mint, for the food and pharmaceutical industries. A German company that produces aromas and fragrance ingredients, including mint essential oils. A British company that produces natural flavor and fragrance ingredients, including mint extracts. French company specializing in natural fragrance ingredients, including mint. A U.S.-based global company that produces flavors, colors and functional ingredients, including mint. An Irish company that produces flavor and nutritional ingredients, including mint, for the food and beverage industry.

Mint production is often located in regions with suitable climate and soil conditions, such as areas with temperate climates and fertile soils. Many mint producers are small and medium-sized enterprises that operate locally or regionally.

 

Cooperatives, organizations and other producer institutions.

In Poland:

• Horticultural cooperatives: There are many horticultural cooperatives that bring together producers of fruits, vegetables and herbs, including mint.
  These cooperatives often offer their members support in sales, marketing, training and access to technology.

 

• Producer groups: Herb producers can also form producer groups, which allow them to cooperate in the production, processing and sale of their products.
  Producer groups often benefit from EU and national funds to develop their activities.

 

• Associations of herb growers: There are also associations of herb growers that represent the interests of producers and promote their products.

 

In Europe:

• European Herbal & Traditional Medicines Practitioners Association (EHTPA): It is a European association for practitioners of herbal and traditional medicine.
  EHTPA promotes the sustainable cultivation and processing of herbs, and works with herbal producers throughout Europe.

 

• International Herb Association (IHA): It is an international association that promotes knowledge about herbs and their uses.
  The IHA works with herbal producers around the world, including in Europe.

 

Benefits of joining a cooperative or producer group:

• Joint sales and marketing: Cooperatives and producer groups often conduct joint sales and marketing of their members’ products, allowing them to achieve better prices and reach more customers.

 

• Technical support and training: Cooperatives and producer groups often offer their members technical support and training in growing, processing and selling herbs.

 

• Access to funds: Cooperatives and producer groups often have better access to EU and national funds to develop their activities.

 

• Cooperation and exchange of experience: Belonging to a cooperative or producer group enables herb producers to cooperate and exchange experiences, which contributes to improving the quality of their products and increasing their competitiveness.

 

Examples of herb production groups in a few selected European countries:France:

• Syndicat des Simples: This is an association of producers, processors and sellers of medicinal and aromatic plants in France.
  It promotes the sustainable cultivation and processing of herbs, and represents the interests of its members at the national and European levels.
• Coopérative des Plantes Médicinales et Aromatiques de Provence: a cooperative of producers of medicinal and aromatic plants from the Provence region.
  It supports the sustainable cultivation and processing of herbs, and promotes the products of its members.

 

Germany:

• Bundesverband Deutscher Pflanzenzüchter e.V. (BDP): This is a federal association of German plant breeders, including herbs.
  BDP promotes research and development in the field of plant breeding, and represents the interests of its members.
• Verein Kräuter und Arzneipflanzen Baden-Württemberg e.V. An association of producers and processors of medicinal and aromatic herbs in Baden-Württemberg.
  It promotes the sustainable cultivation and processing of herbs and organizes training and industry events.

 

Italy:

• Consorzio Nazionale Produttori Piante Officinali (CNPPO): This is the national consortium of medicinal plant producers in Italy.
  CNPPO promotes the sustainable cultivation and processing of herbs, and supports scientific research and innovative product development.
• Associazione Produttori Piante Officinali della Toscana (APOT): An association of medicinal plant producers in Tuscany.
  APOT promotes the sustainable cultivation and processing of herbs, and organizes training and industry events.

 

Overall situation in Europe:

Many European countries have herb cooperatives and producer groups that operate at the local, regional or national level. These organizations support herb producers in the production, processing, marketing and sale of their products.

 

” In recent years, there has been growing consumer interest in herbal products, which is creating new opportunities for herbal producers and encouraging the formation of new producer groups.”

 

The European Union is supporting the development of the herb production sector through various programs and funds, which is contributing to the growth in the number and importance of herb production groups in Europe.

Herb producer groups play an important role in supporting the sustainable production and processing of herbs in Europe.Belonging to such a group can bring many benefits to producers, such as joint sales and marketing, technical support, access to funds, and the opportunity to collaborate and share experiences.

In Poland and other European countries, there are many cooperatives and herb production groups that producers can join.

 

SUMMARY

Soil preparation:

• Appropriate pH: Mint prefers soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
  If necessary, liming or acidification of the soil should be carried out.
• Weeding: Before planting mint, thoroughly clean the field of weeds that may compete with mint for water and nutrients.
• Fertilization: Mint has high nutritional requirements, so it is important to use proper organic (e.g., manure) and mineral (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilization.

 

Planting:

• Timing: Mint can be planted in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October).
• Spacing: The recommended planting spacing is 30-40 cm between rows and 20-30 cm between plants in a row.
• Planting depth: Plant mint seedlings at a depth of about 5-10 cm.

 

Care during growth:

• Watering: Mint requires regular watering, especially during periods of drought.
  Avoid overwatering, which can lead to fungal diseases.
• Weeding: Regular weeding is essential to prevent weeds from competing with mint.
  Both mechanical methods (such as hand or mechanical weeding) and chemical methods (herbicide) can be used.
• Heading fertilization: During the growing season, it’s a good idea to apply nitrogen post-fertilization to promote plant growth.
• Removing inflorescences: Removing mint inflorescences promotes better leaf development and increases yield.

 

Protection against pests and diseases:

• Pests: Mint can be attacked by a variety of pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and mothballs.
  If pests are spotted, use appropriate pesticides, preferably biological or low toxicity.
• Diseases: Mint can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as mint rust and powdery mildew.
  Disease prevention involves ensuring proper growing conditions (e.g., avoiding overcrowding) and using crop protection products as needed.

Bibliography:

[1] Singh, R., Shushni, M. A. M., & Belkheir, A. (2015).
Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Mentha piperita L. Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 8(3), 322-328. – Study confirming high essential oil content in mint harvested before flowering.

1. goldbio.com

goldbio.com

[2] Pirestani, A., Craker, L. E., Potter, T., & Simon, J. E. (2005).
The effect of harvest method and drying time on the essential oil yield and composition of peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.).
Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, 11(3), 55-64. – A study comparing the effects of hand and mechanical harvesting on mint quality.

[3] Beigi, M., Ramezanian, A., Darvishi, H., & Hadjiakhoondi, A. (2016).
Drying of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.): Effect of drying method on essential oil yield and composition.
Industrial Crops and Products, 83, 409-415. – A study on the optimal moisture content of mint after drying.

[4] Mimica-Dukić, N., Božin, B., Soković, M., & Mihajlović, B. (2004).
Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of three Mentha species essential oils.
Planta medica, 70(11), 984-989. – A study of the effect of drying temperature on the essential oil content of mint.

[5] Soysal, Y. (2016).
Microwave drying of mint leaves and evaluating quality parameters and antioxidant activity.
Heat and Mass Transfer, 52(12), 2847-2855. – A study on the application of modern methods of drying mint.

[6] McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2006).
A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.).
Phytotherapy Research, 20(8), 619-633. – A review of studies on the beneficial effects of peppermint tea on health.

1. ij-aquaticbiology.com

ij-aquaticbiology.com

[7] Salehi, B., Upadhyay, S., Erdogan Orhan, I., Kumar Jugran, A., Jaya Saikia, D., Bassarello, C., …. & Sharifi-Rad, J. (2019).
Therapeutic potential of Mentha piperita L. (peppermint) and its main constituent, menthol.
Phytotherapy Research, 33(5), 1177-1193. – A study on the uses of peppermint oil and its main ingredient, menthol.

[8] Mimica-Dukić, N., Božin, B., Soković, M., & Mihajlović, B. (2003).
Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and some other plant extracts.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 51(5), 1432-1437. – A study confirming the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of mint.

[9] Kovačević, D. B., Putnik, P., Dragović-Uzelac, V., Pedisić, S., & Jambrak, A. R. (2015).
Impact of different drying techniques on the bioactive properties of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.).
Food Chemistry, 171, 15-22. – A study comparing the effects of different drying and freezing methods on the properties of mint.

The quality and durability of the machines produced by our company allows us to take bold steps, therefore our new machines have a warranty service of 36 months.
We look forward to working with you!

The warranty period for all machines is extended to 3 years!

For example, Chinese and European laws set the warranty period at 2 years, but in practice this is rarely used by manufacturers and is mostly one year.

This decision reflects our absolute confidence in the quality and durability of our machines.
As a manufacturer of specialized machinery for processing herbs, teas and spices, SCORPION® has for years been providing first-class solutions that are used not only in agriculture, but also in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Extending the warranty period to 3 years is a clear signal that Scorpion.co.uk stands behind its products and believes in their longevity.
It’s also an added benefit for our customers, who can now enjoy the peace of mind and security of their investment for a longer period of time.

We are confident that this decision will further increase confidence in the SCORPION® brand and strengthen our leadership position in the industry.

 

 

 

 

Our many years of experience and position as an industry leader in the production of machinery for processing herbs, spices and teas, creates opportunities in the selection of business partners. We are the EXCLUSIVE distributor for all Europe of the products of the Brazilian brand Icaterm.  Short waiting time! Production time of approx. 3 weeks (with delivery about 3 months) Icaterm – a leader in efficient energy solutions For more than two decades, Icaterm has been providing the highest quality boilers, heaters and burners.

• lowest fuel consumption

• highest level of security

• best cost-benefit ratio

• Burners: monobloc burners ranging from 25,800 kcal to 10,000,000 kcal/h, fueled by natural gas, LPG, diesel and BPF oil.
  They are equipped with high-quality components such as Siemens programmable flame controllers, Dungs and Madas gas valves and other readily available Siemens, Dungs and Telemecanique parts.

• Steam generators and flow heaters: instant steam generators and flow heaters with efficiencies of up to 107% on some models.
• Steam boilers: we offer steam boilers with capacities up to 50 tons, fueled with various fuels, meeting ISO 9001-2008 and ASME standards.

ICA-GVI instant steam generator – efficiency, safety, economy

Your partner in efficient steam production

The ICA-GVI instant steam generator is a state-of-the-art industrial solution designed to maximize productivity, ensure safety and minimize operating costs.

Why ICA-GVI?

• Instant steam production: ready to go in minutes, eliminates downtime and increases process efficiency.

• Safety: the absence of a pressure vessel minimizes the risk of explosion, and an advanced monitoring system provides full control over the combustion process.

• Savings: high heat transfer efficiency (up to 90%) and easy maintenance of the monobloc burner translate into lower operating costs.

• Compact and mobile: it takes up much less space than traditional boilers, and its light weight makes it easy to transport and install.

• Versatile: A wide capacity range (110-4400 kg/h) and the ability to operate at high pressure make the ICA-GVI suitable for a variety of industrial applications.

Additional assets:

• Brazilian technology: developed and manufactured in Brazil, with the specifics of the local market in mind.
• Technical support: our experts are there to help at every stage, from device selection to commissioning and service.

Choosing the right steam source for your industrial process is a crucial decision.
We realize that many questions and concerns arise.

Instant steam generator or traditional boiler – which to choose?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
It all depends on your individual needs and expectations.
In this article, we’ll outline the key differences between the two solutions so that you can make an informed decision that will bring you the best results.

Understand the differences, choose the optimal solution!

Below you will find a comparison of the most important features of instant steam generators and traditional boilers.
Analyze them and discover which solution is best suited to your business.

Feature	Instant steam generator	Traditional boiler
Boiler room required	NO	YES
Occupied area (e.g., for producing 1000 kg/h)	2,5 m²	8,0 m²
Time required to generate steam at desired pressure	5 to 10 minutes	45 to 75 minutes
Approximate weight in kg (e.g., for production of 1000 kg/h)	1500	4000
Radiation losses	0,75%	1.5 to 3%
Losses by blowing	4%	Up to 20%
Pressure tank	NO	YES
Heat absorption system (FUEL SAVINGS)	3% higher compared to a traditional boiler	–
Operational flexibility (layout changes)	YES	NO
Heat shock problems	NO	YES
Ease of transportation	YES	NO
REDUCTION IN INSURANCE PREMIUMS	YES	NO
CONDENSATE LIFTING	NO	YES
Better steam quality	YES	NO
EASY TO OPERATE (no need to empty the bottom)	TOTAL	PARTIAL
Operational flexibility (allows shutdowns during short periods of inactivity)	YES	NO
Can be set up anywhere in the plant	YES	NO

 

 

 

Now we will highlight the technical differences of Icaterm’s ICA-GVI line of instant steam generators, comparing them with other models of steam generators on the market.

 

Feature	ICA-GVI	Other models
Used burner	MONOBLOK with high efficiency, easy maintenance, independent of the generator manufacturer’s parts, as it is manufactured by external companies specializing in burners. CERTIFIED!	DUOBLOK, usually produced by the manufacturer itself, with low combustion efficiency, and thus higher operating costs! NO CERTIFICATE!
Compatibility with NBR 12.313	YES	Not always!
Exclusive maintenance and manufacturer dependency	NO	YES
Combustion Monitoring System	Flame Programmers in accordance with NBR 12.313. with Certificate!	Timing relays and relays NOT compliant with NORM NBR 12.313, posing a risk to operation. NO CERTIFICATION!
Operator manual interference with combustion monitoring system	NO	YES
Compliance with insurance companies’ risk requirements	YES	NO
Type of water pump used	Positive displacement piston model, suitable for high temperatures above 65°C.	Diaphragm model, poorly resistant to high temperatures, with frequent leaks, constant repairs, and thus frequent downtime!
Noise level (less than 85 dB)	Regulatory compliant.	VERY HIGH
Water supply control and temperature control! (important for the longevity of the system)	A flow meter at the boiler water inlet and controls the temperature of the water circulating in the coil. In the event of overheating, the system sounds an alarm and shuts down to preserve the integrity of the coil.	A limit switch system that detects “expansion” of the coil in case of overheating. No precision or safety, resulting in frequent coil replacement.

 

Todraw your attention to some additional relevant information, we highlight a few more points in comparing Icaterm’s ICA-GVI instant steam generators with traditional steam generators, more familiar.The design was developed to work with a monobloc burner, a device that is widely used in the market, simple to maintain and provides easy access to spare parts, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Steam generators available on the Brazilian market use homemade two-block burners, with poor combustion efficiency and maintenance usually performed by the companies themselves, often not up to standard which can lead to higher maintenance costs.

Combustion monitoring systems used by other manufacturers use timers and relays, which is prohibited by the standard because they are subject to manual operator intervention. This type of operation poses a risk of accident, and is detected by any insurance.
On the other hand, the Icaterm instant steam generator has shielded programmable flame controllers, as required by the standard.

The water pump is reciprocating and works very well at temperatures above 65°C, has low noise emissions and is readily available.
In contrast, the pumps used by manufacturers in the Brazilian market are diaphragm pumps, are not very resistant to high temperatures and often cause leaks and the need for constant repairs, and have high noise levels and therefore high maintenance costs.

The Icaterm solution includes control of the temperature of the water flowing through the coil, so if there is a problem with overheating, the unit will sound an alarm and stop, all to preserve the integrity of the coil.
In contrast, in other models on the market, if the coil expands as a result of overheating, a limit switch is triggered, which is an inaccurate system that requires constant replacement of the coil.

 

#gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

  Feel free to contact us

 

SCORPION® at international trade shows: Frankfurt and Paris 2024

Leader in processing of herbs, spices and teas sets trends

As a recognized leader in herb, spice and tea processing machinery, we are proud to announce our participation in two prestigious international industry exhibitions in the coming months.

We will be present at both Frankfurt (November 19-21, 2024) and Paris (October 19-23, 2024).

Innovation and responsibility in the industry

Our presence at these significant events is not only an opportunity to showcase the latest technological solutions, but also to confirm our awareness of our responsibility as an industry leader.
We realize that it is up to us to set new standards in terms of performance, quality and innovation of machinery for processing herbs, spices and teas.
Our goal is to provide solutions that enable our customers to create the highest quality products that meet the expectations of even the most demanding consumers.

Vacation time is a time of preparation

The holiday season is a time of well-deserved rest for many of us.
However, for the SCORPION® brand, it is also a period of intense preparation for the next season.
It’s a time when we reorganize our resources, improve our products and services to be fully ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Our participation in the Frankfurt and Paris trade fairs is a great opportunity to meet and exchange experiences.

SCORPION is not only machines

However, the SCORPION® brand is much more than just a manufacturer of machinery.
We are also the owners of the scorpionfarm.co.uk farm, where we operate a nationally unique production of agricultural crops, with a particular focus on industrial hemp.
This combination of technology and nature allows us to better understand our customers’ needs and provide solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.

We invite you to visit our stands

We cordially invite all interested parties to visit our stands at the Frankfurt and Paris trade fairs.
This will be a great opportunity to learn about our offerings, talk to our experts and see why the SCORPION® brand is a leader in the herb, spice and tea processing industry.

See you soon!

 

We started the year with a bang. The entire calendar is filled to the brim with new projects. In the enormity of the work, we couldn’t miss #ScorpionMachines at #Biofach2024, then we visited #NaturalWestExpo in #LosAngeles (expowest.com). We end the tour in #LasVegas , where our solutions were evaluated by customers at the #WorldTeaExpo ( worldteaexpo.com ). Here we conclude the 3-month tour cycle.

✅ At the same time, several of our machines have left production (photo report forthcoming), and are already at the customer’s site, or on their way.

🐝 Intense work in a committed team brings results. During meetings with our visitors at exhibitions, we showed many of you the capabilities of our technology and the quality of the final product.
We look forward to even more effective meetings with our future and existing business partners. Of course, we will continue the series of presentations of our solutions around the world.

📈 Plans for the next quarter include strengthening and optimising communication within the company, but also actively communicating with our business partners around the world.
We thank all those involved
#biofach2024 #naturalproductexpo #expowest2024 #worldteaexpo #scorpion

Estamos confiantes de que podemos ajudá-lo a alcançar seus objetivos.

Agradecemos a todos os nossos parceiros de negócios que visitaram o nosso stand na feira!
Foi um prazer conhecê-lo e conversar sobre como podemos trabalhar juntos para alcançar o sucesso.
Gostaríamos de convidá-lo a entrar em contato conosco para discutir mais sobre como podemos ajudá-lo a atingir seus objetivos.
Estamos ansiosos para continuar nossa conversa e construir uma parceria forte e duradoura.