The innovative drying cabinet 'Herb.ERT' has been used successfully in the catering industry for several years. "A full aroma, a unique texture, and a first-class taste experience" is how users describe the raw food products that have been gently processed using the sophisticated drying process from Austria.
The system is now also rapidly gaining importance outside the catering industry, including in the fruit and vegetable sector. "A gentle drying process, which automatically determines the optimum drying temperature for each product, results in premium dried products that are highly valued and therefore guarantee high added value," explains Eduard Paschinger, who developed the process together with his business partner Bernhard Kastner.
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Strawberry crisps (l) and sliced dried tomatoes
Continuous further development and optimisation
The first basic models were launched on the market over a decade ago. Over the years, the system has been continuously developed, optimized, and adapted to other areas of application, according to Paschinger. The manufacturer invests continuously in cooperation with food research centers and technology development institutions to implement the latest technical and scientific findings in the system control and program software. "Our process is available in a space-saving drying cabinet version starting at EUR 6,900 plus VAT. However, for large quantities, we recommend the drying container class, which starts at EUR 28,000 plus VAT." Thanks to the wide range of products on offer, both direct marketing companies and large enterprises can be served accordingly, Paschinger continues.
With its modular design, Herb.ERT is now breaking new ground in technology. The system control, drive motor, and drying surface of the drying chamber are modular components that can be assembled according to customer requirements. Paschinger: "This means we have the optimal technology for every requirement! What's more, the technology is not only sustainable, but also low-maintenance: spare parts can be quickly replaced using the 'plug & play' system without any maintenance or personnel costs."
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Dried apple after three years
Drying instead of dehydrating
Due to sharply rising energy costs, more and more users of dehydrators are looking for improved, energy-saving solutions and are tending toward drying systems. This is exactly where Herb.ERT comes into play, emphasizes the manufacturer. "Essentially, our system is a convection dryer, which means it does not require any exhaust air or floor duct connection, just a 230V power outlet. The process can therefore be used flexibly: plug in, switch on, dry."
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Dried flowers: daffodils (l) and roses.
Higher margins, growing market
Thanks to the continuous development of the process, a wide range of fresh products, including rose petals, herbs, strawberries, apples, and tomatoes, can now be gently dried. Herb.ERT has established itself as a modern tool for the production of dried snacks, confirms Paschinger. "Dried products are enjoying growing popularity. An interesting niche market is opening up, particularly in the premium segment, where innovative producers are refining their raw materials and thus achieving very good margins for their products. We are also seeing disproportionate growth in demand in the premium segment."
For more information:
Eduard Paschinger & Bernhard Kastner
Herb.ERT der Trockner
Industrial park 10
3552 Lengenfeld / Austria
Tel.: +43 (0) 2732 21211
[email protected]
www.herb-ert.at
