The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for processing
podded vegetables including green Cicer beans. Green Cicer beans are
commonly referred to as chickpeas and come in two varieties, Desi-type
and Kabuli-type. The Kabuli-type of chickpeas are commonly referred to as
garbanzo beans. Until the present invention, there was no commercial
method or apparatus for post-harvest processing of green Cicer beans. The
present invention can relate not only to post-harvest processing of green
Cicer beans but any podded produce where there is a need to separate
unwanted material from the green produce. Apparatuses and methods of the
present invention permit secondary processing of podded vegetables to
increase overall grower yield. Additionally, methods according to the
present invention, show desired dwell times and blanching temperatures
for the deactivation of enzymes that can damage green produce or render
it unsaleable.