Mould for forming a block of cheese or plant-based food product with holes and method for producing such a product with holes

Abstract

The invention provides a mould (1) comprising a body (2) defining an internal cavity capable of receiving a cheese or plant-based food product (4), said body (2) having an opening (6) through which the food product (4) can be poured into the cavity during a portioning step. This mould (1) has means for forming holes inside the product (4), consisting of a plurality of tubes (3) extending inside the cavity of the body (2) from at least a first side (5) of the body (2), said tubes (3) projecting from a support (8) which can be moved between a retracted position in the vicinity of the first side (5) of the body (2) and an extended position away from the body (2).

Description

Mold for forming a block of cheese or vegetable food product with holes and method for producing such a product with holes Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a mold for forming a block of cheese or vegetable food product with holes. The invention also relates to an assembly composed of such a mold and the food product contained in the mold. And finally, the invention relates to a method for producing this block of food product with holes from this mold.

[0002] The field of the invention relates more particularly to the shaping of a cheese or vegetable food product, in order to give it internal holes during molding. Technical background

[0003] We know the molding of cheese products made from pressed cheeses, or those similar to pressed cheeses, such as Emmental, Gruyère, Maasdam, etc. These products have natural holes which form during the fermentation and gas production stage through the intervention of micro-organisms.

[0004] After demolding and refining, the cheese product is sliced / cut, and holes of different shapes and diameters can be seen on each slice.

[0005] This refining stage with fermentation is long on the production scale of these molded cheese products.

[0006] With the rise of plant-based food worldwide, more and more plant-based products are coming onto the market, with a texture similar to pressed cheese. These plant-based products are also molded and then sliced. No molded plant-based product has holes because the use and control of microorganisms, such as propionic acid, responsible for the production of gas that generates these holes, is significantly more complex in the plant world.

[0007] The same applies to certain cheese products made from processed cheese, for example, or from other formulas, in which holes do not form or only rarely form with microorganisms.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a food, vegetable or cheese product, with holes, without a fermentation step, therefore with a reduced production time, so that the final product, removed from the mold and sliced, has an appearance similar to that of a fermented cheese product with natural holes, such as Emmental for example.

[0009] This aim is achieved by means of a mold comprising a body delimiting an interior cavity capable of receiving a cheese or vegetable food product, said body having an opening through which the food product can be introduced into the cavity during a dosing step.

[0010] This mold is characterized primarily in that it comprises means for forming holes inside the product consisting of a plurality of tubes extending inside the cavity of the body from at least a first side of the body, said tubes projecting from a support movable relative to the body.

[0011] The main idea behind this invention is to equip a mold with tubes whose function is to create artificial holes in the food product during molding. There are as many tubes as there are holes to be formed, depending on the desired patterns on the slices or pieces of the food product.

[0012] The tubes are present in the mold before starting to measure the food product. Thus, the mold with its tubes is empty before the measuring step.

[0013] The tubes are removable from the body so that they can be removed cleanly from the mold before demolding the product. In fact, the tubes are fixed to the support, and the support is movable relative to the body. There is therefore a relative movement between the body and the tubes.

[0014] Each hole extends inside the food product, a distance equal to that of the tube.

[0015] Preferably, all tubes have the same orientation, defined perpendicular to the slices. The tubes thus extend in the direction of the length of the mold, or in the direction of the height of the mold, depending on the configuration chosen.

[0016] The end result is a block of perforated product whose appearance is similar to a reference product such as Emmental, and this without a fermentation stage, therefore with a production time significantly reduced compared to classic cheese products with fermentation.

[0017] According to the different embodiments of the invention, which may be taken together or separately: the tubes extend inside the cavity of the body in a single direction of extension. the tubes are made of a material suitable for food use, such as stainless steel, or plastic, or ceramic. each tube has a different shaped section: this choice is made according to the final pattern that is desired on each slice of the product. The objective is to reproduce a heterogeneity in the holes, similar to that found in a fermented reference cheese product, with holes of different geometries. the tubes have different lengths. the tubes have identical lengths. one or more tubes have a taper.the tubes have means for injecting gas, of the CO2, or nitrogen, or air type, into the cavity, each tube being hollow and defined by an external wall, said injection means consisting of pores passing through said external wall. the support has a surface area at least equal to the surface area of ​​the first side. the opening is located in an upper part of the body. the support is movable relative to the body between a retracted position located in the vicinity of the first side of the body and an extended position located at a distance from the body or in the vicinity of a second side of the body, opposite the first side. the mold is oriented horizontally. the tubes are oriented horizontally. the first side corresponds to a lateral side of the body. the first side of the body is closed by a first wall which has orifices for receiving the tubes. the support, in the retracted position, is located in the vicinity of the first wall. the support, in the retracted position, is superimposed on the first wall.the support, in the retracted position, is in contact with the first wall. the tube receiving orifices comprise seals making it possible to form a seal with the tubes when the support is in the retracted position. the body has a second side opposite the first side, the second side being closed by a second wall; this second wall has means for wedging the tubes in position, the tubes having a length identical to the length of the cavity in the direction of extension, the tubes each having a free end cooperating with the wedging means. the mold comprises a second removable support provided with tubes. the second support, in the retracted position, is located in the vicinity of the second side opposite the first side.the second support is movable between an extended position located at a distance from the body and a retracted position located near the second side of the bodythe second side of the body is closed by the second wall which has orifices for receiving the tubes coming from the second support.the mold is oriented vertically.the tubes are oriented vertically.the first side corresponds to an upper or lower side of the body.the first side of the body is open.the support, in the retracted position, closes the first side.the second side, opposite the first side, is closed by a second removable wall.once the support is in the extended position, the second removable wall acts as a piston translating within the body to help demold the product through the first side.alternatively, once the support is in the extended position, the second removable wall is removed, like an opening flap, and the product is demolded by gravity through the second side, after turning the mold over if necessary. if necessary, a compressed air push is applied to the product to assist in demolding by gravity through the second side. alternatively, the support itself acts as a piston, and assists in demolding the product through the second side. In this case, the piston in the extended position is located in the vicinity of the second side of the body, the tubes being outside the body. said opening is made in the support when the latter is placed at the upper side. said opening is made in the second wall when the latter is placed at the upper side. each support has on its external face gripping means, of the handle type. each support has at least three tubes.Each support preferably has between 5 and 15 tubes. The tubes are distributed heterogeneously on each support, to better imitate the random locations of the holes in the product. The mold has a bottom with perforations allowing the food product to drain, if necessary. The tubes are solid. The tubes are hollow. The section of each tube is greater than 3 mm. 2; these tubes do not correspond to fine needles for perforating the block of demolded product to help the development of molds (Penicillium roqueforti type) to form blue or blue-veined cheeses, or to help with brining. These needles pierce the cheeses to bring oxygen inside the product in the form of small veins to allow the development of molds, during ripening, therefore well after the cheese has been molded. The tubes of the present invention are present in the mold at the time of molding, and have a much larger size than that of the needles, with a section whose dimension is of the order of the section of the holes formed in the reference cheese product, after fermentation. The function is therefore not at all the same as that of the needles.

[0018] The invention also relates to an assembly composed of a mold as described above and a cheese or vegetable food product housed in the cavity of the mold, the tubes passing through the product so as to form holes therein.

[0019] For example, this assembly includes demolding means consisting of a piston system translating within the body.

[0020] Finally, the invention relates to a method for producing a block of cheese or vegetable food product with holes from a mold as described above, and comprising the following steps: a step of inserting the tubes inside the mold by moving the support(s) from its extended position to its retracted position a step of dosing the product into the cavity of the mold body an optional step of texturizing the product either by cooling the food product or by pressing and / or draining the food product a step of removing the tubes by moving the support(s) to its extended position a step of demolding the block of food product.

[0021] After demolding, there is a step of slicing the product block, and a step of packaging the slices.

[0022] The invention therefore consists of proposing molds into which tubes of different shapes, lengths and diameters can be inserted before dosing and removed after dosing and texturizing the finished product to generate holes similar to those produced during fermentation in conventional cheese food products. Once the block of product is sliced, slices (or pieces depending on the desired format) with the presence of holes are thus obtained without any fermentation step. The position, size and shape of the holes are obviously completely adaptable to bring diversity of appearance to the slices or pieces to be marketed.

[0023] This process makes it possible to generate plant-based products with an appearance very close to dairy products, and to gain competitiveness in the dairy sector by offering cheese products based on pressed paste (with processed cheese recipes for example) without fermentation and therefore with significant time savings and reductions in material costs. Brief description of the figures

[0024] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0025] This is a cross-sectional view of a first form of mold according to the invention, with the tubes in place;

[0026] This is a cross-sectional view of a second form of mold according to the invention, with the tubes in place;

[0027] This is a longitudinal perspective view, in transparency, of a mold according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Laest is a longitudinal sectional view of one end of a mold according to laou 1b;

[0029] This is a cross-sectional view of the mold after dosing the product;

[0030] This is a cross-sectional view of the mold after removal of the tubes;

[0031] This is a cross-sectional view of a mold with a food product to be drained;

[0032] This is a cross-sectional view of the mold with the drained food product;

[0033] This is a perspective view, in transparency, of a second embodiment of a mold according to the invention;

[0034] Illustrates the different steps (a) to (h) of a process for producing a food product with holes from a mold similar to that of the mold turned 180°;

[0035] Illustrates the different steps (a) to (h) of a method for producing a food product with holes from a mold according to figures 1 to 7 of the invention;

[0036] This is a longitudinal perspective view, in transparency, of a mold according to a third embodiment;

[0037] This is a longitudinal schematic view, in transparency, of a mold according to a fourth embodiment, with the tubes placed in position in the mold;

[0038] This is a schematic longitudinal view, in transparency, of the mold of the, with the tubes partially removed from the mold. Detailed description of the invention

[0039] In the remainder of the description, elements having an identical structure or similar functions will be designated by the same references.

[0040] In the remainder of the description, longitudinal, vertical and transverse orientations indicated by the trihedron "L,V,T" in figures 2 and 8 will be adopted in a non-limiting manner.

[0041] We also define a horizontal plane that extends transversely and longitudinally, and a vertical plane that extends vertically and longitudinally.

[0042] In the detailed description of the figures which follow, the terms “upper” and “lower” or “top” and “bottom” will be used in a non-limiting manner in reference to the vertical direction.

[0043] Figures 1a to 7, and 11 to 12 illustrate a first, a third and a fourth embodiment of the invention where the mold 1 is oriented horizontally. More precisely, its main direction of extension is longitudinal.

[0044] Illustrates a second embodiment of the invention where the mold 1 is oriented vertically. More precisely, its main direction of extension is vertical. First embodiment

[0045] Figures 1a and 1b illustrate two examples of the shape of a mold 1 according to the invention.

[0046] In the case of the, mold 1 has a rounded bottom, while on the mold 1 has a flat bottom.

[0047] Depending on the mold 1 used, the cheese once removed from the mold will have a rounded shape or a flat shape.

[0048] Other forms of mold 1 may be envisaged within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] These are classic molds used for forming food products, such as cheese or vegetable products.

[0050] The mold 1 comprises a body 2 which delimits an interior cavity receiving the food product 4. The food product 4 takes the shape of the interior cavity. A block of product reproducing the shape of the cavity is obtained.

[0051] In the figures, food product 4 is illustrated by small dots.

[0052] To ensure good stability of the mold 1 during molding, feet 11 can be provided under the mold 1, and are thus fixed to the body 2 of the mold 1.

[0053] The mold 1 is preferably made of a plastic material of the polypropylene and polyethylene type compatible with food contact.

[0054] The body 2 has an opening 6 through which the food product 4 can be introduced into the cavity. Preferably, this opening 6 is located in the upper part of the body 2 of the mold 1, so as to be able to pour the food product 4 by gravity into the mold 1.

[0055] Alternatively, the opening 6 may be located elsewhere on the body 2, and the product 4 is introduced for example by injection.

[0056] The body 2 extends longitudinally, so as to finally obtain a block of product 4 which also extends longitudinally, and which can be cut into thin transverse slices.

[0057] The body 2 has an open upper part, via said opening 6, and a closed lower part, corresponding to the bottom of the mold 1. The body 2 also has a longitudinal peripheral wall delimited by a first lateral side 5 and a second lateral side 16 opposite the first side 5.

[0058] The first side 5 and the second side 16 are closed by side walls.

[0059] According to the invention, tubes 3 pass through the body 2 of the mold 1. These tubes 3 are illustrated in particular on the, where it is possible to see their external appearance by transparency. These tubes 3 extend in a direction of extension which corresponds to the direction of extension of the mold 1. In the present case, the direction of extension of the tubes 3 is therefore longitudinal because the mold 1 is positioned horizontally.

[0060] In the context of the present invention, the tubes 3 could extend in directions inclined relative to the direction of extension of the mold 1.

[0061] In Figures 1a and 1b, we observe the shapes of the sections of the tubes 3. For each tube 3, the shape is different, so as to generate holes 15 in the product 4 which will have different geometries. This contributes to providing heterogeneity of shape within the same mold 1.

[0062] The 3 tubes have different shapes, sizes and diameters to best approximate the random appearance of the holes in a pressed dairy cheese such as Emmental.

[0063] Preferably, each tube 3 has a cross-section of at least 3 square millimeters. This makes it possible to generate holes 15 in the product 4 which will have a cross-section of at least 3 square millimeters. Indeed, this makes it possible to obtain holes 15 which are clearly visible to the consumer.

[0064] To provide even more heterogeneity of shape, it is even possible to arrange tubes 3 of variable and increasing diameter along the entire length of the mold 1. Conical tubes 3 in particular thus make it possible to generate a variability of holes 15 on successive slices of a package.

[0065] In Figures 1a and 1b, seven tubes 3 are seen extending inside the mold 1.

[0066] In, we observe six tubes 3 which extend inside the mold 1.

[0067] It is possible to provide more or fewer tubes 3, depending on the number of holes 15 that one wishes to obtain in the final food product 4.

[0068] Preferably, the mold 1 comprises at least three tubes 3.

[0069] Preferably, the mold 1 comprises between five and fifteen tubes 3.

[0070] The tubes 3 are made of a material suitable for food use. For example, the tubes 3 are made of stainless steel, or plastic, or even ceramic.

[0071] In the case presented in, and corresponding to the first embodiment, in order to be able to penetrate inside the cavity of the body 2 of the mold 1, the side wall of the first side 5 is provided with orifices 17 for receiving the tubes 3.

[0072] Thus each orifice 17 accommodates a tube 3. There are therefore as many orifices 17 as tubes 3.

[0073] The tubes 3 are therefore introduced laterally into the body 2.

[0074] To ensure a seal of the cavity at the first side 5, the orifices 17 are provided with seals 7 made of silicone or rubber for example, ensuring a sealed contact with the tubes 3.

[0075] Sealing is achieved once the tubes 3 have been inserted into the mold 1. In this case, the tubes 3 are inserted before the product 4 is dosed into the cavity of the mold 1.

[0076] For each conical tube, the orifice 17 and its seal 7 are sized according to the largest diameter of the tube 3, which is located in the vicinity of the support 8, because the diameter decreases towards the free end of the tube 3.

[0077] Any type of mold 1 can be adapted to this invention, provided that a seal is put in place at the insertion zone of the tubes 3.

[0078] On an industrial scale, and in order to facilitate the steps of insertion and extraction of the tubes 3, all the tubes 3 are fixed to a single support 8, allowing the simultaneous insertion and removal of all the tubes 3.

[0079] The tubes 3 are mounted on the support 8 in a fixed or removable manner.

[0080] This support 8 is movable in translation between an extended position located at a distance from the body 2 where the tubes 3 are outside the cavity, and a retracted position located in the vicinity of the first side 5 of the body 2 where the tubes 3 are in the cavity.

[0081] On the, the support 8 is in the retracted position.

[0082] Thus, during this translational movement of the support 8 from its extended position to its retracted position, the tubes 3 arrive via the first side 5, are introduced inside the orifices 17, then pass through the entire length of the cavity of the body 2 of the mold 1.

[0083] The final retracted position is reached for example when at least one of the tubes 3 comes into contact with the side wall located at the second side 16.

[0084] Alternatively, the final retracted position is reached, for example, when the support 8 comes into contact with the side wall located at the first side 5.

[0085] Alternatively, the final retracted position is reached when the support 8 comes against a stop provided for this purpose on the body 2 of the mold 1.

[0086] The support 8 has an internal surface directed towards the first side 5, and from which the tubes 3 protrude.

[0087] The support 8 has an external surface, opposite the internal surface, and directed outwards.

[0088] In order to facilitate the movement of the support 8 with its tubes 3, gripping means are provided on the external surface of the support 8. For example, a gripping handle 9 can be fixed to the external surface of the support 8.

[0089] The support 8 may consist of a plate.

[0090] The tubes 3 may have different lengths. Thus, some tubes 3 pass entirely through the body 2, while other tubes 3 stop inside the cavity at different locations.

[0091] Alternatively, all 3 tubes can have the same length.

[0092] Advantageously, all the tubes 3 have a length equal to the length of the body 2, so as to be positioned at the level of the second side 16 when the support 8 is in the retracted position.

[0093] As illustrated in, for all the tubes 3 which have a length equal to the length of the body 2, wedging means 10 in position of the tubes 3 can be provided at the level of this second side 16. The free ends of the tubes 3 cooperate with these wedging means 10 in the cavity.

[0094] For example, the wedging means 10 may consist of small cleats or edges or rails fixed to the side wall of the second side 16, and on which the free ends of the tubes 3 rest. This makes it possible to avoid deformation of the tubes 3, in particular after dosing, given the weight of the product 4 which rests on the tubes 3. These wedging means 10 thus make it easier to maintain the longest tubes 3 horizontally along the length of the mold 1.

[0095] Depending on the rigidity of the inserted tubes 3, it will be necessary or not necessary to have this type of wedging means.

[0096] Other wedging means 10 may be envisaged within the scope of the present invention. For example, grooves provided in the internal surface of the side wall of the second side 16 may accommodate the free ends of the tubes 3.

[0097] It may also be considered optionally to diffuse within these tubes 3, and in a very moderate manner, a gas (CO2, Nitrogen, air) to bring even more heterogeneity of appearance to the interior of the matrix. Thus the tubes 3 have gas injection means which consist of pores. More precisely, the tubes 3 are then hollow tubes 3, defined by an external wall, and this external wall has a multitude of pores allowing a gas to be injected into the product 4. The gas is supplied by the end of the tubes 3 supplied from the outside.

[0098] This invention is perfectly suited to the so-called "no-drain" technology for which the dry extract of the product 4 is obtained from the start, without needing to remove part of the aqueous phase 12 to achieve the final texturing. This is particularly the case for processed cheeses or even analogues of vegetable products for which the texturing is done during the cooling of the product 4. The dry extract of the finished product 4 is therefore defined from the start, during the formulation of the recipe.

[0099] Preferably, as illustrated in the figure, the product 4 is poured inside the mold 1 fitted with the tubes 3, and takes the shape of the cavity. The product 4 spreads all around the tubes 3. There is therefore a dosage carried out after the tubes are put in place.

[0100] Alternatively, the tubes can be placed after the product has been dosed hot, before it has cooled.

[0101] Product 4 is illustrated by the small dots.

[0102] After dosing the product 4 into the mold 1, hot or cold depending on the desired technology, the tubes 3 are removed to the side once the product 4 has been textured, for example by cooling.

[0103] In, the tubes 3 are removed and a block of product 4 is thus obtained with holes within the body 2 of the mold 1. The holes 15 are illustrated. They have a geometry similar to that of the tubes 3 of the.

[0104] The last step consists of unmolding 1 this block of product 4 by turning the mold 1 over. Depending on the desired use, the block is finally sliced ​​or cut into pieces for marketing.

[0105] If the block is cut into slices, each slice will have the appearance shown in the sectional view. For tapered tubes 3, the holes 15 may be made to decrease as they are sliced. For tubes 3 having a constant section along their direction of extension, the holes 15 are identical as they are sliced.

[0106] However, this invention can also be used in the context of a pressing / draining technology via an adaptation of the mold 1 and the perforations 13 of the bottom of the mold 1, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.

[0107] The perforation 13 makes it easier to drain the serum or the aqueous phase 12 of the product 4 towards the outside of the mold 1, during pressing or by gravity.

[0108] This allows only the dry extract of product 4 to be retained.

[0109] In the case of pressing, a press 14 presses on the product 4 via the opening 6 in the upper part of the mold 1, as illustrated by the arrow on the. The press 14 thus moves vertically, until all the aqueous phase 12 has been evacuated through the perforations 13, as illustrated in. The press 14 is then removed from the mold 1, then the tubes 3 are removed from the mold 1. There remain the steps of demolding by turning the mold 1 over and slicing. Second embodiment

[0110] Illustrates a second embodiment where the mold 1 is positioned vertically. This means that the direction of extension of the mold 1 is directed along the V axis. The same is true for the direction of extension of the tubes 3.

[0111] The entire description of the first embodiment is valid for this second embodiment, except for the description relating to the first side 5.

[0112] In fact, the first side 5 is not closed, but is open and is located in the upper part of the body 2.

[0113] This first side 5 has the opening 6 through which the product 4 can be poured inside the body 2.

[0114] More precisely, the principle is perfectly similar to the previous horizontal situation, except that the mold 1 is placed vertically and the tubes 3 are added from above, before dosing the product 4. The advantage of this configuration is that it is not necessary to have a watertight wall at the first side 5.

[0115] Alternatively, just as for the first embodiment, it is possible to add the tubes 3 from the top after dosing the product 4.

[0116] The support 8 supporting all the tubes 3, in the retracted position, is just placed on top of the mold 1 at the level of this first side 5.

[0117] If, in the retracted position, the support 8 of the tubes 3 completely obstructs the opening 6, then it is possible to provide a window in the support 8 of the tubes 3, which allows the dosing of the product 4 in the body 2 even in the presence of the tubes 3 already positioned in the mold 1.

[0118] It is also possible to provide that the support 8, in the retracted position, does not come to bear against the first side 5 of the body 2 of the mold 1, but that there remains sufficient functional clearance to be able to inject the product 4 into the cavity by passing laterally between the support 8 and the body 2 of the mold 1, as illustrated in.

[0119] The second side 16 has a lower wall which seals the mold 1. This lower wall is located at the bottom of the mold 1.

[0120] Advantageously, to facilitate the demolding of the cheese after texturizing, it is preferable to have a removable lower wall to allow the product 4 to come out of the mold 1 by pressing on one of the ends of the block.

[0121] Advantageously, to facilitate the demolding of the cheese after texturizing and after removal of the tubes 3, it is preferable to have a removable lower wall 19 which acts as a piston within the body 2 to make the block rise through the body 2 and thus make it exit through the first side 5 of the body 2.

[0122] On the, the mold 1 is reversed 180° with respect to the, that is to say with the support 8 closing the first side 5 located in the lower part of the body 2, while the upper part of the body 2 is closed at the level of the second side 16 with a removable wall 19 which acts as a piston to help the demolding of the block through the body 2 while taking advantage of gravity. In this case, the opening 6 to allow the dosing of the product is made in the removable wall 19, and not in the support 8, because the product is dosed in the liquid state and is therefore poured from above the mold 1, from its upper part.

[0123] Preferably, in Figures 8 and 8bis, the removable wall 19 is connected to a pushing mechanism to fulfill its piston function to assist demolding. Third embodiment

[0124] Illustrates a third embodiment where the mold 1 is positioned horizontally, as for the first embodiment.

[0125] The entire description of the first embodiment is valid for this third embodiment, except for the description relating to the second side 16.

[0126] In fact, the second side 16 is indeed closed by a side wall, but has orifices 17 for receiving the tubes 3, like the first side 5.

[0127] Each orifice 17 accommodates a tube 3, and is provided with a seal 7 to ensure sealing, as explained previously.

[0128] A second support 8b carrying tubes 3 cooperates with this second side 16, like the first support 8a which cooperates with the first side 5, as explained previously.

[0129] Thus this second support 8b is removable and movable in translation between an extended position located at a distance from the body 2 where the tubes 3 are outside the cavity, and a retracted position located in the vicinity of the second side 16 of the body 2 where the tubes 3 are in the cavity, as is the case on the.

[0130] A handle 9 equips the second support 8b for its grip.

[0131] We then end up with two opposing supports 8a, 8b, which move symmetrically, in the same direction but in opposite directions.

[0132] The presence of two supports 8a, 8b, instead of a single support 8 makes it possible to accentuate the heterogeneity of the holes 15 on the successive slices of the product 4, especially if the tubes 3 have different lengths. Fourth embodiment

[0133] Illustrates a fourth embodiment where the mold 1 is positioned horizontally, as for the first and third embodiments.

[0134] The entire description of the first embodiment is valid for this third embodiment, except for the description relating to the first side 5 and the second side 16.

[0135] These sides 5, 16 are open.

[0136] Two removable supports 8a, 8b close these sides 5, 16 before dosing the product 4 into the mold 1.

[0137] The supports 8a, 8b are movable in translation between an extended position located at a distance from the body 2 where the tubes 3 are outside the cavity, and a retracted position located in the vicinity of the sides 5, 16 of the body 2 where the tubes 3 are in the cavity, as is the case on the.

[0138] These supports 8a, 8b thus act as watertight side walls when they are in the retracted position.

[0139] The mold 1 comprises a system 18 for fixing these supports 8a, 8b to the sides 5, 16 of the body 2, in order to ensure the maintenance and general sealing of the mold 1. For example, the supports 8a, 8b are fixed to the rest of the body 2 by mechanical interlocking.

[0140] Supports 8a, 8b must be in place before product dosing step 4.

[0141] Lamontre the supports 8a, 8b being removed after the dosing and texturing of the product 4. We see through the transparency the heterogeneous holes 15 left in the product 4.

[0142] Alternatively, the second side 16 could be closed by a fixed side wall and the first side 5 would be open and a mobile support 8a provided with tubes 3, as described above, could close it in a sealed manner. Process

[0143] Illustrates the different steps of the process for producing a block of food product 4 with holes 15 from a mold 1 as described in the first embodiment. In this case, the mold 1 is positioned horizontally.

[0144] (a) represents the body 2 of the mold 1, with the opening 6 located in the upper part, and the first side 5 closed by a side wall provided with orifices 17 fitted with sealing gaskets 7.

[0145] (b) represents the support 8 from which the different tubes 3 protrude.

[0146] The first step consists of fitting the tubes 3 into the orifices 17 of the body 2, and therefore of longitudinally translating the support 8 from its extended position to its retracted position so that all the tubes 3 are correctly placed within the body 2, as illustrated in (c).

[0147] In (d) the product 4 is poured into the cavity formed by the body 2 via the upper opening 6, in accordance with the arrow. The product 4 thus spreads into the cavity and takes on the shape of the cavity while bypassing the tubes 3.

[0148] This is the dosing step of product 4, which is carried out between 4°C and 98°C.

[0149] It should be noted that the dosing step could be reversed with the tube insertion step 3.

[0150] Product 4 is then textured either by cooling, pressing or draining.

[0151] This is followed by the step of extracting the tubes 3 where the support 8 provided with the tubes 3 is removed from the body 2. We then obtain on the one hand (e) a body 2 filled with product 4 with internal holes 15 oriented in the direction of extension of the body 2, and on the other hand (f) the support plate 8 provided with the tubes 3 which is found in the extended position at a distance from the body 2 of the mold 1.

[0152] After demolding the product 4 by turning the body 2 over, a block of product 4 with holes is obtained as illustrated in (g).

[0153] The last step is to slice the product block 4 transversely so as to obtain thin slices which each have the plurality of holes 15, as illustrated in (h).

[0154] These slices can then be packaged for storage.

[0155] For the second embodiment with the vertical mold of figures 8 and 8bis, the steps would be as follows: introduction of the tubes 3 into the cavity by vertical translation of the support 8 to its retracted position; dosing of the product 4 into the cavity via the opening 6; texturing of the product 4; extraction of the tubes 3 by vertical translation of the support 8 to its extended position; demolding of the block of product 4 by different techniques, for example by pressing on the product 4 after removal of the lower wall 19 at the second side 16 or by pushing the lower wall 19 on the product 4 to make it come out, like a piston.

[0156] It should be noted that the dosing step could be reversed with the tube insertion step 3.

[0157] This process may also include one or more of the following steps:

[0158] - the use of previously cleaned and disinfected molds ((a));

[0159] - the introduction of a spout 20 of a dosing device into the opening 6 of the support 8 or of the removable wall 19 ((b));

[0160] - hot dosing (>72°C) during filling ((b)(c));

[0161] - a distribution of the product during its dosage around the tubes 3 for forming the future holes ((b)(c));

[0162] - the hermetic closure of the opening 6 of the dosage which, combined with the hot dosage, ensures non-airborne recontamination ((d));

[0163] - the possibility of vertical storage of the molds on a suitable pallet support allowing them to be cooled and sent to the workshop or slicing site without manual retrieval of the molds;

[0164] - pre-cooling the molds to the ideal slicing temperature;

[0165] - extraction of the tubes 3 secured to the support 8, for example by a mechanical system ((e))

[0166] - demolding the product by pushing the cover piston, i.e. the removable wall 19, along the body 2 of the mold just before the slicing operations ((f)(g)(h));

[0167] - and / or the connection of the removable wall 19 to a pushing mechanism 21 to gradually release the product and allow the block to be demolded ((f)(g)(h));

[0168] - the total extraction of the mold allows to obtain a log of product 4 with holes ready to slice.

[0169] - connection of the molds to a cleaning in place (CIP) module for their subsequent cleaning can be considered.

[0170] For the third and fourth embodiments with the horizontal mold of figures 10 to 12, the steps are as follows: introduction of the tubes 3 into the cavity by horizontal translation of the two supports 8a, 8b in opposite directions to their retracted position; dosing of the product 4 into the cavity via the opening 6; texturing of the product 4; extraction of the tubes 3 by horizontal translation of the supports 8a, 8b in opposite directions to their extended position; demolding of the block of product 4 by turning over the body 2.

[0171] This process allows the generation of products with identical appearances to pressed cheese with holes such as Gruyère, Emmental, Maasdam or any other cheese with holes, without the need for a fermentation step and in a very rapid and competitive manner. This process is perfectly suited to the vegan world where plant-based food products with holes, similar in appearance to cheeses with holes, can be produced without the intervention or control of fermentation.

[0172] The configurations shown in the figures cited are only possible examples, in no way limiting, of the invention which on the contrary encompasses the variants of shapes and designs within the reach of those skilled in the art.

Claims

Mold (1) comprising a body (2) delimiting an interior cavity capable of receiving a cheese or vegetable food product (4), said body (2) having an opening (6) through which the food product (4) can be introduced into the cavity during a dosing step, characterized in that the mold (1) comprises means for forming holes inside the product (4) consisting of a plurality of tubes (3) extending inside the cavity of the body (2) from at least a first side (5) of the body (2), said tubes (3) projecting from a support (8) movable relative to the body (2). Mold (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tubes (3) are made of a material suitable for food use, such as stainless steel, plastic, or ceramic. Mold (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each tube (3) has a different shaped section. Mold (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more tubes (3) have a conicity. Mold (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubes (3) have gas injection means, of the CO type 2 , or nitrogen, or air, into the cavity, each tube (3) being hollow and defined by an external wall, said injection means consisting of pores passing through said external wall. Mold (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first side (5) of the body (2) is closed by a first wall which has orifices (17) for receiving the tubes (3). Mold (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first side (5) of the body (2) is open and has said opening (6). Mold (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (2) has a second side (16) opposite the first side (5), the second side (16) being closed and having wedging means (10) in position of the tubes (3), the tubes (3) having a length identical to the length of the cavity in the direction of extension, the tubes (3) each having a free end cooperating with the wedging means (10). Mold (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (8) is movable between a retracted position located in the vicinity of the first side (5) of the body (2) and an extended position located at a distance from the body (2). Assembly composed of a mold (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a cheese or vegetable food product (4) housed in the cavity of the mold (1), the tubes (3) passing through the product (4) so ​​as to form holes (15) therein. Method for producing a cheese or vegetable food product (4) with holes (15) from a mold (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a step of inserting the tubes (3) inside the mold (1) by moving the support (8) from its extended position to its retracted position a step of dosing the product (4) in the cavity of the body (2) of the mold (1) an optional step of texturizing the product (4) either by cooling the food product (4) or by pressing and / or draining the food product (4) a step of removing the tubes (3) by moving the support (8) to its extended position a step of demolding the food product (4), the steps of inserting the tubes and dosing the product being able to be reversed.

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