Dehydrated Onions (100% E.O.U.)
Onion is one of the most important commercial vegetable crops grown in India. Both immature and mature bulbs are used as vegetable and condiment. It contains vitamin B and a trace of vitamin C and also traces of iron and calcium. The outstanding characteristic of onion is its pungency, which is due to a volatile oil known as allyl-propyl disulphide. Onions compared with other fresh vegetable are relatively high in food energy, intermediate in protein content and rich in calcium and riboflavin. Dehydrated Onions have been produced in small quantities since the nineteenth century. The main advantages of dehydrated onions are that they are easy to store, being lighter in weight and smaller in bulk than fresh or other processed onions. They are cheap to pack compared with canned goods. They do not require refrigerated storage as do frozen onions and the contents of a container can be used some time after opening provided they are not dehydrated. The newest dehydration process appears to be a variation on the air-drying process and is based on the principle of vapor pressure differentials, using air circulated around the onions at relatively low temperatures to `sweat' the water from the food. It is reported that this method of dehydration prevents a crust forming on the outside of the pieces of food and that the low temperatures have less effect on flavor, texture, color and vitamin contents of onion then, of the higher temperatures used in conventional hot air-drying methods. Uses & Applications Dehydrated onions are used chiefly as a constituent in various food products i.e. they are sold to manufacturing concerns as an industrial raw material and demand for dehydrated onions is a function of the demand of these food products. However there is a demand for dehydrated onions for use as curlinary onions, both by large catering concerns - institutions and industrial canteens; and for domestic use. The other use of dehydrated onions is in the manufacture of dried soups-once virtually the sole outlet for these products, but now declining in relative importance, as other applications including use in canned soups and stews, baby foods, fish, meat and bakery products and more recently in dried `ready-meals' have been developed. Most popular applications Pizza and other fast food, snack foods, food service packs, stuffing mixes, pickled products, meat products, sea food products, gravies, canned foods, salad dressing, dips, bottle packs, pet food, rice mixes, soups, potato salad, seasoning, wet and dry salsa, specialty foods, curry powder, bakery topping, gourmet sauces, seasoning and in many other snacks or as ingredients. ? Market Survey Onion is an important vegetable crop grown in India and forms a part of daily diet in almost all households throughout the year. India is the second largest producer of onion in the world. Onion is one of the most important but perishable groups known. It is also used for medical purpose. But due to non-availability of appropriate post-harvest storage facilities, 20-25% of the total produced onions are wasted, which in terms of value amounts to crores of rupees. The right post harvest practices such as good processing techniques, and proper packaging, transportation and storage (of even processed foods) can play a significant role in reducing spoilage and extending shelf life. The industry consists of segments like processed fruits and vegetables, cereal based products, dairy products, meat, poultry and fishery products, beverages and confectionary. The global processed food market is estimated at $3.2 trillion. The Indian food market is estimated at $182 billion. Food processing industry in India is growing at 14% annum. The total food production in India is likely to double in the next ten years and there is an opportunity for large investments in food and food processing technologies. Among various methods of preservation, dehydration of vegetables is one of the most popular and oldest methods. Dehydration increases the storage period of vegetables and make them available throughout the year and even in off-season, thus supplying the important nutrients in a concentrated form. Almost all dehydrated onion products like - kibbled, sliced, rings (half & full), large kibbled, minced (in various cut sizes), chopped, granulates and powder forms has good potential in food processing industries, defense, pharmaceutical industries, hotels and restaurants, caterers, etc. In India dehydration of many food products especially vegetables and some fruits are in practices at home and industry level throughout year. There are some nutritional loses but these products are useful in many food preparation, it is readily available for Whole year. India's food processing industry is expected to benefit from this and grow to around $260-billion from the present USD 200-billion in the next 6-years, according to industry expert. It is estimated that potential for processed foods is estimated to reach from Rs 8,200-billion to Rs13, 500-billion by 2014-15. India produces 41% of the world's mangoes, 30% of cauliflowers, 28 per cent of tea, 23% of cashews, 36 per cent of green peas and 10% of onions. The Indian food production is estimated at 500 million tonnes and food processing industry has immense potential. India is a large and growing market for food products as it is growing at about 1.6% annum. Non-availability of onion during off-season creates major problem in the market. Hence, if they are processed and stored during peak season and made available during this period, then they command premium. With growing incomes, changing lifestyles and hectic daily schedule, market for dehydrated onion is growing especially in urban areas. Dehydrated products are the largest export products for international markets & international clients who desire for quality products. These products are 100% export oriented to countries like UK, Canada, Germany and many more.