An adjustable breading machine for applying a coating material onto a food product, the machine includes a frame and a breading chamber enclosure through which the food product travels along the food path to receive a coating material. The adjustable breading machine may also include a hopper fixedly connected to the frame to deliver a coating material into the breading chamber enclosure. At least partially within the breading chamber enclosure is a main conveyor and an outfeed conveyor. In a first mode of operation, the outfeed conveyor lies in the food path and receives food product from the main conveyor. The adjustable breading machine includes a drum assembly operatively disposed above the outfeed conveyor having a rotatable drum for transporting food product and coating material to the outfeed conveyor. The adjustable breading machine also includes a drum adjustment assembly for moving the drum assembly between modes of operation.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and method for automated food preparation systems. An example apparatus includes a body defining a first end configured to receive a food item, a second end opposite the first end, and a flow channel defined by an inner surface of the body extending between the first end and the second end. In an instance in which the food item is directed into the body via the first end, the flow channel is configured to distribute a coating material about the food item before the food item exits the body via the second end.

A blending apparatus for coating product in flavouring is provided. The blending apparatus comprises a product dispenser configured to dispense a falling stream of product, a flavouring dispenser configured to dispense a falling stream of flavouring, and a deflection surface. The deflection surface is configured to deflect at least one of the falling stream of product and falling stream of flavouring, thereby bringing the falling stream of product and the falling stream of flavouring together. A method for coating product in flavouring is also provided. The method comprises the steps of dispensing a falling stream of product from a product dispenser, dispensing a falling stream of flavouring from a flavouring dispenser, deflecting the falling stream of product and the falling stream of flavouring using a deflection surface so as to bring the falling stream of product and the falling stream of flavouring together, thereby coating the product in the flavouring.

A blending apparatus for coating product in flavouring is provided. The blending apparatus comprises a product dispenser configured to dispense a falling stream of product, a flavouring dispenser configured to dispense a falling stream of flavouring, and a deflection surface. The deflection surface is configured to deflect at least one of the falling stream of product and falling stream of flavouring, thereby bringing the falling stream of product and the falling stream of flavouring together. A method for coating product in flavouring is also provided. The method comprises the steps of dispensing a falling stream of product from a product dispenser, dispensing a falling stream of flavouring from a flavouring dispenser, deflecting the falling stream of product and the falling stream of flavouring using a deflection surface so as to bring the falling stream of product and the falling stream of flavouring together, thereby coating the product in the flavouring.

A coated food substrate including a food substrate with a vegetable coating comprising vegetables which must not be either potato or corn, where the vegetables are in comminuted form and preferably have a particle size in the range of about 50 to 500.Math..Math., and where the comminuted vegetables may be applied as a coating batter which optionally may also include vegetable pieces in the range of about 0.5 to 2 mm in largest cross-section.

A coated food substrate including a food substrate with a vegetable coating comprising vegetables which must not be either potato or corn, where the vegetables are in comminuted form and preferably have a particle size in the range of about 50 to 500.Math..Math., and where the comminuted vegetables may be applied as a coating batter which optionally may also include vegetable pieces in the range of about 0.5 to 2 mm in largest cross-section.

A system for processing foodstuff includes a drum and a conveyor for conveying foodstuff to the drum; the drum having a peripheral wall and at least one opening into which, in use, foodstuff enters the drum; the drum having a proximal extremity and a distal extremity; the drum being rotatable about at least one axis of rotation; whereby foodstuff may be tumbled for flavouring and/or seasoning the foodstuff; and the drum being removable; wherein the peripheral wall includes titanium or a titanium alloy.

A system for processing foodstuff includes a drum and a conveyor for conveying foodstuff to the drum; the drum having a peripheral wall and at least one opening into which, in use, foodstuff enters the drum; the drum having a proximal extremity and a distal extremity; the drum being rotatable about at least one axis of rotation; whereby foodstuff may be tumbled for flavouring and/or seasoning the foodstuff; and the drum being removable; wherein the peripheral wall includes titanium or a titanium alloy.

A coated food substrate including a food substrate with a vegetable coating comprising vegetables which must not be either potato or corn, where the vegetables are in comminuted form and preferably have a particle size in the range of about 50 to 500 ?m and where the comminuted vegetables may be applied as a coating which optionally may also include vegetable pieces in the range of about 0.5 to 2 mm in the largest cross-section.

A coated food substrate including a food substrate with a vegetable coating comprising vegetables which must not be either potato or corn, where the vegetables are in comminuted form and preferably have a particle size in the range of about 50 to 500 ?m and where the comminuted vegetables may be applied as a coating which optionally may also include vegetable pieces in the range of about 0.5 to 2 mm in the largest cross-section.