A food processing vat is provided with a zoned heat transfer system that provides zoned temperature control to the vat. The zoned heat transfer system selectively transmits heat to or removes heat from different portions of a bottom wall and/or side walks) of the vat. A heat transfer fluid may be directed through the zoned heat transfer system along a flow path that is selected based on a target size and/or a target temperature of a batch of food product being processed in the vat.

A food processing vat is provided with a zoned heat transfer system that provides zoned temperature control to the vat. The zoned heat transfer system selectively transmits heat to or removes heat from different portions of a bottom wall and/or side walks) of the vat. A heat transfer fluid may be directed through the zoned heat transfer system along a flow path that is selected based on a target size and/or a target temperature of a batch of food product being processed in the vat.

A countertop cooking appliance is an apparatus that is used to manufacture food, particularly cheeses, with controlled heating, mixing, drainage, and pressure cycles. The apparatus is also configured to accept various cooking patterns for different foods based on different recipes. A perforated drainer is used to hold ingredients for mixing, completed cheese curds, and the finalized cheese product. A processing receptacle is a container that holds the perforated drainer and temporarily stores whey and process byproducts. A byproduct receptacle is a storage unit for whey and other liquid byproducts produced in the cheese development process. A fluid pump applies pressure to fluids collected in the processing receptacle, transferring them to the byproduct receptacle. A linear actuator provides mechanical power to one of several detachable food-interacting heads, which consequently chops, mixes, or otherwise agitates the contents of the perforated container.

A countertop cooking appliance is an apparatus that is used to manufacture food, particularly cheeses, with controlled heating, mixing, drainage, and pressure cycles. The apparatus is also configured to accept various cooking patterns for different foods based on different recipes. A perforated drainer is used to hold ingredients for mixing, completed cheese curds, and the finalized cheese product. A processing receptacle is a container that holds the perforated drainer and temporarily stores whey and process byproducts. A byproduct receptacle is a storage unit for whey and other liquid byproducts produced in the cheese development process. A fluid pump applies pressure to fluids collected in the processing receptacle, transferring them to the byproduct receptacle. A linear actuator provides mechanical power to one of several detachable food-interacting heads, which consequently chops, mixes, or otherwise agitates the contents of the perforated container.

A countertop cooking appliance is an apparatus that is used to manufacture food, particularly cheeses, with controlled heating, mixing, drainage, and pressure cycles. The apparatus is also configured to accept various cooking patterns for different foods based on different recipes. A perforated drainer is used to hold ingredients for mixing, completed cheese curds, and the finalized cheese product. A processing receptacle is a container that holds the perforated drainer and temporarily stores whey and process byproducts. A byproduct receptacle is a storage unit for whey and other liquid byproducts produced in the cheese development process. A fluid pump applies pressure to fluids collected in the processing receptacle, transferring them to the byproduct receptacle. A linear actuator provides mechanical power to one of several detachable food-interacting heads, which consequently chops, mixes, or otherwise agitates the contents of the perforated container.

A countertop cooking appliance is an apparatus that is used to manufacture food, particularly cheeses, with controlled heating, mixing, drainage, and pressure cycles. The apparatus is also configured to accept various cooking patterns for different foods based on different recipes. A perforated drainer is used to hold ingredients for mixing, completed cheese curds, and the finalized cheese product. A processing receptacle is a container that holds the perforated drainer and temporarily stores whey and process byproducts. A byproduct receptacle is a storage unit for whey and other liquid byproducts produced in the cheese development process. A fluid pump applies pressure to fluids collected in the processing receptacle, transferring them to the byproduct receptacle. A linear actuator provides mechanical power to one of several detachable food-interacting heads, which consequently chops, mixes, or otherwise agitates the contents of the perforated container.

The present disclosure provides an exemplary method for producing non-dairy cheese. In some embodiments, this novel process of making non-dairy cheese may be similar to the manufacturing of traditional dairy cheese. In some aspects, the seeds used in this process may be used for the production of other products that may or may not be related to the non-dairy cheese production. In some embodiments, different cultures may be added to the non-dairy cheese to give it different textures, chemical balances, tastes, and other attributes, as non-limiting examples. In some implementations, throughout the process, the pH and moisture levels may be monitored, which may ensure the mixture reaches target levels at each step of the process. In some aspects, other criteria based on weight of cheese, amount of culture added, and other non-limiting factors may impact the production of the non-dairy cheese.

The present disclosure provides an exemplary method for producing non-dairy cheese. In some embodiments, this novel process of making non-dairy cheese may be similar to the manufacturing of traditional dairy cheese. In some aspects, the seeds used in this process may be used for the production of other products that may or may not be related to the non-dairy cheese production. In some embodiments, different cultures may be added to the non-dairy cheese to give it different textures, chemical balances, tastes, and other attributes, as non-limiting examples. In some implementations, throughout the process, the pH and moisture levels may be monitored, which may ensure the mixture reaches target levels at each step of the process. In some aspects, other criteria based on weight of cheese, amount of culture added, and other non-limiting factors may impact the production of the non-dairy cheese.

Disclosed are various embodiments of an auger-style treatment tank equipped with instrumentation. In one embodiment, an auger treatment tank includes an auger configured to rotate within treatment liquid in the auger treatment tank. The auger includes an auger shaft and at least one auger flight coupled to and helically disposed about the auger shaft. The auger treatment tank also includes one or more sensors configured to provide data directly or indirectly indicating a torque transmitted to the auger to effect rotation.