Chemical Peeler

Chemical Peeler

Chemical peeler systems from Bigtem, supplied in North America by VegTech Systems, provide an efficient solution for high-volume peeling of tomatoes, peaches, apricots, and other fruits and vegetables using controlled caustic solutions.

Chemical peeler machines are ideal when gentle mechanical or steam peeling is not sufficient or when high throughput with consistent results is required. These systems are commonly used in tomato paste, sauce, canned peach, and other fruit/vegetable processing lines.

How Chemical Peeling Works

The process involves several carefully controlled stages:

  • Caustic Bath: Produce is immersed in a heated sodium hydroxide (lye) solution that softens and loosens the skin.
  • Dwell Time Control: Precise timing ensures effective skin removal without damaging the flesh underneath.
  • Rinsing: High-pressure water sprays neutralize and remove the caustic residue completely.
  • Final Inspection: Peeled product is inspected for quality before moving to the next process step (cutting, canning, freezing, etc.).

Bigtem Chemical Peeler Advantages:

  • High throughput (up to several tons per hour depending on product and configuration)
  • Consistent peel removal with minimal flesh loss
  • Suitable for tomatoes, peaches, apricots, and similar thin-skinned produce
  • Seamless integration with conveyors, sorters, cutters, and downstream equipment
  • Food-grade stainless steel construction with easy-clean design and safety features

Commercial Benefits

  • High Yield: Controlled chemical action removes skin with minimal flesh loss compared to aggressive mechanical methods, improving overall profitability.
  • Efficiency: Continuous flow design supports high-volume production lines with reduced downtime.
  • Quality: Uniform peeling improves appearance and downstream processing (canning, sauce making, freezing, etc.).
  • Labor Savings: Automated system significantly reduces manual peeling labor requirements.
  • Flexibility: Adjustable parameters for different products, peel thickness requirements, and production schedules.
  • Food Safety: Reliable rinsing and hygienic design meet strict regulatory standards.

Typical Applications:

  • Tomato peeling for paste, sauce, diced tomatoes, and canned products
  • Peach and apricot peeling for canning and freezing lines
  • Other thin-skinned fruits and vegetables requiring clean, efficient peel removal

Why Choose VegTech Systems + Bigtem?

We are your true process partner — providing complete chemical peeler systems with full-line integration and local North American support.

Our team helps processors choose the right peeling technology (chemical, steam, or abrasive) based on their specific product, capacity, quality goals, and budget. We also support installation, operator training, spare parts, and ongoing optimization to ensure long-term performance.

Tell us your target product (tomatoes, peaches, etc.), capacity, current peeling method, and challenges. We will prepare a customized recommendation, layout, and budgetary proposal — usually within 5 business days.

Request a Quote → Call: (414) 378-9956 | sales@vegtechsystems.com