Cleaning Process
The cleaning process for hibiscus calyces involves several steps to remove impurities and ensure the product's quality:
Harvesting:
Hibiscus flowers are harvested when the calyces have reached maturity. The calyces are carefully plucked from the flowers, leaving behind the seeds and other parts.
Drying:
The freshly harvested calyces are spread out in a well-ventilated area to dry naturally. This process may take several days and is done to reduce moisture content and prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
Cleaning:
Once the calyces are dry, they undergo a cleaning process to remove any dirt, debris, or damaged calyces. This is typically done using sieves, screens, or air separation techniques to separate the clean calyces from impurities.
Sorting:
The cleaned calyces are then sorted based on their size, colour, and quality. This ensures that only the best-quality calyces are selected for packaging and export.
Final Inspection:
A final inspection is conducted to ensure that the hibiscus calyces meet the desired quality standards, including cleanliness, colour, and absence of foreign matter.
By following these cleaning and preparation steps, Whitesands Agro Commodities Ltd ensures that the hibiscus calyces are of high quality, free from impurities, and ready for export.
Hazard Identification and Preservative Measures:
Potential Hazards:
Pests: Infestation by insects or pests during cultivation, harvesting, or storage.
Contaminants: Presence of foreign matter, such as dirt, stones, or other plant materials.
Preservative Measures:
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Implementing IPM practices to monitor and control pests effectively. This includes regular inspection, proper storage, and use of environmentally friendly pest control methods.
- Cleaning and Sorting: Thoroughly clean and sort the hibiscus flowers to remove any foreign matter or contaminants before export.
- Proper Storage: Store hibiscus in dry and well-ventilated facilities to prevent moisture accumulation and minimise the risk of mold or fungal growth.
- Packaging: Use high-quality, food-grade packaging materials that protect the hibiscus from pests, moisture, and physical damage during transport.
- Quality Control: Perform regular quality checks to ensure compliance with international standards, including visual inspection, laboratory testing, and documentation.