Introduction to Root and Tuber Vegetable Processing

Root and tuber vegetables are staple agricultural products worldwide. Typical varieties include potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, radishes, beets, cassava, ginger, turmeric, and onions. Because these vegetables grow underground, they are exposed to soil, sand, and microorganisms, making post-harvest processing essential for food safety and quality.

Classification of Root and Tuber Vegetables by Shape

Long-Shaped Root Vegetables 

  ●  Carrots 

  ●  White radish / Daikon 

  ●  Burdock root 

  ●  Cassava 

Round or Oval Root Vegetables 

  ●  Potatoes 

  ●  Sweet potatoes 

  ●  Beets 

  ●  Onions 

General Root and Tuber Vegetable Processing Procedures

Standard Mechanical Processing Flow

Raw Material Receiving  

→ Pre-Cleaning  

→ Washing  

→ Peeling (Optional)  

→ Sorting & Grading  

→ Cutting / Further Processing  

→ Dewatering & Drying  

→ Packaging & Storage

Raw Material Receiving and Feeding Systems

1. Efficient feeding systems ensure continuous processing and prevent damage to vegetables.

Common Equipment

  ●  Hopper feeder

  ●  Belt conveyor

  ●  Bucket elevator

2. Pre-Cleaning and Soil Removal

Drum Type Mud Remover

Vibrating Screen

Air Classification System

3. Washing and Cleaning Systems

Washing removes residual soil and microorganisms using water, brushes, and air bubbles

Bubble washing machines

Brush washers

Spray washing tunnels

4. Peeling Procedures

Abrasive peeling

Steam peeling

Knife peeling

5. Sorting and Grading Systems

Roller Grading Machine

Weight Sorting Machine

Optical Sorting Machine

Production Line Case: Long-Shaped Root Vegetables

Typical Products： Carrot， White Radish， Burdock， Cassava， Horseradish

Processing Challenges：

High risk of breakage

Flexible and inconsistent in length

Heavy soil adhesion on the surface

Recommended Processing Line

Feeding  

→ Drum Pre-Cleaner  

→ Bubble Washer  

→ Brush Washer  

→ Abrasive Peeler (Optional)  

→ Length & Diameter Grading  

→ Cutting (Optional)  

→ Air Drying  

→ Packaging

Key Advantages

Low damage rate

Adaptable to various lengths

Thoroughly cleaned with a uniform appearance

Production Line Case: Round Root Vegetables

Typical Products： potato, onion, beets, sweet potato, 

Processing Challenges:

Large surface area

Peeling loss control

Prone to rolling impact

Recommended Processing Line

Feeding  

→ Rotary Drum Cleaner  

→ Brush Washer  

→ Abrasive or Steam Peeler  

→ Roller Grader  

→ Optical Sorting  

→ Dewatering  

→ Packaging

Key Advantages

High peeling rate

Uniform peeling

high grading accuracy

Conclusion

Modern root and tuber vegetable processing procedures rely on efficient mechanical systems, hygienic design, and customized production lines. By selecting suitable equipment for long-shaped and round-shaped root vegetables, processors can maximize efficiency, reduce waste, and deliver consistent product quality.

Written by FXFM MACHINE

A good helper in root vegetable processing.