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At Dahlgren & Company, Inc. we have a genuine concern for the wholesomeness of the products we deliver. Our
mission is to ensure industry leadership measured specifically by customer growth and satisfaction. Therefore, we work closely with our suppliers and customers alike to ensure that Dahlgren products
meet the requirements necessary for successful use in the marketplace. A significant factor in the success of a food product is its
shelf life. Shelf life can be affected by a number of different factors including the ingredients used to produce the product, the properties of the packaging material used, the quality of the package seal,
and the storage conditions. Sunflower Kernels, like other nuts, should be protected from excessive light, heat, moisture, and oxygen since these are the factors that induce rancidity and cause the
kernel to lose its fresh flavor and aroma. |
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Available Packaging
- 25 or 50 lb., 25 kg. multi-layer paper bags (optional poly liner)
- 25, 45, or 50 lb. vacuum packed boxes
- Nitrogen flushed printed or clear packages ranging in size from 0.5 oz. (14 g.) to 3 lb. (1,359 g.)
- Up to 2000 lb. one-way totes*
- Up to 2000 lb. corrugated bins*
- Custom packaging available
* Totes and bins also available nitrogen flushed or vacuum packed.
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Shelf Life and Rancidity Shelf life is reduced by the onset
of oxidative rancidity, which occurs when food products are improperly protected. Oxidative rancidity can be defined as the oxidation of unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in food products when exposed to
various external factors in the environment. This is an irreversible chemical change attributing to undesirable flavors and odors in the product. Hence, the best weapon against rancidity is to prevent
it. How to prevent rancidity and maximize your shelf life: 1) PACKAGING: Packaging is an integral component of extended shelf life and product
performance. According to Food Product Design, "Protecting against oxidative deterioration requires a straightforward approach: eliminate, minimize or control food contact with oxygen" (pp. 1, Bannar 1997). According to Bannar, oxygen can come from
two origins: inside the package (from the product itself, or from what is left in the headspace of the package), and from the external environment (oxygen that permeates the film barrier). At Dahlgren &
Company, Inc., two formats of packaging are used to impede these two sources of oxygen: vacuum packaging and nitrogen flushing.
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2) STORAGE: Once the product leaves our
facility, the key aspect in protecting the product's integrity is the way that you store it.
- It is recommended to store product in a cool, dry place.
- Optimum storage conditions are no more than 40oF and no more than 60% humidity.
- Dahlgren & Company, Inc. does not recommend storing Sunflowers at temperatures higher than 75°F (23.8°C) or relative humidity higher than 60%.
3) HIGH OLEIC SUNFLOWER KERNELS: Rancidity is also dependent on individual food products' stability. Therefore, a variety of sunflower kernel has been developed with an inherent
resistance to oxidation. Naturally present in the fatty acid profile, "High Oleic Sunflower" has an elevated level of oleic acid, which is a more stable fatty acid when exposed to oxygen and heat.
For more information on High Oleic Sunflower Kernels, please indicate U.S./Canada Sales or International Sales. Recommended Procedures for Testing Rancidity: Raw
products can be tested by measuring the free fatty acid profile and levels of peroxide. However, the chemical measurement of rancidity in roasted
product that best correlates with sensory data is Hexanal (NSA).References: Banner, Robert J. (1997, December). Food Product Design: "Product Preservation".
Retrieved July 7, 2000 from the World Wide Web:
http://www.foodproductdesign.com/archive/1997/1297DE.html |
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Home | Product Information |
Company Profile | Quality Control
U.S./Canada Sales | International Sales |
Contact Information |
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1220 Sunflower Street
Crookston, MN 56716-0609 U.S.A.
(218) 281-2985 Fax: (218) 281-6218
www.sunflowerseed.com Copyright © 2000 Dahlgren & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Legal Notices 
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