How is Hummus Made: Complete Guide for Commercial Production | Industrial Mixing Equipment
Hummus, a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and spices, is a global favorite in dips and spreads. For commercial producers, scaling up hummus production requires precision, hygiene, and efficiency. This guide outlines the commercial hummus-making process and highlights the role of customized stainless steel equipment in achieving consistent quality. As a leading China manufacturer, we provide tailored solutions for food processors to streamline hummus production.
What is Hummus and Why is it So Popular?
Hummus is a creamy Middle Eastern dip made primarily from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. The global hummus market has experienced explosive growth, reaching $3.8 billion in 2023 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.1% through 2030.
This surge in demand has created significant opportunities for food manufacturers, restaurants, and processing facilities to scale up their hummus production using professional-grade mixing equipment.
source:grandviewresearch
Key Market Drivers:
Growing health consciousness among consumers
Increasing demand for plant-based proteins
Expansion of Mediterranean cuisine globally
Rise in vegan and vegetarian diets
The Commercial Hummus Production Process
Commercial hummus production involves several steps, each requiring specialized equipment to ensure high output and food safety. Below is a detailed breakdown of the process:
1. Ingredient Preparation
Key Ingredients: Chickpeas (dried or canned), tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and spices (e.g., cumin).
Chickpea Soaking and Cooking: Dried chickpeas are soaked for 8–12 hours and cooked until soft. Commercial soaking tanks and steam-jacketed cooking vessels ensure uniform cooking.
Other Ingredients: Tahini, lemon juice, and spices are pre-measured for batch consistency.
Equipment Needed: Custom stainless steel soaking tanks and cooking kettles with precise temperature control.
Contact us for custom cooking kettles
2. Blending and Mixing
The cooked chickpeas are blended with tahini, oil, lemon juice, and spices to achieve hummus’s signature creamy texture. Commercial mixing requires high-capacity tanks with agitators to ensure uniformity.
Multi-Shaft Mixing: Multi-shaft mixing tanks combine anchor and high-speed dispersers to blend ingredients thoroughly.
Dispersion Function: High-speed dispersers break down chickpeas and tahini for a smooth consistency.
Equipment Needed: Custom multi-shaft mixing tanks with dispersion capabilities, tailored for hummus viscosity.
Custom multi-shaft mixing tanks
3. Homogenization
Homogenization refines hummus texture by reducing particle size and ensuring a stable emulsion. This step enhances shelf life and mouthfeel.
High-Shear Homogenizers: Apply intense shear forces to create a uniform, creamy product.
Equipment Needed: Stainless steel high-shear homogenizers with adjustable shear rates.
4. Cooling and Storage
After mixing, hummus is cooled to maintain freshness and stored before packaging. Cooling prevents bacterial growth, while storage tanks ensure hygiene.
Cooling Systems: Tanks with cooling jackets rapidly lower hummus temperature.
Mobile Storage:Mobile tanks allow flexible storage and transfer.
Equipment Needed: Custom mobile storage tanks with cooling jackets and rotor pumps for material transfer.
5. Packaging
Hummus is packaged into containers (tubs, jars, or pouches) under strict hygiene conditions. Automated filling systems ensure precision and speed.
Equipment Needed: Sanitary filling machines compatible with food-grade stainless steel tanks.
Choosing the Right Mixing Equipment for Your Hummus Production
| Production Scale | Recommended Equipment | Capacity Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Commercial | Batch Mixing Tank | 50-200L | Manual controls, basic CIP |
| Medium Production | High-Shear Mixer | 500-1000L | PLC controls, jacketed vessel |
| Large Industrial | Continuous Processing Line | 2000L+ | Full automation, inline quality monitoring |
Key Features of Professional Hummus Mixing Equipment
Sanitary Design:FDA-compliant stainless steel construction with CIP (Clean-in-Place) capabilities
Variable Speed Control:Precise speed control for different mixing phases and ingredient incorporation
Multiple Agitator Options:Interchangeable mixing elements for different viscosities and textures
Vacuum Capability:Removes air bubbles for smoother texture and extended shelf life
Automated Controls:PLC-based control systems for consistent, repeatable production cycles
Scalable Capacity:Available in sizes from 50L to 5000L+ for any production requirement
How Proper Mixing Equipment Ensures Quality
Consistent Particle Size: High-shear mixing ensures uniform breakdown of ingredients
Proper Emulsification: Creates stable oil-water emulsion for smooth texture
Temperature Control: Prevents heat damage to sensitive ingredients
Batch Consistency: Automated controls ensure identical results every time
Why Choose Our Mixing Equipment?
Technical Excellence
20+ years of food processing equipment experience
CE & ASME certified manufacturing processes
Custom engineering for specific applications
Comprehensive testing and validation
Service & Support
24/7 technical support worldwide
On-site installation and training
Preventive maintenance programs
Spare parts availability guarantee
FAQs
What type of mixing equipment is best for hummus production?
High-shear mixing tanks are ideal for hummus production as they create the smooth, creamy texture consumers expect. The specific type depends on your production volume and requirements.
How long does it take to mix a batch of hummus commercially?
With proper industrial mixing equipment, a typical batch can be processed in 15-30 minutes, depending on batch size and desired texture. This is significantly faster than traditional methods.
What capacity mixing tank do I need for my production goals?
This depends on your target daily production. As a general rule, plan for 2-3 batches per day maximum to allow for cleaning and maintenance. Contact our engineers for specific recommendations.
Can the same equipment be used for different hummus flavors?
Yes, professional mixing tanks are designed for easy cleaning and changeover between different products and flavors. Proper CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems ensure no cross-contamination.
Contact Us for Your Custom Hummus Production Solution!
Ready to scale up your hummus production with tailored equipment? Our sales manager will contact you to better understand your needs and provide a personalized quote.