Introduction

For food producers focused on premium flavour, extended shelf life, and consistent texture, the curing and smoking process is key. Protech’s cold smoking and maturing rooms are built to meet those needs with precision, offering a fully controlled environment for the cold smoking and ripening of meat and plant-based products.

What Is Cold Smoking?

Unlike hot smoking, which cooks the product, cold smoking is done at temperatures typically below 30°C (86°F). This low and slow process allows smoke to penetrate the product without changing its texture, making it ideal for cured sausages, salami, and smoked ham. The result is enhanced flavour, aroma, and visual appeal.

The Role of the Maturing Phase

Once cold smoking is complete, many products enter a maturing or ripening phase. In this step, controlled humidity and temperature allow fermentation and moisture reduction to occur gradually. This process is essential for developing taste, texture, and preservation — especially for dry-cured meats.

Key Benefits for Food Producers

Protech’s cold smoking and maturing rooms provide full control over the smoking and curing environment. Producers can expect consistent product quality thanks to regulation of humidity, airflow, smoke density, and temperature. The hygienic design supports food safety compliance, while energy-efficient systems help reduce operating costs. Each unit is modular and can be adapted to the available space and production capacity.

Ideal for Meat, Poultry, and Plant-Based Applications

Whether producing smoked salami, matured ham or vegan alternatives, Protech’s solutions are designed for flexibility. Climate profiles can be stored and managed through the integrated control system, allowing smooth transitions between different product types and reducing downtime.

Integration Into Your Production Line

Cold smoking and maturing rooms can function as standalone units or be seamlessly integrated into a complete processing line. Automation features minimise manual handling and improve traceability, while the construction ensures thermal efficiency and long-term reliability.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Curing Process

Cold smoking and maturing are essential steps in delivering high-quality, shelf-stable products. With Protech’s automated rooms, food producers gain precise control over every stage — improving flavour, safety, and production consistency.

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