The kit increases the shelf life, utilisation and safety of food, opening up new possibilities for food production, preservation and existing kitchen processes. By connecting the kit via the USB interface an icon appears on the display to guide the user to the sous-vide and pasteurisation cooking paths.

What do you do with food that has not been consumed at the end of the day? Pasteurisation will reduce bacteria and therefore extend the shelf life. This means a ‘significant reduction’ in food waste. Pasteurisation ranges in temperature from 55 to 99° C, depending on the food.

Ian Leadbetter, national corporate chef for Rational UK, explained: “Pasteurisation is the gentle heating of the food. The temperature is high enough to largely kill pathogenic germs and microorganisms. At the same time, the temperature is so low that the nutritional value and taste of the food does not suffer."

Even in establishments that cater to guests with weaker immune systems, such as children and the elderly, pasteurised food means that dishes can be offered that were previously risky.

The sous-vide process is about heating a product until the perfect cooking point is reached. The focus here is on the culinary aspect.

Leadbetter added: “The exact temperature is key because this is the only way to preserve nutrients and flavour. There's no need to worry in the kitchen though, by using the sous-vide and pasteurisation kit, everything is stored in the Rational intelligent cooking paths."

Customers can order the new sous-vide and pasteurisation kit from their Rational accredited dealer.