Challenging cimiciato sorting in hazelnut processing

Hazelnuts are prized for their flavor and versatility, but they come with unique quality challenges. Among these, one defect keeps processors awake at night: cimiciato. This defect, caused by stink bug feeding, transforms perfectly good kernels into bitter, unmarketable nuts. At Qcify, we believe tackling cimiciato is not just about detection but about smarter, interconnected solutions that keep your lines running smoothly and your customers satisfied.

What exactly is cimiciato?

Cimiciato, also called “corked” hazelnuts, results from insect feeding during kernel development. Stink bugs and leaffooted bugs pierce the shell and feed on the developing nut. The outcome depends on timing:

• Early season feeding can cause the nut to abort entirely, leaving empty shells or “blanks”.
• During kernel expansion, bites often result in shriveled or malformed kernels.
• Late in development, stinkbug feeding leaves behind dry, necrotic tissue inside the nut. This is what we call cimiciato, marked by bitterness, astringency, and unpleasant off-flavors.

Some cases are obvious, with dark spots visible on the kernel surface. Others remain hidden until the nut is cut open. This hidden cimiciato is particularly problematic for processors supplying to confectionery brands, where even a single defective nut can lead to entire shipments being rejected.

Why cimiciato matters for processors

“You can’t expect humans to catch every hidden defect. That’s not realistic. But with real-time imaging, AI models, and in-line monitoring, we can support QC staff so they make faster and more confident decisions,” explains Qcify’s Area Sales Manager, Ilyich Craeghs.

The impact of cimiciato reaches far beyond flavor. In some orchards, incidence rates of 20 to 40 percent have been recorded. For processors, this creates three major challenges:

• Yield losses: Each defective nut is a direct hit on usable volume.
• Processing inefficiency: Reliance on manual inspection is slow, subjective, and unable to catch every hidden defect.
• Customer trust: Brands and retailers expect flawless hazelnuts. A single defective lot can damage reputation and cost future business.

In a global market where consistency and reliability are everything, processors cannot afford uncertainty. Cimiciato is not just an agricultural issue, it is a processing challenge that must be solved with speed, precision, and data.

The limits of traditional detection

Historically, processors have relied on visual inspection, manual cutting, and sensory evaluation to identify cimiciato. While effective to some degree, these methods are slow, inconsistent, and dependent on skilled labor. Worse, they cannot reliably detect hidden defects.

This is where automated, interconnected, and AI-driven systems make the difference. Instead of relying on human eyes and taste buds, modern technology captures high-resolution images, analyzes patterns invisible to humans, and sorts kernels at industrial speeds. Automation not only removes subjectivity but also ensures round-the-clock reliability.

“We’ve trained our models on years of real-world data. That’s what makes them different: they keep getting better. It’s not about chasing every new technology. It’s about building reliable solutions that QC staff can trust every day,” says an Applications Engineer at Qcify.

Sustainability and bio approaches

Across the industry, growers are reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and increasingly turning to biological products and integrated pest management. These are positive steps for the environment and for consumer confidence. Traditional pesticides, while still used in many orchards, also fall short of providing complete protection. Stink bugs are highly mobile, and no field strategy — chemical or biological — can fully prevent cimiciato.

That’s where Qcify comes in. Our real-time, data-driven tools complement sustainable field practices by safeguarding quality at the processing stage. Even as orchards move toward more bio-friendly methods, processors can remain confident that every batch meets the highest standards.

How Qcify helps crack the problem

At Qcify, we have built our systems to address exactly these types of challenges. Cimiciato is difficult, but not impossible to tackle when processors have the right tools. Our machines combine deep learning, advanced imaging, and real-time insights to create an interconnected defense against hazelnut defects.

• Qcify AIR: Designed with double-sided RGB cameras and in-house trained AI models, AIR identifies subtle defects like cimiciato while minimizing false rejects. Its gentle product handling ensures kernels remain intact even under heavy sorting loads.
• Qcify EYE: Supports final quality control by removing quality defects such as foreign material and insect damage. It is cost-efficient and built for long-term reliability, reducing wear and downtime.
• Qcify RAY: A compact sensor system that provides in-line monitoring throughout your facility. From cracker performance to blanching outfeed, RAY gives real-time alerts that allow processors to correct quality issues before they become costly.
• Qcify HUB: Our centralized data platform connects every machine in your facility. With HUB, you can see a full overview of your processing line, access reports instantly, and receive custom notifications about quality trends, all in real time.

The real power of these solutions lies in their connectivity. By sharing data across machines and linking insights directly to operations, Qcify systems transform quality control from reactive checking into proactive management.

The bigger picture: building resilience against defects

Cimiciato is just one example of how environmental pressures, pest behavior, and market expectations collide in modern food processing. As climate change intensifies pest pressure and quality standards grow ever stricter, processors cannot rely on outdated methods.

At Qcify, we believe the answer lies in Connecting the Dots. This means bringing together automated sampling, AI-powered defect detection, and centralized data into one seamless ecosystem. This approach not only handles cimiciato but also reduces labor reliance, minimizes downtime, and increases overall line efficiency.

The path forward

Hazelnut processors face an evolving landscape where consistency and speed are just as important as flavor and safety. Cimiciato is a stubborn problem, but it is one that can be overcome with the right technology.

By adopting Qcify’s interconnected solutions, processors gain more than machines, they gain confidence that every batch meets the highest standards.Less waste. Higher yields. Happier customers

Ready to see the difference for yourself?

Book a demo with Qcify today and trial our solutions in real life.

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