What is the definition of steam injection?

Steam injection refers specifically to the process of forcefully introducing steam directly into the flow of a liquid product, such as milk. This method is utilized for the purpose of rapidly increasing the temperature of the liquid without the risk of burning or scorching it, which can occur with direct heating methods. By injecting steam, the heat is efficiently transferred, enabling precise temperature control which is crucial in pasteurization processes.

This technique also allows the product to retain its flavor and nutritional value while achieving the necessary temperature for pasteurization. It is a highly effective method in the dairy industry for ensuring the safety and quality of milk products. Other options provided either allude to methods that are not specific to the process of pasteurization or describe different heating or cooling methods that do not directly relate to the definition of steam injection in this context.