Abstract: In this paper, the history of food ohmic heating was retrospected and the fundamental principle of ohmic heating and the related mathematical models such as heat generation ,electric field, thermal field etc. were expounded; The affecting factors of ohmic heating which included electrical conductivity, temperature, constituent, shape and so on were discussed ;Some critical parameters were studied and discussed for the requirements of the technology and system design of ohmic heating ;The applied scope, circumstance, prospect and the characteristics of ohmic heating in food processing industry were presented.

Key words: Ohmic heating Electrical conductivity Ohmic food processing Ohmic sterilization and pateurization