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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Healthy Processed Foods Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #168980
Title: INTERMEDIATE-MOISTURE FORMED FOOD PRODUCTS MADE FROM PARTIALLY DEHYDRATED FRUIT AND/OR VEGETABLES AND NOVEL METHODS OF PACKAGING THEREOF

Author
item HUXSOLL, CHARLES - RETIRED
item McHugh, Tara
item Olson, Donald

Submitted to: Patent Application
Publication Type: Patent Application
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/30/2001
Publication Date: 9/23/2003
Citation: Huxsoll, C.C., Mc Hugh, T.H., Olson, D.A. Sept. 2003. Intermediate-moisture formed food products made from partially dehydrated fruit and/or vegetables and novel methods of packing thereof. Patent No. US 6,623,779 B1.

Interpretive Summary: This patent describes methods for making intermediate-moisture fruit and/or vegetable products which comprise partially dehydrated fruit or vegetable pieces to form larger, restructured products using a vacuum forming device. A gelling agent and fruit and/or vegetable juice is used to form a gel matrix, which holds the small pieces together. The restructed products are formed within a casing.

Technical Abstract: The invention relates to intermediate-moisture formed food products made from a mixture of partially dehydrated fruit or vegetable pieces and a gelled matrix such that the water activity in the matrix is substantially equivalent to the water activity of the fruit or vegetable pieces in the mixture. The product may be made from one type of fruit or vegetable alone, a mixture of different fruits, a mixture of different vegetables, or a mixture of various fruit and vegetable pieces.