Method for producing shattered preservative-free dried fruit or vegetable pieces
US6183795A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23B7/055
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of producing shattered, preservative-free dried fruit or vegetable pieces. Preferably, low moisture fruit is cryogenically frozen and the frozen fruit is then impacted (preferably using a roller mill or tumbler) to produce randomized, shattered fruit pieces (preferably having size primarily in the range from 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch). The shattered fruit pieces are optionally dried (for example, while they are warmed in a warm air dryer) to reduce their moisture content to 22%-25% prior to packaging. In an optional, preliminary processing step, dried fruit is first rehydrated to a moisture content of 22%-30% (preferably 23%-25%) to produce low moisture fruit. The low moisture fruit is pitted and then frozen. The frozen, low moisture fruit is then shattered (and optionally then dried) in accordance with the invention. Other aspects of the invention are apparatus for producing shattered, preservative-free dried fruit or vegetable pieces, which include a dual pass roller mill or a tumbler for shattering the frozen plant material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.