Freeze drying is universally recognised as the process for producing the highest quality dehydrated ingredients particularly fruits and vegetables. Whilst fresh is considered best, freeze dried represents the next best thing.
Freeze drying is universally recognised as the process for producing the highest quality dehydrated ingredients particularly fruits and vegetables. Whilst fresh is considered best, freeze dried represents the next best thing.
Freeze dried ingredients are well known for maintaining their vibrant colours, authentic shape, fresh taste and all round goodness, without the use of additives or carriers. Where large pieces of fruits or vegetables need quick rehydration (for example, in a breakfast cereal or an instant soup), freeze dried ingredients are the optimum choice.
During FIE 2011, Chaucer Foods will be unveiling its Co-FD range of fruit, vegetable and yoghurt-based inclusions. Co-FD is an extension of freeze drying technology that utilises its property to combine and stabilise a wide range of natural ingredients. Freeze dried combinations of fruits and cereals can be produced that maintain the high intense colour and authentic flavour of the original fruit but at the same time provide a light-eating crispy texture.
Co-FD products are highly versatile and have a wide range of applications:
• Co-FD products can be used as inclusions in cereal bars adding colour, flavour and overall interest.
• Co-FD fruits enhance the visual appeal of breakfast cereals such as muesli.
• Co-FD fruits can be used in chocolate to add visual interest and a crunchy texture.
• Co-FD products make great fruity toppings for yoghurt and ice cream.
• Co-FD products can be added as inclusions into healthy snacks
Co-FD products maintain the long shelf life and low water activity of their pure freeze dried alternatives but at the same time offer improved handling characteristics (less hygroscopic). Piece sizes can be tailored to individual applications.
“Freeze drying technology is a great process for producing authentic, high quality natural ingredients” notes Richard Brewer, Group Marketing Manager of Chaucer Foods. “Our goal has been to extend the boundaries of the technology to produce innovative new inclusions to enhance our customers’ products”.
