Abstract: Apparatus and method for drying a product comprising placing the product on a first side of a support surface, and directing dry radiant heat toward the second side of the surface to heat the product. A sensor can be included to measure at least one characteristic of the product, such as the temperature or moisture content thereof. The temperature of the heat source can be regulated as a function of the measured characteristic. The support surface can also be made so as to be movable relative to the heat source. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of control zones are defined and through which the product is successively passed. Each of the control zones has at least one associated heat source and an associated sensor so as to regulate the temperature of the heat sources associated with each control zone independently of those associated with another zone.

Abstract: Embodiments of a composition comprising (a) a dispersion 40-99.9% (w/w) plant-derived product and 0-60% (w/w) exogenous disaccharide, and (b) water are disclosed, wherein the composition has a water content?5% (w/w). Suitable plant-derived products include solids from fruits, vegetables, and sap- or nectar-derived products. Solids from fruits and/or vegetables are obtained from a puree, a juice, or a combination thereof. The composition may further include natural color and/or natural flavor obtained from a fruit, a vegetable, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the composition further includes ?5% flowability agent. In some embodiments, the composition is a powder comprising a plurality of particles, each particle having a substantially similar chemical composition. Also disclosed are embodiments of products including the disclosed powders, and methods for making the compositions.