Abstract: Described are a method and system for producing a consumable end fruit product composed of about 100% fruit from an intermediate fruit product having a sugar content of about 84 to 88° Brix. The intermediate fruit product, which is heated to a temperature of at least about 90° C. prior to extrusion, is extruded to form an extruded fruit product; which is cooled to about 20° C. to form the consumable end fruit product. One example of the system includes an extruder to extrude the intermediate fruit product into an extruded fruit product; a conveyor to receive the extruded fruit product from the extruder; a cooling portion having a first cooling unit; a drying portion having a drying tunnel; and a second cooling unit. The extruded fruit product moves from the first cooling portion to the drying portion and then to the second cooling portion.

Abstract: An edible snack product comprises an undulating elongated body with a crenate cross-section and a composition that includes fruit material. When the snack product is composed entirely or substantially of fruit material, the snack product tends to be sticky and the undulating body and crenate cross-section serve to reduce the surface area of the snack product that would contact the surfaces of a wrapper, equipment and the consumer. By reducing the surface area contact, the tendency of the snack product to stick to the wrapper, equipment and the consumer is reduced.

Abstract: Described herein are a method and system for cooking viscous fruit product composed of a high proportion of fruit from a fruit based slurry. The method includes heating the slurry in a heat exchanger, and subjecting the slurry to a vacuum in a vacuum chamber. The vacuum removes moisture from the slurry. The system includes a heat exchanger for heating the slurry to promote evaporation, and a vacuum chamber fluidly coupled to the heat exchangers. The vacuum chamber generates a vacuum that removes moisture from the slurry. Using the described method and system, a viscous intermediate fruit product composed of a high proportion of fruit, as high as 100% fruit, can be made. The viscous intermediate fruit product can subsequently be formed into consumable end fruit products.

Abstract: An edible snack product comprises an undulating elongated body with a crenate cross-section and a composition that includes fruit material. When the snack product is composed entirely or substantially of fruit material, the snack product tends to be sticky and the undulating body and crenate cross-section serve to reduce the surface area of the snack product that would contact the surfaces of a wrapper, equipment and the consumer. By reducing the surface area contact, the tendency of the snack product to stick to the wrapper, equipment and the consumer is reduced.

Abstract: A snack product comprises an undulating elongated body with a crenate cross-section and a composition that includes some fruit material. When the snack product is composed entirely or substantially of fruit material, the snack product tends to be sticky and the undulating body and crenate cross-section serve to reduce the surface area of the snack product that would contact the surfaces of a wrapper, equipment and the consumer. By reducing the surface area contact, the tendency of the snack product to stick to the wrapper, equipment and the consumer is reduced.