Abstract: Devices and methods for mechanically removing portions of individual pieces of produce may include a conveyor configured to transport pieces of produce from an upstream end portion to a downstream end portion on a plurality of spaced, elongate teeth, and a blade assembly disposed at the downstream end portion of the conveyor. The blade assembly may include a cutting edge configured to pass generally parallel to the elongate teeth at a selected distance such that a desired portion of each piece of the retained produce is removed by the cutting edge. The disclosed devices and methods may be particularly well suited for removing the stem or cap portions of strawberries.

Abstract: Methods as described in the present disclosure generally include cryogenically freezing a fruit product such as sweetened, dried fruit or simulated fruit, and then breaking the frozen fruit product into pieces having an appropriate size distribution. Breaking the fruit product may be accomplished, for example, by passing the frozen fruit product through a mechanical breaking device such as a multi-stage roller mill having cryogenically cooled rollers.

Abstract: Methods as described in the present disclosure generally include cryogenically freezing sweetened, dried fruit having a moisture content between 8% and 18%, and then breaking the frozen fruit into pieces having an appropriate size distribution. Cryogenically freezing the fruit may be accomplished by passing the fruit through a cold gas tunnel or by immersing or otherwise exposing the fruit to a cryogenic substance such as liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, solid carbon dioxide, gaseous nitrogen, or a mixture of liquid nitrogen and gaseous nitrogen. Breaking the fruit may be accomplished, for example, by rapidly vibrating the frozen fruit on a screen, or by passing the frozen fruit through a mechanical breaking device such as a multi-stage roller mill having cryogenically cooled rollers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing pieces of sweetened, dried fruit. Methods as described in the present disclosure generally include supercooling sweetened, dried fruit having a moisture content between 8% and 18%, and then breaking the supercooled fruit into pieces having an appropriate size distribution. Supercooling the fruit may be accomplished by immersing or otherwise exposing the fruit to a supercooling substance such as liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, or solid carbon dioxide. Breaking the fruit may be accomplished, for example, by rapidly vibrating the supercooled fruit on a screen, or by passing the supercooled fruit through a cutting device such as a centrifugal slicer, among others. A system for producing pieces of sweetened, dried fruit may include apparatus for drying the fruit, infusing it with sugar or otherwise sweetening it, immersing or otherwise exposing the fruit to a supercooled substance, and/or breaking the fruit through vibration, cutting, or the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing pieces of sweetened, dried fruit. Methods as described in the present disclosure generally include supercooling sweetened, dried fruit having a moisture content between 8% and 18%, and then breaking the supercooled fruit into pieces having an appropriate size distribution. Supercooling the fruit may be accomplished by immersing or otherwise exposing the fruit to a supercooling substance such as liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, or solid carbon dioxide. Breaking the fruit may be accomplished, for example, by rapidly vibrating the supercooled fruit on a screen, or by passing the supercooled fruit through a cutting device such as a centrifugal slicer, among others. A system for producing pieces of sweetened, dried fruit may include apparatus for drying the fruit, infusing it with sugar or otherwise sweetening it, immersing or otherwise exposing the fruit to a supercooled substance, and/or breaking the fruit through vibration, cutting, or the like.