Abstract: In a process for preparing simulated berries by co-extruding alginate or low-methoxy pectate round fruit pulp, puree or a fruit-flavored solution to give drops coated with the alginate or low-methoxy pectate, damage and inconvenient splashing as drops enter a setting bath of a solution of edible calcium salt is reduced by foaming the surface of the bath. Foaming can be achieved in a preferred form of the invention by bubbling air under the surface of the bath to ensure constant breaking of the surface of the bath.

Abstract: A fruit product having a texture which on eating is sensed as non-uniform like that of soft centered fruits such as gooseberries and cherries is prepared by a process in which fruit pulp or puree admixed with an alginate or pectate sol is brought into contact with a dissolved calcium ion so that part of the sol is gelled and the fruit pulp or puree is distributed between a fluid or plastic core of alginate or pectate sol and a firm exterior of calcium alginate or pectate gel and the product is heated to prevent the core from becoming a firm gel.