Abstract: A segmenting and dehydration process for fruits and vegetables with a primary application as a process for producing dehydrated filaments of sugar beets as a natural sweetener for use by confectioners, bakeries, breweries and other food processors. The beets are washed, shredded with a high-speed heated blade and immediately dried in a continuously sterile atmosphere that prevents bacteria contamination and growth and enzyme action which otherwise result in an unacceptably strong flavor in the finished product.