A method for producing an avocado food product with a reduced instance of pathogens, the method comprising: (a) removing the pip and peel from an avocado leaving the flesh of the avocado; (b) macerating the avocado flesh; (c) exposing the avocado flesh to an atmosphere comprising steam for a predetermined time; wherein the steam is generated at or greater than about atmospheric pressure.

A method for producing an avocado food product with a reduced instance of pathogens, the method comprising: (a) removing the pip and peel from an avocado leaving the flesh of the avocado; (b) macerating the avocado flesh; (c) exposing the avocado flesh to an atmosphere comprising steam for a predetermined time; wherein the steam is generated at or greater than about atmospheric pressure.

The present invention relates to novel freeze-dried confection compositions, and methods for making the same. There is a long-felt need for nutritious snacks that are preserved for long periods without preservatives and having acceptable flavor. The freeze-dried confections of the present invention comprise are composed of freeze-dried raw fruits and vegetables and other natural ingredients with no preservatives, and prepared in such a way that they can be preserved at room temperature for many years.

The present invention relates to novel freeze-dried confection compositions, and methods for making the same. There is a long-felt need for nutritious snacks that are preserved for long periods without preservatives and having acceptable flavor. The freeze-dried confections of the present invention comprise are composed of freeze-dried raw fruits and vegetables and other natural ingredients with no preservatives, and prepared in such a way that they can be preserved at room temperature for many years.

Disclosed is a natural compound sweetener, comprising mogroside V, rebaudioside A, natural tea theanine and dietary fibre. The method for preparing the sweetener comprises the steps of: (1) dissolution, filtration, concentration and sterilization: dissolving the mogroside V, rebaudioside A, natural tea theanine and dietary fibre in water, filtering, concentrating in a vacuum, and sterilizing to obtain a sterilized solution; and (2) paste-collection, drying and granulation: carrying out paste-collection on the sterilized solution obtained in the step (1), vacuum drying the collected liquid paste, and drying and then granulating the dry powder to obtain the sweetener.

Disclosed is a natural compound sweetener, comprising mogroside V, rebaudioside A, natural tea theanine and dietary fibre. The method for preparing the sweetener comprises the steps of: (1) dissolution, filtration, concentration and sterilization: dissolving the mogroside V, rebaudioside A, natural tea theanine and dietary fibre in water, filtering, concentrating in a vacuum, and sterilizing to obtain a sterilized solution; and (2) paste-collection, drying and granulation: carrying out paste-collection on the sterilized solution obtained in the step (1), vacuum drying the collected liquid paste, and drying and then granulating the dry powder to obtain the sweetener.

An apparatus for steam treating plant fibres is provided, the apparatus comprising: a steam manifold that is adapted to receive steam from a steam source and to distribute steam to a plurality of lances, the lances being configured to deliver steam into the interior volume of a batch of plant fibres; a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the batch of plant fibres, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the temperature sensor, and to control the supply of steam to the lances to raise the temperature of the plant fibres to a target temperature. A method of steaming plant fibres is also provided.

A method of dehydrating fruit, comprising providing at least one cluster of fruit attached to stems and the stems attached to a branch; a first heating step comprising heating the least one cluster of fruit at a temperature in a range of 100-200° F. for a period of time in a range of 1-24 hours; and a first curing step comprising allowing the at least one cluster of fruit to cool to room temperature over a period of time whereby dehydrated fruit is obtained.

A method of dehydrating fruit, comprising providing at least one cluster of fruit attached to stems and the stems attached to a branch; a first heating step comprising heating the least one cluster of fruit at a temperature in a range of 100-200° F. for a period of time in a range of 1-24 hours; and a first curing step comprising allowing the at least one cluster of fruit to cool to room temperature over a period of time whereby dehydrated fruit is obtained.

A vegetable treatment method includes a step A of cutting vegetables as a treatment target into eating sizes; a step B of putting the vegetables in a container basket after the step A is performed; a step C of, while keeping the container basket completely submerged in a cleaning tank filled with a cleaning solution, moving the container basket at a moving speed of 0.15 to 0.7 m/min or circulating the cleaning solution in a stream at 3 to 10 L/min for 5 to 10 minutes after the step B is performed; and a step D of, while keeping the container basket completely submerged in a sterilization tank filled with a bactericide solution, moving the container basket at a moving speed of 0.15 to 0.7 m/min or circulating the bactericide solution in a stream at 3 to 10 L/min for 3 to 10 minutes after the step C is performed.