摘要 |
A firm and crisp fruit or vegetable, such as a pome or root vegetable, is at least partially infiltrated with an additive to help the fruit or vegetable retain its firmness during processing. In some examples, the additive helps the fruit or vegetable retain its firmness during and/or after cooking. In some examples, the additive includes at least one of a gluconate salt, a lactate salt, or a combination of a gluconate salt and a lactate salt. By maintaining the firmness of the fruit or vegetable during and/or after cooking, the fruit or vegetable can be cut, such as by shredding, or otherwise processed. By contrast, if the fruit or vegetable loses its firmness during processing, the fruit or vegetable may become limp or may disintegrate so that it is difficult to suitably cut or otherwise process the fruit or vegetable. |