PROCESS FOR PREPARING DEHYDRATED VEGETABLE PRODUCTS AND THE RESULTING PRODUCTS

摘要

The present invention relates to a low moisture vegetable product in a process for producing same. The low moisture vegetable product comprises vegetable product and a solid, amorphous osmotic agent. The resulting product has extended storage life as compared with fresh vegetable products and yet may be rehydrated to produce a product having the flavor, color and taste of fresh vegetable products. The process for producing the low moisture vegetable product comprises immersing the vegetable in a liquid bath containing an osmotic agent capable of infusing into the vegetable tissue and forming an amorphous solid upon drying. Once excess osmotic agent has been removed, the infused product is dried to form a vegetable product having a water content of from of from about 2 to 6 percent by weight and which contains an amorphous, solid, osmotic agent.