Processing technique to thaw partially frozen fruits and vegetables and incorporating solids

Abstract

A method for thawing and infusing partially frozen fruits or vegetables. Individually quick frozen fruits or vegetables are introduced into a mixing kettle. An infusion solution is circulated from a solution tank, through a bed of fruits or vegetables, and back to a solution tank. The infusion solution is maintained at a temperature of about 45° to about 50° F. and at a Brix of about 40° to about 50°. The infusion solution is pumped and circulated at a high rate which reduces thaw time but does not result in product degradation. After thawing, the pumping and re-circulating rate is decreased to allow for increased infusion efficiency. Pressure pulses are applied to the product in the mixing tank which decreases the infusion time. Thus, thawed and infused fruit and vegetables are produced quickly and with minimal product degradation.

1 . An infused food product made by a method for thawing and infusing a partially frozen product comprising fruits or vegetables in a mixing kettle comprising an agitator and in communication with an infusion solution holding tank, said method comprising the steps of:
 a) introducing partially frozen product into a mixing kettle;   b) pumping infusion solution comprising solids from an infusion solution holding tank to said mixing kettle at a first pumping rate;   c) re-circulating a stream of said infusion solution from said mixing kettle back to said infusion solution holding tank at said first pumping rate;   d) heating said infusion solution to maintain a constant temperature in the holding tank of about 45° F. to about 55° F.; and   e) decreasing the rate of pumping and re-circulating said infusion solution to a second rate of pumping and re-circulating.   
     
     
         2 . A system for simultaneously thawing and infusing a product with infusion solution, said system comprising:
 a mixing kettle comprising a top and a bottom;   a solution holding tank;   a drain line in communication with said solution holding tank and the bottom of said mixing tank; and   a re-circulating line in communication with said solution holding tank and the top of said mixing tank;   wherein such system allows for an infusion solution to be circulated at an adjustable rate through said mixing kettle, said drain line, said solution holding tank, said re-circulating line, and back to said mixing kettle.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein said re-circulating line further comprises a circulating pump. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein said solution holding tank further comprises a heat source. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein said heat source is capable of maintaining an infusion solution in said solution holding tank at about 45° F. to about 55° F. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2  wherein said mixing kettle further comprises a heat source. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein said heat source is capable of maintaining an infusion solution in said mixing kettle at about 45° F. to about 55° F. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2  wherein said drain line comprises a heat source. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein said heat source is capable of maintaining an infusion solution in said solution holding tank at about 45° F. to about 55° F. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 2  further comprising a heat exchanger located on said drain line between said solution holding tank and said mixing kettle. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein said heat source is capable of maintaining an infusion solution in said solution holding tank at about 45° F. to about 55° F. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 2  further comprising an evaporator in communication with said solution tank. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12  wherein said evaporator is in communication with a condenser. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12  wherein said evaporator is capable of operating at about 20 torr to about 150 torr. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12  further comprising a pre-heater. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 2  wherein said mixing kettle further comprises a product removal line sized to quickly remove product from said mixing kettle. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 2  wherein said mixing tank is capable of maintaining a volume of said product in said mixing tank.