Infused-dried blueberries

Infused-dried fruit may have a very attractive taste and provide a softer texture than air-dried fruit. Infused-dried blueberries are commercially available for use in ready-to-eat cereals and as snacks.

Infused-dried blueberries, which are produced by infusing the blueberries with a sweetener prior to drying, typically have moisture content of 10-14% and a water activity of 0.45 – 0.60.

When the berries are dipped into a sweetener, it initiates osmosis between solute of the solution and water in opposite or countercurrent directions leading to an increase in solid content of the food product.

The fruit surface serves as a semipermeable membrane for exchange of sugars and water to and from the infusion medium. These products have fresh-like texture, color and flavor and are shelf stable.
Infused-dried blueberries