Imagine biting into fruit that is crispy, crunchy, and coated with sugar crystals… sounds like candy doesn’t it?
Well, not necessarily. Researchers in the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department are exploring new value added products for Florida growers, one of which is freeze-dried muscadine grapes. Muscadines traditionally have been consumed fresh or as juice, wine, or jam, however freeze-drying offers the consumer a brand new experience with this fruit.
Muscadines are not a new crop for Florida, and many people have tried them and learned they have a unique taste and texture. However, some consumers have never seen, heard of, or tasted this fruit. In my experience with new consumers, muscadines are an acquired taste. Most consumers are not a fan of their skin and big seeds. The skin is a thick, chewy layer, that often times gets spit out. However, the skin of the fruit is one of the most nutrient dense pieces, containing things like fiber and antioxidants.
Scientists at UF set out to find a way to make the skin more palatable, and turned to freeze-drying. Though costly in terms of up front expenses and energy input, freeze-drying is a great form of food preservation that has long been popular among people who spend a lot of time outdoors like backpackers.
Freeze-dried muscadines are a delicious snack with much of the same nutritional value of the fresh product. They are lightweight and would make an excellent snack for runners and hikers. They are also a fantastic way to introduce a fun new fruit to kids and adults alike.
Learning how to market the products grown here in Florida is one of the first steps growers should take, and increasing our knowledge on value added products like these will allow for greater success. Often, modifying the produce grown can make them much more desirable and marketable to the consumer. This ultimately benefits the grower with higher profits and the consumer with more varieties of products on the mark
To learn more about freeze-dried muscadines, visit this article below by Dr. Sarkhosh and Dr. Sargent from the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department.
Freeze-Dried Muscadine Grape: a New Product for Health-Conscious Consumers and the Food Industry
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