Naturex, a France-based producer of plant-based natural ingredients, has unveiled a new fruit and vegetable powder which is manufactured using a low-temperature spray drying process that better preserves flavor, color and nutrition.
Naturex uses a BIRS tower spray drier to manufacture the powder. The process involves a slow and cold drying of fruit and vegetable purees at less than 50°C thereby preserving the original properties of ingredients.
The purees are poured into the top of the tower and a counter current of dry air dries the droplets of puree as they descend.
Naturex business manager Frédéric Randet said that drying puree instead of juice makes the difference in terms of texture and mouthfeel.
"For example, the original fibre content of the apple is maintained throughout the process. When pouring into cold water, our apple powder can recreate unique and home-made style applesauce without the use of thickener," Randet added.
The powder has deeper color compared to those produced using hot spray drying techniques and is instantly soluble in hot or cold water, according to Naturex.
Naturex, headquartered in France, manufactures natural specialty ingredients for the food & beverage, nutrition & health and personal care industries. The company employs 1,400 people and has 15 production units in Europe the US, Brazil, Australia, Morocco and India.
