Patent ID: 7008665

Claim:
A method for producing non-brittle dried fruits or vegetables, said method comprising (1) applying an aqueous solution containing a polyhydric alcohol to the exterior surface of the fruits or vegetables to be dried; (2) maintaining the fruits or vegetables and aqueous solution from step (1) for about 10 seconds to about 2 minutes at temperatures below about 20° C. to allow sufficient polyhydric alcohol to coat the exterior surfaces of the fruits and vegetables; and (3) gently drying the fruits and vegetables from step (2) to a moisture content of less than about 10 percent to obtain the non-brittle fruits and vegetables, wherein the polyhydric alcohol migrates into cellular structures of the fruits and vegetables, wherein the non-brittle fruits and vegetables contain at least about 0.1 percent polyhydric alcohol, wherein the non-brittle fruits or vegetables are less susceptible to breakage or fracture as compared to comparable fruits or vegetables dried in a comparable manner without application of the aqueous solution containing the polyhydric alcohol.