Method for pre-processing of dried food

Abstract

Disclosed are methods for making a unique activated smoke liquid solution for application to food that is to be dried. Treatment of food with this solution greatly improves the processing, cooking and/or physical characteristics of the dried food when it is later reconstituted and used. The unique activated smoke liquid solution is made from a special process which gives it the desired characteristics which, when properly applied before drying, result in improved quality of dried food when later reconstituted. By applying the unique smoke liquid solution according to the present invention, no soaking or immersion of the dried food products in water or liquid is necessary prior to processing or cooking. The resulting dried food immediately absorbs water for prompt processing or cooking; it has increased weight and volume; it has a prolonged shelf life; and it retains much of its original food texture after it is freeze-thawed. Thus, the present invention provides methods for manufacturing non-soak, high quality dried food products.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.