How do we maintain natural flavour and colour in our fruit ingredients?
When it comes to fruit ingredients, we understand that the key to a premium looking and tasting product, is maintaining its authentic colour and natural flavour.
At Avondale, preserving these qualities is a top priority – because we know our clients depend on consistent, high-quality ingredients to bring their products to life.
Variety Selection
Choosing the right variety of fruit for a specific product plays a huge role in the final outcome of the ingredient. Some customers will specify a variety to achieve a particular appearance or taste for their products. We understand the different varieties and how they process, and use them accordingly for diced, sliced and pureed ingredients.
The flavour profile of a specific variety isnt the only difference recognized in the end product. Factors such as texture, structure, colour retention, moisture and brix (sugar) content all affect the final ingredient.
Harvest Timing
The texture, colour and texture of the processed fruit can depend on the ripeness of the fruit when it is processed. We work with our growers and orchard team to ensure that fruit is harvested at peak ripeness to ensure full flavour and colour. Overripe fruit can lead to a dull appearance and poor texture, while underripe fruit lacks natural sweetness and aroma.
Minimal processing
To maintain the natural colour and flavour of the fruit, our processing methods include gentle heat treatment where necessary, careful pH control and fast, hygienic handling. Limiting exposure of the ingredients to air and light play a big part in the colour and taste of the product.
No artificial additives
In the processing of our bakery and pureed products, we include no artificial additives. Any enhancement to colour and flavour is done through natural means.
The result of these measures is a product that is consistent, flavourful, and one that maintains the colour and integrity of the fresh fruits we know and love.