Biscuit World Spring 2013 | Page 21

p.20 Fruit - BW Spring 2013_p.20 Fruit - BW Spring 2013.qxd 13/03/2013 10:03 Page 21 from carrot cake and pumpkin to other vegetables should not be so wide as to make such development unfeasible.” The potential for fruit by-products (the ‘waste’ material left over after fruit processing such as in juice manufacturing) to be used in glutenfree formulations is currently being studied at the Teagasc Food Research Centre based in Dublin, Ireland. The research involves milling flour from dried pomace, the pulpy residue consisting of skin, pips and core left over when fruit is crushed and pressed. Fruit in this form is of interest Cranberry stollen is one of 15 variants in stollen offered by kuChenmeister. because of its nutritional content. Phytochemical levels are higher in pomace than in fruit flesh with apple peel, for bakers, says Anh Thai, Puratos Product Manager, example, containing four times more phenolic acid Fruit Fillings. and antioxidants than the apple itself. In addition to “Products are cheaper to make as you need less being a source of calcium and magnesium, apple filling than when using a product where water peel also contains higher levels of iron, zinc and evaporation is more important. Another benefit linked copper, is a good source of dietary fibre and can offer to freshness rather than bake stability is Vivafil can be functional benefits to the baking process such as applied to products with up to six weeks shelf life and gelling, thickening and water binding. they remain soft, fresh and pleasant to eat.” “We are focussing on the use of apple and orange by-products at present,” said project leader Eimear extended flavour range Gallagher. “However, a number of other fruit and The company has also re-launched its Topfil fruit vegetable by-products also have the potential to be pieces range which comprises 28 fruit formats. used as functional flours.” “Topfil already existed, but we have extended the These include grapes, mangos, lemons, peaches, range of flavours. We wanted to offer fruit in a wide potatoes, cauliflowers, onions and tomatoes. spectrum of colours so we have yellow, orange, red, The project is currently assessing the use of fruitpurple and green fruits. Topfil is mostly used in based flours in gluten-free scones, breads, biscuits applications where you want to see nice fruit pieces and extruded snacks which are produced by blending like in Danish pastries and pies,” said Thai. pomace flour with other suitable flours such as rice “Strawberry is in high demand in all countries. and maize. Topfil strawberry received a very positive welcome Commenting on when gluten-free products because it offers a very good quality of strawberry, the containing fruit flours might be available fruit integrity is well preserved so you can easily commercially, Gallagher said: “We are still at the recognise the shape, texture and taste of strawberry. research stage, and as an organisation, Teagasc Other mainstream flavours are without a doubt cherry does not commercialise products. However, we and apricot. Also wild blueberry though this is not a would very much welcome the opportunity to interact trend, it is a mainstream flavour and very popular with and collaborate with the Irish and European food around the ݽɱ