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16 September 1998 |
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Millions of mums and dads harbour a nagging fear their youngsters may hop into all sorts of unhealthy snacks once out of parental sight. Those concerns are about to be eased by a new product from researchers of Food Science Australia.
'Snack Apple' apple snacks are delicious, healthy, ready-to-eat slices of apple, sealed in a hygienic vegetable-based coating and presented in special packaging, which enables the fruit to retain its freshness in the refrigerator for weeks, rather than days.
No more skinning, coring, slicing. No more soggy brown rejects in the returning lunchbox. No more peelings in the playground - and no more complaints that fresh fruit is boring, messy or takes too long to prepare. That's the aim of the new convenience food.
The novel fresh fruit pieces, developed in Australia, are among the star attractions of Manufesto '98, the nation's biggest science and industry fair, which takes place in Melbourne next week from September 23-25, 1998.
The new product was awarded 'Best New Retail Product' on Monday this week, at the Fine Food '98 Exhibition held in Melbourne.
"We have developed a range of edible coatings made from natural vegetable extracts that keep fruit pieces fresh, clean and wholesome. In some cases, the effect lasts for up to 21 days," says Food Science Australia's Dr Vic Reyes.
"These coatings form a clear glossy film that acts like the skin of the fruit. They allow oxygen through to keep it alive and healthy, and they carry natural antioxidants that heal the wound you make when you cut a piece of fruit. This prevents it going brown and seals in the vitamins, minerals and fibre."
The edible coatings can also carry new flavours to make fruit even more interesting than before. In the case of Westernport Coolstores' 'Snack Apple', the apple slices are dipped in natural fruit juice before being sealed in their protective coat.
"Children, especially young ones, often find a whole apple or orange too large, or hard to peel before eating", says Dr Reyes. "The idea of the edible coat is to turn nature's own health foods into a popular snack with a convenience that more than competes with artificial foods."
Apart from school lunches, the fruit snacks have a wide range of uses, including travel, picnics and fruit platters that don't go stale.
Dr Reyes says that, while food scientists in America are working on similar ideas, Australia is first into the market with a consumer product.
"In time we hope to extend the range to include citrus and tropical fruits and maybe even fruit salad," he says.
Edible coatings may also replace wax as a coating for whole fruit, to extend storage life and prevent mould.
The technology applied to 'Snack Apple' was developed by Food Science Australia in a project supported by the Horticultural Research and Development Corporation and the Department of Natural Resources and Energy. Westernport Coolstores Pty Ltd has secured rights to market the technology in Australia.
The edible coating technology will be on display at Manufesto '98 at the Melbourne Convention Centre 24-25 September 1998.
Manufesto '98 is sponsored by CSIRO, Business Victoria and the Federal Department of Industry Science and Tourism with the support of the Australian Industry Research Group (AIRG) and the Australian Vice Chancellors' Committee (AVCC).
Food Science Australia is Australia's largest food research organisation, and is a joint venture between CSIRO and the Australian Food Industry Science Centre (AFISC).
More information:
Dr Vic Reyes, Section Leader, Food Packaging and Coatings, Food
Science Australia
03 9742 0346 or 0414 324867
Mr Ian Gould, Business Development Manager, Food Science Australia
03 9742 0220
Media are welcome to attend Manufesto '98
More information is available on the Internet at: http://www.manufesto.csiro.au/
For information about the event please contact Rosie
Schmedding 02 6276 6520 or
0418 622 653
(Australia's largest scientific research organisation)
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