 Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer - 2003 Innovative Fruit Processing for Promoting Health and Sustainable Rural Communities
USDA - Agricultural Research Service, Pacific West Area
To successfully transfer this technology, Drs. McHugh and Huxoll have initiated partnerships with numerous companies, among them HR Mt. Sun, Hadley Yosemite Farms, Yorkshire Dried Fruit & Nut Co., Mead Johnson & Company, and Gilroy Foods. The technology transfer from these partnerships is in varying stages, from prototype development to licensing and production.
The products resulting from this team's technology offer a unique mix of benefits to the general public. This technology is expected to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in the U.S. In addition, American produce growers will find that their production will have increased value since they will be able to make use of produce that cannot be sold in a retail setting.
Contact: Dr. Tara McHugh, (510) 559-5864, thm@pw.usda.gov
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Innovative Fruit Processing for Promoting Health and Sustainable Rural Communities
Cutting-edge research conducted by Dr. Tara McHugh and Dr. Charles Huxsoll has led to the development of a new industry to manufacture 100% fruit and vegetable products. These new products can be made from fruits and vegetables that are too small or have cosmetic imperfections, and thus cannot be sold as fresh produce. The fruits and vegetables are converted to purees and refrigerated. The purees are then used to form edible pieces, bars, and novel shapes such as straws, sausage casings, and firm barriers to wrap other food products.