Development of probiotic-enriched dried fruits by vacuum impregnation

In this study an attempt is made to combine the beneficial effects of probiotics with fruit and vegetables by applying the vacuum impregnation process. Apple cylinders were impregnated either with commercial apple juice containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and with whole milk or apple juice containing 107 or 108 cfu/ml of Lactobacillus casei (spp. rhamnosus). Impregnated apple samples contained around 107 cfu/g. In order to increase stability and to assure fruit preservation, impregnated apple samples were air dried at 40 °C to a water content of 0.037 kg water/kg dry matter and stored at room temperature for two months. The content of L. casei viable cells in dried and stored product was greater than 106 cfu/g. This concentration level of probiotics is similar to that in commercial dairy products.