Selecting Fresh Fruits
The first step in industrial fruit leather production is selecting healthy, fresh fruits. The final quality of the product directly depends on the quality of the raw fruit. Damaged or overripe fruits are separated.
Washing and Sanitizing
Fruits are washed with water and approved sanitizers to remove soil, dirt, and microbial contamination.
Extracting the Pulp
Fruits are crushed and their pulp is extracted. This pulp includes fruit juice, flesh, and sometimes skin, which will later be concentrated and prepared for cooking.
Cooking and Concentration
The pulp is cooked in large kettles until it reaches the desired thickness. At this stage, natural flavor enhancers or small amounts of salt may be added.
Drying and Cutting
The thickened mixture is spread on trays and dried in industrial dryers or under controlled sunlight. It is then cut into different forms such as sheets, rolls, or small pieces.
Hygienic Packaging
Finally, the dried fruit leather is packed in clean, transparent, and protective packaging. This step increases shelf life and prepares the product for distribution in the market.