This invention belongs to the field of fruit and
vegetable processing technology, specifically relating to a method for
processing cherry tomatoes using freeze-
drying combined with pressure differential puffing
drying, and resulting in
cherry tomato crisps. This invention employs an integrated freeze-
drying and pressure differential puffing drying method. After scoring the surface of
cherry tomato slices, they are sequentially frozen, with the
cut side facing down for vacuum freeze-drying, and then with the
cut side facing up for pressure differential puffing drying. Vacuum freeze-drying better preserves the natural color,
flavor, and nutrients; the instantaneous
pressure difference promotes internal
moisture migration and tissue puffing, improving the internal pore structure of the product, giving the
cherry tomato crisps a better crisp texture and fluffy characteristics. Furthermore, this invention optimizes the arrangement of the slices, which helps to shorten the
drying time, reduce the outflow of contents and deformation during pressure differential puffing, and improve the product's appearance integrity, shaping stability, and crisp quality. The cherry tomato crisps exhibit minimal color variation, uniform overall coloring, sufficient
hardness, and stable crispness.