![FruitFast MixedBerry Bar](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080921095838im_/http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2007/071212.FruitFast.jpg)
ARS scientists in California invented the patented
process used in making FruitFast's MixedBerry bars. Photo courtesy
FruitFast. |
![For further reading](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080921095838im_/http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/For-further-reading.gif)
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Berries and Dark Chocolate Flavor Newest Treats
From ARS Technology
By
Marcia Wood December 12, 2007
Flavorful berries and bits of rich dark chocolate star in the latest
entries in an expanding line of all-natural fruit bars made using technology
from Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
scientists.
FruitFast of Eastport, Mich., holds a license from ARS for the process
used to create the bars, which are on sale at health food and specialty grocery
stores in the Midwest, and on the Web at www.FruitFast.com/.
Research leader and food technologist
Tara H.
McHugh at the
ARS
Western Regional Research Center in Albany, Calif., and now-retired ARS
agricultural engineer Charles Huxsoll invented and patented the procedure that
allows processing of freshly harvested, perishable fruits into convenient,
nutritious bars that are free of fat, cholesterol and preservatives.
The bars can be enjoyed year-round as a snack at school, work, home or
on-the-go, and may help more people get the recommended number of daily
servings of fruits. Currently, an estimated 80 percent of Americans dont
eat a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables, according to estimates from
the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
The MixedBerry bar provides a sweet-tart blend of berries including
black raspberries, red raspberries, wild blueberries, and strawberries, with a
hint of apple puree. The MixedBerry with Dark Chocolate bar offers a
berry-and-apple-puree blend with pieces of dark chocolate throughout.
Berries used in the bars, as well as the dark chocolate, contain
antioxidants, compounds shown to have many health benefits.
FruitFast began marketing the two kinds of MixedBerry bars earlier
this year. The company also uses the ARS process for creating CherryFlex, Wild
BlueberryIQ, and Wonderful Pomegranate Bars.
ARS is the U.S. Department of
Agricultures chief scientific research agency.