| abstract |
A method of infusing an edible fresh or freshly-cut fruit or vegetable is provided. First, the fruit or vegetable is allowed to reach a state of relative metabolic stasis or inactivity. Next, an infusion comprising an agent to be infused is provided, and the fruit or vegetable is submerged therein. Finally, the infusion is pressurized to a pressure for a time period. The agent to be infused is preferably a quality enhancing agent, a nutritionally beneficial agent, a pharmaceutical agent, or combinations of these. Most preferably, the quality enhancing agent may be an aroma enhancing agent, a flavoring enhancing agent, a sweetening agent, a color enhancing agent, or combinations of these, the nutritionally beneficial agent may be a vitamin, a mineral, an anti-oxidant, a phytochemical, or combinations of these, and the pharmaceutical agent may be a prescription drug, an over-the-counter drug, or combinations of these. |