Intermediate moisture food

Dried apricots

Pastirma

Various Candy and Confectionaries

Intermediate Moisture Food (IMF) is a category of food preservation techniques and products that aim to extend the shelf life of food by controlling its moisture content. Intermediate moisture foods are characterized by their lower water activity (a_w), which is typically between 0.60 and 0.85. This reduction in water activity inhibits the growth of most microorganisms that cause food spoilage, thereby allowing these foods to be stored at room temperature for extended periods without the need for refrigeration.

Overview

The concept of intermediate moisture food was developed in the 1960s as a way to create stable, non-perishable food products that retain much of the texture, flavor, and nutritional value of their fresh counterparts. The process involves reducing the water activity of the food, but not to the extent that it becomes completely dry. This is achieved through various methods such as drying, adding sugars or salts, and using humectants like glycerol or sorbitol which bind to water molecules and make them unavailable for microbial growth.

Benefits

Intermediate moisture foods offer several benefits over both fresh and traditionally preserved foods. They are more convenient and have a longer shelf life than fresh foods, but unlike fully dried foods, they retain a more palatable texture and taste. Additionally, because they do not require refrigeration, they are ideal for situations where cold storage is not feasible, such as in emergency food supplies, military rations, or for outdoor activities like camping and hiking.

Examples

Common examples of intermediate moisture foods include:

• Jerky – a type of dried meat that has been treated with salt.
• Dried fruit – fruits from which most of the original water content has been removed either naturally, through sun drying, or through the use of specialized dryers or dehydrators.
• Soft candies – such as fruit snacks and marshmallows, which often contain humectants to maintain their soft texture.
• Pet food – many types of dry pet foods are formulated to be intermediate moisture products to ensure they remain edible for long periods.

Production Techniques

The production of intermediate moisture food involves carefully controlling the water activity level through:

• Dehydration – removing water through evaporation.
• Osmotic dehydration – using osmotic agents like sugar or salt to draw out water.
• Addition of humectants – substances that bind to water and reduce its availability for microbial growth.

Challenges

While intermediate moisture foods are less susceptible to microbial spoilage, they can still be vulnerable to non-microbial spoilage mechanisms such as enzymatic degradation and lipid oxidation. Therefore, antioxidants and other preservatives may be added to extend shelf life further. Packaging also plays a critical role in protecting these foods from moisture gain or loss and oxidative damage.

Regulation and Safety

Like all food products, intermediate moisture foods are subject to regulation by food safety authorities to ensure they are safe for consumption. This includes controlling the levels of additives and ensuring that the production process effectively inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms.