Our FINE GRIND PRODUCTS (FG) are designed to deliver results in applications where smooth textures are required. The fine granulates of Citri-Fi 100 FG and Citri-Fi 200 FG quickly absorb large amounts of water similar to the use of many hydrophilic gums. Thus, proper hydration is necessary to provide a final product which features a thickened, smooth texture with a minimal of detectable particles.  If particles can be detected, the Citri-Fi is not fully hydrated. Unless using a high shear mixer, Citri-Fi 100 FG and Citri-Fi 200 FG should not be directly added to water as clumping will occur and/or elongate the hydration time. 

Steps to properly hydrate Citri-Fi 100 FG and 200 FG are as follows:

Higher Moisture Products
In high moisture products such as beverages, pizza sauces or salsas, the Citri-Fi (FG) and additional water (if required) can be successfully added later in the mixing process.  However, if concentrated amounts of Citri-Fi come in direct contact with large amounts free water, lumping or delayed hydration may occur. To avoid this, follow the step Pre-hydrating Citri-Fi. 

Coating Applications
No specialized hydration steps are required.

Pre-hydrating Citri-Fi 100 FG and Citri-Fi 200 FG and Low Moisture Products
In low moisture products such as icings, crème fillings, margarines/fats and cheese products, the Citri-Fi needs to either be pre-hydrated separately…. and then added to the mix or hydrated early in the mixing cycle with other ingredients, as outlined below.  In all cases, the Citri-Fi should be hydrated with water in a manner where the hydration is slowed by using just enough of the other ingredients that slow hydration followed by the addition of water as described in the methods below: 
 
METHOD A
Mix the Citri-Fi with oil or fat (up to 5 parts of oil to 1 part of Citri-Fi) followed by the addition of water.  The water addition should be at least 4 parts of water per 1 part of Citri-Fi. 
METHOD B 
Mix the Citri-Fi with corn syrup or other nearly solute saturated water solutions followed by the addition of other dry ingredients followed by the balance of the water.  The water addition should be at least 4 parts of water per 1 part of Citri-Fi. 
METHOD C
Mix Citri-Fi with other dry ingredients (at least 10 parts of dry ingredients to 1 part of Citri-Fi) followed by the water. The water addition should be at least 4 parts of water per 1 part of Citri-Fi. 

Example - Mixing Procedure for Icing
Step 1:  Mix the corn syrup and Citri-Fi until smooth
Step 2:  Add the required water to the corn syrup / Citri-Fi blend and mix until smooth
Step 3:  Add the fat and sugar, and mix
Step 4:  Add and mix the remaining ingredients