Abstract: Novel sequential gas treatments for preserving grain are disclosed. Sulfur dioxide gas which has been bubbled through an organic acid, such as propionic acid, is perfused through grain to be treated and permitted to react with that grain for a preselected period of time, to produce a preserved grain product. This grain product is then preferably perfused with ammonia gas. Alternatively, residual sulfur dioxide may be dispersed within the treated grain mass through the introducton of a carrier gas prior to ammonia gas perfusion. Other preservative methods and substances are also disclosed which provide preserved grain products.

Abstract: Novel sequential gas treatments for preserving grain are disclosed. Sulfur dioxide gas which has been bubbled through an organic acid, such as propionic acid, is perfused through grain to be treated and permitted to react with that grain for a preselected period of time, to produce a preserved grain product. This grain product is then preferably perfused with ammonia gas. Alternatively, residual sulfur dioxide may be dispersed within the treated grain mass through the introduction of a carrier gas prior to ammonia gas perfusion. Other preservative methods and substances are also disclosed which provide superior preserved grain products.

Abstract: Materials are disclosed for treating moist grains to prevent the growth of microorganisms during storage. These materials comprise aqueous solutions of ammonium bisulfite (NH.sub.4 HSO.sub.3) and at least one acidification compound for at least lowering the pH of the solution to between about 2.5 to 4.0, preferably 3.0. Preferred acidification compounds include acidic ammonium salts of inorganic acids, such as sulfuric or phosphoric acids, and of organic acids such as acetic, propionic or other short chain organic acids. Alternatively, the disclosed preservative materials comprise disproportionation products of ammonium bisulphite solutions, such as ammonium or alkaline mineral salts of metabisulfites, trithionates, thiosulphates, tetrathionates, dithionates and others. Natural and artificially disproportionated solutions of ammonium bisulfite are also disclosed as exhibiting surprising preservative actions.

Abstract: Novel methods for treating grain, particularly wheat, to prevent sprouting are disclosed. These methods include applications of sulfur dioxide gas to grain in amounts which are effective to prevent sprouting. In an alternate method, nitrogen gas is applied to grain to enhance the anti-sprouting activity of sulfur dioxide. Ammonia gas may also be subseqently perfused into the treated grain mass in amounts which are effective to preserve the color, odor and flavor of the grain, and to minimize the corrosiveness of the aforementioned sulfur dioxide treatment. Concurrent application of carbon dioxide gas and ammonia gas is also disclosed as reducing sprouting.

Abstract: Process to prevent the growth of microorganisms in moist storage grains by treating the grain with an aqueous solution of ammonium bisulfite containing an amount of sodium hexametaphosphate which is effective to increase the growth inhibiting properties of said solution.

Abstract: For use in the milling and baking industry, potassium bromate is mixed with a sufficient amount of an inert, edibly acceptable phosphate salt and an inert edibly acceptable hydrated salt to provide a bromate composition having an acceptably reduced fire and explosion hazard when the bromate composition is diluted with starch or flour.

Abstract: The staling of bakery products, e.g., bread and rolls, is retarded when said products are prepared from dough containing a combination of (1) a glycerol ester of a C.sub.10 -C.sub.24 fatty acid wherein at least 10 weight percent of said esters are monoesters and (2) a free C.sub.14 -C.sub.20 fatty acid, a sodium or magnesium salt of a C.sub.14 -C.sub.20 fatty acid or a pentaerythritol monoester of a C.sub.14 -C.sub.20 fatty acid. Optionally, but preferably, the combination includes a third ingredient consisting of an enzyme product selected from alpha-amylase, amyloglucosidase and mold derived lipase.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparing a fungal amylase composition as a free-flowing powder having sufficient shelf life for use as a source of alpha-amylase to add to flour used for baking purposes.

Abstract: A composition for improvement of dough comprising a powdery mixture of strong oxidizing agent, an organic flour and dough additive and an inert, hydrated salt.