Abstract: A pre-conditioned probiotic composition and method of forming the pre-conditioned probiotic composition comprises introducing thawed probiotic cells into a pre-conditioning environment having sufficient nutrients and conditions to prepare the thawed probiotic cells for surviving and successfully thriving in a targeted food product. Thawed probiotic cells are then provided with an incubation period of at least 2 hours to produce inoculation pre-treated probiotic cells with improved shelf life in a food product.

Abstract: The present invention discloses formulations for vacuum baked fruit and vegetable snack pieces that have a crispy, crunchy texture similar to potato chip, corn based wafers, and other popular snack items. A fruit or vegetable base is combined with other ingredients and water to make a slurry, which is sheeted and dried in a vacuum belt dryer, and separated into snack sized pieces. In one embodiment, substantial amounts of solid inclusions are combined with the slurry before drying.

Abstract: A mold form fryer utilizing a top conveyor that transports snack pieces through a constant velocity oil stream without the need of a bottom mating mold or conveyor. Herein, the form fryer having a fryer housing for controlling the frying atmosphere is provided with a top conveyor disposed above a fryer oil pan positioned longitudinally through the fryer. Uncooked snack pieces are provided to the fryer oil pan by a bottom entrance conveyor. A steam shield separates a front-end vestibule from the downstream portion of the fryer housing, and inert gas manifolds introduce inert gas into the front-end vestibule, thereby providing a sufficiently low oxygen and sufficiently low condensable gas or steam environment near the product submerging point.

Abstract: A method for thawing and infusing partially frozen fruits or vegetables. Individually quick frozen fruits or vegetables are introduced into a mixing kettle. An infusion solution is circulated from a solution tank, through a bed of fruits or vegetables, and back to a solution tank. The infusion solution is maintained at a temperature of about 45° to about 50° F. and at a Brix of about 40° to about 50°. The infusion solution is pumped and circulated at a high rate which reduces thaw time but does not result in product degradation. After thawing, the pumping and re-circulating rate is decreased to allow for increased infusion efficiency. Pressure pulses are applied to the product in the mixing tank which decreases the infusion time. Thus, thawed and infused fruit and vegetables are produced quickly and with minimal product degradation.

Abstract: A method for thawing and infusing partially frozen fruits or vegetables. Individually quick frozen fruits or vegetables are introduced into a mixing kettle. An infusion solution is circulated from a solution tank, through a bed of fruits or vegetables, and back to a solution tank. The infusion solution is maintained at a temperature of about 45° to about 50° F. and at a Brix of about 40° to about 50°. The infusion solution is pumped and circulated at a high rate which reduces thaw time but does not result in product degradation. After thawing, the pumping and re-circulating rate is decreased to allow for increased infusion efficiency. Pressure pulses are applied to the product in the mixing tank which decreases the infusion time. Thus, thawed and infused fruit and vegetables are produced quickly and with minimal product degradation.

Abstract: A mold form fryer utilizing a top conveyor that transports snack pieces through a constant velocity oil stream without the need of a bottom mating mold or conveyor. Herein, the form fryer having a fryer housing for controlling the frying atmosphere is provided with a top conveyor disposed above a fryer oil pan positioned longitudinally through the fryer. Uncooked snack pieces are provided to the fryer oil pan by a bottom entrance conveyor. A steam shield separates a front-end vestibule from the downstream portion of the fryer housing, and inert gas manifolds introduce inert gas into the front-end vestibule, thereby providing a sufficiently low oxygen and sufficiently low condensable gas or steam environment near the product submerging point.

Abstract: A mold form fryer utilizing a top conveyor that transports snack pieces through a constant velocity oil stream without the need of a bottom mating mold or conveyor. Herein, the form fryer having a fryer housing for controlling the frying atmosphere is provided with a top conveyor disposed above a fryer oil pan positioned longitudinally through the fryer. Uncooked snack pieces are provided to the fryer oil pan by a bottom entrance conveyor. A steam shield separates a front-end vestibule from the downstream portion of the fryer housing, and inert gas manifolds introduce inert gas into the front-end vestibule, thereby providing a sufficiently low oxygen and sufficiently low condensable gas or steam environment near the product submerging point.

Abstract: The present invention discloses formulations for vacuum baked fruit and vegetable snack pieces that have a crispy, crunchy texture similar to potato chip, corn based wafers, and other popular snack items. A fruit or vegetable base is combined with other ingredients and water to make a slurry, which is sheeted and dried in a vacuum belt dryer, and separated into snack sized pieces. In one embodiment, substantial amounts of solid inclusions are combined with the slurry before drying.

Abstract: A method for infusing fruits and vegetables with prebiotic soluble fibers in the form of either short chain fructooligosaccharides or dextrins. Fruits and vegetables are submerged in an infusion solution of prebiotic soluble fiber, and undergo both atmospheric and vacuum infusion processes. The infusion solution is maintained at a temperature of between about 45° F. to about 50° F. and at a Brix of about 30° to about 60°. Vacuum (low pressure) pulses are applied to the product to expedite solids infusion (mass transfer) and thereby decrease infusion time and the product is subsequently vacuum fried to attain a great-tasting, fiber-enriched and aesthetically-pleasing fruit or vegetable product with reduced sweetness, good texture, and an enhanced natural taste with less than 2% moisture by weight and a significantly long shelf-life of up to 12 months.

Abstract: A method for thawing and infusing partially frozen fruits or vegetables. Individually quick frozen fruits or vegetables are introduced into a mixing kettle. An infusion solution is circulated from a solution tank, through a bed of fruits or vegetables, and back to a solution tank. The infusion solution is maintained at a temperature of about 45° to about 50° F. and at a Brix of about 40° to about 50°. The infusion solution is pumped and circulated at a high rate which reduces thaw time but does not result in product degradation. After thawing, the pumping and re-circulating rate is decreased to allow for increased infusion efficiency. Pressure pulses are applied to the product in the mixing tank which decreases the infusion time. Thus, thawed and infused fruit and vegetables are produced quickly and with minimal product degradation.

Abstract: Snack food products, such as potato crisps or chips, are fabricated from dough that is processed into uncooked snack chips for cooking in a form fryer. Form fryers utilize conveyors that generally employ metal that contacts and retains the snack chips while being passed through an oil bath for frying. With the use of anti-sticking agent such as lecithin, the conveyors of the fryer do not need to be cooled prior to contacting the uncooked chips. The anti-sticking agent prevents the chip from adhering to the metal surfaces of a fryer conveyor that would otherwise cause a chip without anti-sticking agent to adhere thereto.