Abstract: An edible candy confection and a method of making the confection is disclosed. The method includes the steps of freezing fresh fruit, coating the frozen fruit with sugar solids sufficient to reach a critical mass, keeping the fruit frozen during the coating process, depositing a wafer, placing the coated fruit on the wafer, and sealing the coated fruit and wafer in a confection layer such as chocolate. The wafer may be formed from chocolate or yogurt. Optimally, the critical mass if the coated frozen fruit is at least 67 Brix with water activity of at least 0.60.

Abstract: A food product comprising a strip of fruit leather rolled into a roll, and an outer wrapper of a food edible material enclosing said roll.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a non dairy food composition based on an oil-in-water emulsion containing sugar and carbohydrates characterized in that its water activity is of between 0.5 and 0.75 and its dry matter content is of between 80 and 95% by weight based on the total weight of the food composition, in that it contains non-gelatinized starch whose particles size is below 10 ?m, in that the composition is free from fat separation and in that the composition is stable at a temperature of between 1 and 15° C. for at least 6 weeks. It also concerns its process of preparation.

Abstract: A food producing method used in panning for delivering enhanced nutrition benefits and for decoupling adhesion and texture and the resulting product. First a plurality of center portions are obtained and introduced into a mixer. Then primary slurry is added followed by a dry mix which adheres to said center portions. Next, a secondary slurry is prepared which provides the adhesiveness required to adhere inclusions to the center portion. The use of a secondary slurry allows the decoupling of adhesion and texture whereby a softer product is produced which does not yield a hard, glassy texture.

Abstract: A preharvest coating for fruits, vegetables and other plants includes a primary ingredient for protecting the fruit, vegetable or plant from physical harm or damage during growing and harvesting and/or for enhancing the appearance of the fruit, vegetable or plant. In addition, the coating includes a nutraceutical component that may provide health beneficial effects to human consumers of the fruit, vegetable or plant. Such nutraceutical components can include phytonutrients such as flavonoids, stilbenes or other phytochemicals. Preferably, the nutraceutical component is included in an otherwise conventional coating and is applied by means of preharvest thermofogging of the fruit, vegetable or plant.

Abstract: A fruit snack with probiotics that is stable at room temperature is manufactured by combining various ingredients including fruit juices/purees to produce a slurry and cooking the slurry to produce a center that contains a high moisture content. The fruit snack center is covered with a barrier layer which in turn is covered by an outer layer that contains heat sensitive ingredients, such as probiotic cultures. The barrier layer substantially prevents migration of moisture from the center to the outer layer, and the fruit snack is cooled prior to applying the outer layer to minimize damage/harm to the heat sensitive ingredients. In addition to including probiotic cultures and being stable at room temperature, the fruit snack has other desirable characteristics including a chewy soft texture and fruit-flavorings, and may be manufactured using traditional processes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a microfoamed fruit or vegetable puree containing native defatted soluble seric proteins and optionally a texturing agent, the overrun being not more than 50%, the average diameter of the bubbles being less than 200 ?m and the microfoamed fruit or vegetable purée being stable for at least 28 days at a temperature ranging between 1 and 10° C. The invention also concerns a method for preparing same.

Abstract: A fat based mixture is used as a spreadable table spread, and is based on an edible oil table spread product which may be table butter, margarine, soft butter, and mixtures thereof. The edible oil table spread product is admixed was 0.5% to 3% by weight of anhydrous freeze-dried fruit, so that the flavor of the admixed fruit infuses the table spread. Typically, the particle size of the admixed freeze-dried fruit is from very fine powder up to 1 mm or 3 mm.

Abstract: Coatings for fruit, particularly respiring fruit, such as bananas or melons, are disclosed. The coatings comprise food grade materials selected from polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, waxes, and mixtures of those materials. Preferred coating include xanthan and/or acylated glycerides.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel healthy and functional food having an obesity-suppressing activity. The healthy and functional food according to the present invention is manufactured by using an extract or a raw juice of purple-colored potato as a main/minor ingredient, or by adding the extract or a raw juice of purple-colored potato to various favorite foods. The extract of purple-colored potato according to the present invention has an obesity-suppressing activity by preventing an adipose cell from being differentiated and reducing leptin protein aiding to differentiate into adipose cells, and has an ability to reduce free fatty acid which is a hyperlipidemia-inducing factor and cholesterol in blood. Therefore, the healthy and functional food containing the extract of purple-colored potato according to the present invention can be useful to treat obesity patients including a wide age group of teenagers and adults and old persons.

Abstract: A confection disclosed herein that includes an outer chocolate layer that enrobes a flavored paste center containing L-Theanine. The flavored paste center contains a fruit paste, enriched natural fruit and dairy flavorings, non-dutched cocoa powder, and a non insulin inducing sugar, such as xylitol or a combination of erithrytol and lo han. The outer chocolate layer consists of a chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, lecithin, and minimal sugar. In the preferred embodiment, the confection is manufactured into small circular pieces that can be distributed in individual plastic packages that can be easily carried in a purse or pocket. A plurality of confection is distributed in a large bag container that can be easily stored in a refrigerator.

Abstract: Edible objects and methods of forming a label on an edible object are disclosed.

Abstract: Capsules made of gellan gum and a polyvalent salt and having various flavors and colors are provided in a flexible gelatin and carragheenan gel, of which the appearance differs from that of ordinary gelatin, by suspending the capsules having various flavors and colors in a gel medium by adjusting the process variables and formulation to prevent color and flavor migration into the gel medium.

Abstract: From dietary health to product diversity, Lacteal Coated Pizzas outperform the venerable four-hundred year old ethnic (Italian) pizzas. Lacteal Coated Pizzas are comprised of soft leaven dough/sourdough that is topped with a delicious, nutritious Lacteal Batter, and a conventional topping. The present invention's Lacteal Batters are innovative, heat-stable, hydrocolloidal-proteineous mixtures that possess unique performance-enhancing, rheological properties.

Abstract: A snack product comprises an undulating elongated body with a crenate cross-section and a composition that includes some fruit material. When the snack product is composed entirely or substantially of fruit material, the snack product tends to be sticky and the undulating body and crenate cross-section serve to reduce the surface area of the snack product that would contact the surfaces of a wrapper, equipment and the consumer. By reducing the surface area contact, the tendency of the snack product to stick to the wrapper, equipment and the consumer is reduced.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the growth of Tyrophagus putrescentiae in a pet food product includes the step of adding at least 0.3% by weight conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to the pet food product. Specifically, adding conjugated linoleic acid to the pet food product includes the steps of adding conjugated linoleic acid to a pet food meal pre-mix, extruding the conjugated linoleic acid containing premix to form the pet food product, cutting the pet food product to size, and drying the pet food product. The method can further include the step of coating the dried, cut to size pet food product with conjugated linoleic acid.

Abstract: Composite food products comprising a first soft plastic nonfrangible major portion having a water activity of 0.5 or less and about 1% to 15% % of a second food portion of small direct expanded puffed particulates fabricated from a cooked cereal dough. The puffed pieces are formed by direct puffing or expansion into individual pieces rather than by grinding or size reducing larger cereal pieces. The puffed cereal particulates thus have a continuous unbroken skin or surface surrounding the particulates as a result of the direct expansion formation. The particulates have a size ranging from about 0.5 to 2 mm, a moisture content of less than 6%, and, a bulk density ranging from about 0.15 to 0.25 g/cc. The cooked cereal dough from which the particulates are fabricated comprises at least 45% rice flour. The products exhibit a crispy texture notwithstanding the softer texture of the major phase.

Abstract: A fruit-based nutrition bar includes free form amino acids added to the bar as supplements. The nutrition bar may include any number of added ingredients and selected amino acids are incorporated in specific functional amounts and proportions.

Abstract: The invention discloses compositions for the preservation of fruits, vegetables, partially processed products, other produce and followers. The compositions comprise at least one phospholipase D inhibitor, at least one compound comprising an isoprene subunit, at least one component of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in a suitable medium. The composition of the present invention may additionally comprise one or more plant growth regulators of the cytokinin type, one or more antioxidants, a membrane stabilizing agent, a surfactant, or any combination thereof. The composition may be applied to produce as a spray, drench, dip, or a vapour and at either the pre-harvest stage or post-harvest stage.

Abstract: A microwavable crinkle-cut French fry potato includes deep groves and coatings of oil and encapsulated salt. Crinkle-cut potato pieces are prepared with a solids content of 40–50% by weight, frozen, sprayed with oil and coated with encapsulated salt. A carton for the potato pieces is formed from a single-piece blank provided with a pair of microwave susceptor surfaces and reinforced corners. A removable lid contacts the potato pieces during microwave reconstitution.

Abstract: In this application are disclosed a method for producing nutraceutical chips, comprising the steps of: preparing a viscous liquid by use of at least one selected from the group consisting of vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts and seaweeds which may have been heat-treated in advance as desired or as required, and a calcium-coagulable edible polymer material, spreading the viscous liquid into thin layers, applying an aqueous calcium salt solution onto the thin layers, whereby the calcium-coagulable edible polymer material is caused to gel, and heat-drying or/and vacuum-drying the resulting thin-film gel products, and a method for producing nutraceutical chips, comprising the steps of: preparing a gel by use of at least one selected from the group consisting of vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts and seaweeds which may have been heat-treated in advance as desired or as required, a calcium-coagulable edible polymer material, and a calcium salt, molding the gel into thin films, and heat-drying or/and vacuum-drying the re

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing processed foods, which effectively exert the inherent flavor and taste of food materials, provide superior preservative stability, and keep the original form and color of the food materials; and to provide processed foods produced by the process. The object is solved by establishing the process for producing processed foods which is characterized in that it comprises the steps of contacting raw food materials with a saccharide to accrete and/or penitrate the saccharide to and/or into an intact food material without blanching and then heating the resulting mixture by one or more heating methods selected from the group consisting of steaming, baking, frying, and microwaving to effectively exert the inherent flavor and taste of the food material, and to provide superior preservative stability; and processed foods produced by the process.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-brittle dried fruits and vegetables, especially non-brittle freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, and methods for preparing such fruits and vegetables. More specifically, this invention relates to non-brittle dried fruits and vegetables prepared by applying a surface coating of an aqueous solution of a polyhydric alcohol (preferably glycerol) prior to drying. Application of the aqueous solution of the polyhydric alcohol prior to drying appears to allow sufficient migration of polyhydric alcohol into the cellular structures, thereby plasticizing the cellular structures and minimizing damage to the cellular structures of the fruits and vegetables during and after drying and post-drying activities. The resulting plasticized product is rendered non-brittle as indicated by a drastic reduction of fines and/or broken pieces after drying and/or packaging, shipping, and storage as compared to conventionally dried fruits and vegetables.

Abstract: A method of preserving the natural color and appearance of fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables, especially for inhibiting desiccation and/or discoloration of freshly processed vegetables such as carrots, resides in coating the fruit or vegetable with an aqueous solution of trehalose or of trehalose combined with one or more other sugars.

Abstract: A frozen French fried potato product possessing unique taste characteristics is manufactured by producing potato pieces having a desired shape, frying the potato pieces, freezing the potato pieces, and applying a topical addition to the frozen potato pieces. The topical addition is preferably an encapsulated topical addition in which a water soluble ingredient other than salt is encapsulated in an encapsulation material. To impart sweet taste characteristics to the frozen French fried potato product, the topical addition is an encapsulated sugar. The resulting frozen French fried potato product is constituted by potato pieces that have been fried and frozen, with the topical addition such as encapsulated sugar applied to the outer surface of the frozen French fried potato pieces.

Abstract: A water-dispersible coating composition for use on food substrates, which permits incorporation of a substantially increased rice component content compared to prior art coatings, without the occurrence of objectionable white-lump reticulation. The coating contains at least stated minimum levels of small-particle size rice flour and/or rice starch (#100 USS mesh size and/or 200 USS mesh size, respectively or finer) depending upon the total amount of rice used in the mix, and exhibits minimal surface roughness and substantially no reticulation when frozen upon the food substrate, while imparting increased crispness, holding time and lighter color once the frozen coated food substrate is reconstituted via gradient heat, microwave energy, or deep-frying reconstitution methods, without sacrificing appearance, flavor, and tooth compaction characteristics desirable to consumers of the final reconstituted product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cereal based protein rich product having good texture and taste and having an enhanced shelf life; the present invention also provides a process for the production of the cereal product.

Abstract: A potato product includes potato pieces possessing unique color characteristics through the addition of a food grade color selected from, individually or in combination; xanthine, monoazo, pyrazolone, triphenylmethane, or indigoid color compounds or aluminum salts of xanthine, monoazo, pyrazolone, triphenylmethane and indigoid color compounds extended on a substratum of alumina hydrate. The potato pieces can be formed potato pieces produced by, for example, extruding a potato mixture in which is incorporated the food grade color. Alternatively, the potato pieces can be immersed in a batter solution containing the food grade color. The potato pieces can also be provided with flavoring characteristics by adding flavoring agents to the potato mixture or the batter solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a potato product with a film-like coating on the outer surface according to the steps of: cutting the potatoes; blanching the potatoes; and coating the potatoes with a dry coating composition comprising at least 50% by weight dextrin and from 5% to 25% by weight of a hydrolyzed starch characterized by a DE of from 0.2 to 5. The method provides coated potato products (french fries) characterized by desirable textural properties at low coating weights.

Abstract: A low density food bar includes dried fruit pieces and a binder to produce a sponge-like consistency.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fog treatment method using a liquid composition for treating fruits and vegetables, characterised in that it consists in producing a fog treatment mist consisting of droplets having a temperature ranging between 200 and 280° C. and driven at a linear speed ranging between 110 and 140 m/s. More precisely, said method consists in forming said fog treatment mist in the outlet of the cylindrical channel by injecting, at the intake of said channel, said composition into a hot air jet sprayed at high speed into said channel intake, the hot air jet temperature before injection being between 550 and 750° C. and said hot air jet linear speed, before injection, ranging between 160 and 400 m/s. One particular preferred embodiment consists in using a treatment composition based on eugenol and/or isoeugenol.

Abstract: A novel, nutritious confectionery product with a taste, texture and color that is particularly appealing to children is disclosed. The food product includes non-cereal vegetable solids and solid fat characterized in that the non-cereal vegetable solids are present in the form of particles in an amount of at least about 15% by weight of the total weight of the confectionery product. These particles are surrounded by the fat. The non-cereal vegetable solids are added and mixed into a continuous phase of fat to provide a shaped fat-based product upon setting.

Abstract: Potato-based food products tolerable by gluten-intolerant individuals and methods of making and using the same. In one aspect, potato-based food products are formed by methods that include the steps of: (a) heating a potato-based ingredient substantially free of gluten to a temperature of from about 130° F. to about 260° F. for sufficient time to allow said potato-based ingredient to be mashed; (b) mashing the potato-based ingredient for a sufficient amount of time for the ingredient to form a dough-like consistency; (c) shaping the potato-based ingredient into shaped pieces; and (d) heating the shaped pieces in an environment at a temperature of about 300° F. to about 500° F. for sufficient time to attain a potato-based food product having a hardened crust. The invention further encompasses filled food articles and packaged foods comprising potato-based food products according to the invention.

Abstract: Potato products that retain shred integrity and that are sufficiently thin to fit into a standard toaster have been produced. In some embodiments, the potato products contain a filling. The potato products contain a network of shredded potatoes that enables the potato products to retain structural integrity during production and further manipulation of the product. Extrusion and sheeting methods are used to obtain potato products that retain the desirable shred integrity. A method and apparatus is provided for simultaneously cutting and crimping individual food items from a filled extruded or sheeted product.

Abstract: A frozen drink mix is described that does not substantially separate after being frozen. These frozen drink mixes preferably have high fruit content, fruit insoluble solids with small particle size and high viscosity.

Abstract: A laterally standardized hollowed out potato has an opening through a wall of potato communicating with an interior cavity, with a filling within the cavity. When the potato is resting on one of its relatively broader sides, the opening faces upwardly, so that a liquidy filling is reliably contained. The laterally standardized nature of the potato facilitates mass production, as well as a consistent sidewall thickness.

Abstract: Certain coating formulations provide an adhesive effect that enhances points of contact between the individual pieces of food to be joined in deep-fried unified food servings. Batter mixes for restaurant food coating compositions in accordance with the present invention comprise 35%-75% adhesion component, 2%-11% viscosity component, and 5%-50% crispness component. Batter mixes for processor food coating compositions in accordance with the present invention comprise 30%-70% adhesion component, 10%-25% film-forming component, 3%-9% viscosity component, and 8%-40% crispness component. Both compositions may additionally comprise 0.1%-2% leavening component, 0.1%-15% flavoring component, 0.1%-1% coloring component, and/or 0.1%-1% processing aid.

Abstract: Mobile systems for cleaning and drying produce in order to extend shelf life, are described. Produce cleaning systems (20) are provided that employ plural forms of energy in an ionic liquid-based washing system (22, 24, 26) containing solvents and solutes which promote the conduction of electrical energy. The electrical energy can be applied to the produce in the wash bath (24) in various waveforms, such as a modulating wave superimposed on a carrier wave. Additionally, ultrasonic energy is employed to provide high-frequency mechanical pressure waves against the produce. The electrical energy and the mechanical energy combine to produce energy in the applicable resonant frequency range that acts to destroy or transform pathogens, dirt and synthetic molecules that may exist on the item of produce (190). Systems for drying the item of produce (190), after it has been immersed in a natural soluteladen slurry maintained at a temperature below the freezing point of water, are also provided.

Abstract: The composition contains a fundamental active ingredient consisting of the association of thymol, eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, a secondary active ingredient consisting of the association of cuminaldehyde, geraniol, vanillin, borneol, menthol, anethole, terpineol, limonene and different glycosides contained in the essences of mustard and jasmine, a surface-active selected among the different families accepted as emulsifying food additives and an oligosaccharide selected among the mono-oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides, phyco-oligosaccharides proceeding from algae extracts or vegetable tissue. The composition that has just been described is applied to fruit and vegetables in a diluted bath or in solid form incorporated into the waxes that are usually used in post-harvest treatments.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for infusing fruits (which may include vegetables) with sugar. The apparatus includes a series of interconnected tanks (10, 12, 14, and 16). A stratified column of infusing liquor is caused to flow from a tank (50) via variable output pump (52) through fruit which is placed within the tanks to cause the fruit to become saturated with sugar. In addition, at start-up, frozen fruit is placed in a warming liquid in the tanks prior to infusing, and the infusing liquor will drive the warming liquid in front of it. Fruit juice is removed from the downstream portion of the infusing liquid.

Abstract: Phytoglycogen coatings on Ready-to-Eat cereals provide extended bowl life. When added to food surfaces prior to frying, phytoglycogen decreases loss of crispness during post-frying storage, and also improves the appearance and flavor of the fried product.

Abstract: The resistance to caking of normally hygroscopic materials, such as spray-dried hydrolyzed vegetable protein, upon exposure to high humidity conditions may be improved by increasing the average minimum dimension of the hygroscopic material and a carrier material to 125 to 2,000 microns.

Abstract: A casing dough and food composition and hand held convenience food product comprising potato shreds, cellulose gum and starch, and methods for making same. The casing material may be hollow and filled with savory filling materials. The cellulose gum and starch form a film at the exposed surfaces of the casing materials and fill voids in exposed surfaces.

Abstract: Biodegradable and edible composites for use as feed packaging containers are provided. Broadly, the composites are formed from a mixture comprising fiber mixed with a non-petroleum based, biodegradable adhesive formed by modifying a starch, protein, or protein-rich flour. The mixture has a moisture content of less than about 20% by weight, based upon the total weight of the mixture taken as 100% by weight. The mixture is then molded at pressures of from about 150-600 psi and temperatures of from about 150-500° F. to yield a final composite having a compressive strength of at least about 5 MPa. Preferred fibers include those derived from straw, corn stalks, sorghum stalks, soybean hulls, and peanut hulls. Preferred modifiers include NaOH, urea sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and guanidine hydrochloride.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrocolloid protective coating for food and/or agricultural products comprising: 5-95% dried hydrocolloid gel; 0.2-50% of one or more natural compounds isolated from the surface of said product or a compound substantially equivalent thereto; 4-30% of water; and optional additives. The protective coating provides improved protection of the product, thereby extending its shelf-life. A method for producing the coating, and food and agricultural products protected by the coating are also disclosed.

Abstract: Dual-stage seasoned snack chips are prepared by providing a base snack chip, applying an oleaginous coating to the base chip and then adhering a dry seasoning material to the oleaginous coating. The oleaginous coating serves as a binder and adhesive for the dry seasoning material, as well as a source of flavor and other hedonistic properties such as “mouthfeel.” The oil content of the base chip is pre-selected. The presence of two types of seasoning materials on a base chip having a pre-selected oil content results in a snack chip that provides intense flavor characteristics, excellent seasoning adhesion and a total oil content within a desirable range.

Abstract: A food composition, product and method of making thereof uses tissue, such as vegetable, meat, fish or poultry. The tissue is coated with at least one coating, dried and fried. Initially the coating is a gel including water, hydrocolloid gel forming compounds and a cross-linking agent such as polyvalent cations. The coating at least partially encloses the outer surface of the tissue. The coating is dried prior to frying. The coating (initial, dried and fried) includes at least ten percent equivalent weight of cross-linking agent based on the neutralization equivalent weight of the hydrocolloid. The dried coating is adapted to substantially impede the penetration of oil therethrough. The coated fried products have a low concentration of cooking oil.

Abstract: A food item and method of fabrication is disclosed wherein the food item is packaged in a manner promoting marketability. The food item includes a fruit-based strip having a predetermined length defined by a leading end and a trailing end. The strip is rolled around its leading end into a roll having multiple rotations with an outer layer in contact with an inner layer. Further, a region of the outer layer proximate to the trailing end is attached to the inner layer of the roll.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mashed potato products that are provided, in at least a top portion, with a browning agent that causes the product to achieve a pleasing golden brown color upon heating in either a microwave or conventional oven. The product can be a mashed potato topped pot pie.

Abstract: A free-flowing, coated, frozen food and a method for making the same are disclosed. Discrete pieces of a free-flowing frozen food are introduced into a coating vessel where they are agitated to expose their surfaces and to maintain their free-flowing state throughout the coating process. A liquid coating material is sprayed onto the free-flowing pieces to cause coating material to adhere and the temperature at the surfaces of the frozen food pieces to rise. The surfaces of frozen food pieces are then recooled with a cryogen. The spraying and recooling steps are repeated until a thorough, even coating is built up on the discrete pieces of free-flowing food.