Abstract: A method and apparatus defreeze, reheat and dry products in a closed chamber by moving a microwave source above a layer of product in a to-and-from motion at a specific, constant height from the product layer.

Abstract: A process for preparing potato chips and shoestring potatoes in which no additional fat content is added to the potato and none of the natural foodstuffs are removed. The process comprises the steps of slicing a potato to produce a plurality of potato slices or strips of the desired configuration and microwave heating the slices or strips for a period of about six to nine minutes to produce a product having substantially the same flavor, color, crispness and slightly greasy appearance as deep-fried potato chips or shoestring potatoes. The potato slices or strips can be steamed or baked prior to microwave heating to reduce the microwave heating time and can be subjected to a second microwave heating step to reduce the moisture content therein for a longer shelf life.

Abstract: A method for preparing flavored unpopped popcorn kernels is disclosed involving dehydrating unpopped popcorn kernels to produce partially dehydrated kernels having retained sufficient moisture for popping and having an increased tendency to absorb an aqueous flavor liquid. Upon coating or soaking the kernels with flavor liquid and drying, popping of the kernels results in a flavored popcorn. The method provides for a low-fat or no-fat popcorn product.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a process for preparing a pre-cooked, microwaveable frozen baked food product, said process comprising: (a) preparing a dough and shaping the dough into a desired preform; (b) baking the preform to a fully baked state to produce a baked product having an outer crust; and (c) freezing and tempering the baked product by adding moisture to the outer crust in an amount sufficient to raise the moisture content of the baked product to within the range of from about 20% to about 55% by weight, thereby producing a frozen, tempered baked food. The present invention further comprises a product produced by the above-described process.

Abstract: Novel food products are disclosed which result from microwave-core-heating of dried foods such as pasta, beans, rice, cereal and pulses. The dried, raw foods are piled in a container and placed in a microwave oven chamber. The raw foods are exposed to microwave energy until they become browned and develop a toasty taste which is different from the taste of the dried, raw food products. The microwave cooking kit of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,985,990 and 4,880,951 is suited for the described core-heating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing essentially fat free chips such as potato chips and the like having an appearance and taste similar to conventional chips without the use of deep fat frying processes. The method of the present invention includes the steps of exposing sliced raw potatoes and the like to a high intensity microwave field that rapidly converts moisture within the slice into steam. These exposed slices are then dried by longer exposure to a lower energy microwave field. The apparatus of the present invention includes a single mode meander waveguide with a microwave absorptive terminator at an end of the waveguide to support a standing wave field within the waveguide. Apertures are provided along portions of the waveguide to accommodate a microwave-transparent conveyor belt through the waveguide for transporting the potato slices and the like through the waveguide.

Abstract: Methods for toasting a puffed ready-to-eat cereal base are provided to increase the toasted flavor thereof. The methods comprise the step of subjecting the cereal base to a brief exposure to a high intensity (>125 V/cm) microwave field for about 5 to 45 seconds. The microwave toasted cereal pieces exhibit superior flavor resulting from "interior" toasting of the cereal base.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating a ready-to-eat cereal base fabricated from an oat containing cereal composition to increase the stability of the product. The methods comprise the step of subjecting the cereal base to a high intensity microwave field (>150 V/cm) for about 5 to 45 seconds. The treated cereal pieces exhibit superior stability and also improved flavor resulting from "interior" toasting of the cereal base.

Abstract: Microwave methods for toasting an unpuffed ready-to-eat cereal base are provided in full or partial substitution for conventional toasting methods. The methods comprise the step of subjecting a wet cereal base piece to a brief exposure to a high intensity (>125 V/cm) microwave field for about 5 to 25 seconds. The microwave toasted cereal pieces exhibit superior flavor resulting from "interior" toasting of the cereal base.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing wheat flour from newly harvested wheat grain. The grain direct from harvest is treated with moisture to increase the moisture content of the endosperms to a level at least about 4 to 5 wt-% greater than the original level, thereby producing hydrated wheat grain. The hydrated wheat grain is then rapidly dried to a moisture content approximating the original level of the newly harvested wheat grain to produce grain that can be efficiently milled. The milling of the treated grain produces a wheat flour that is more acceptable and desirable for baking than that produced from newly harvested wheat that is not processed according to the invention. The rapid conversion of grain from the newly harvested state to a more millable state is shown by an increase in the capacity of the milled flour to rapidly hydrate. Newly harvested grain normally increases its hydration capacity over the first two to three months after its harvest.

Abstract: A method for tempering cooked cereal pellets or pieces for ready-to-eat cereals or cereal based snack half product is provided. The method involves the step of exposing the cereal pellets or pieces to a high intensity microwave field for a brief time sufficient to improve moisture distribution therein but without causing the pellets or pieces to puff. A high intensity microwave field has a field strength of >90 V/cm in free space. Exposure times range from about 15 to 30 seconds depending upon the initial temperature and moisture content of the pellets. The microwave tempered cereal pellets or cereal based snack half products can thereafter be conventionally processed to form finished cereal products. The finished cereal products exhibit superior physical and organoleptic attributes such as volume, improved texture, uniformity and for R-T-E cereal embodiments, also longer bowl life.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing essentially fat free chips such as potato chips and the like having an appearance and taste similar to conventional chips without the use of deep fat frying processes. The method of the present invention includes the steps of exposing sliced raw potatoes and the like to a high intensity microwave field that rapidly converts moisture within the slice into steam. These exposed slices are then dried by longer exposure to a lower energy microwave field. The apparatus of the present invention includes a single mode meander waveguide with a microwave absorptive terminator at an end of the waveguide to support a standing wave field within the waveguide. Apertures are provided along portions of the waveguide to accommodate a microwave-transparent conveyor belt through the waveguide for transporting the potato slices and the like through the waveguide.

Abstract: A short-time, low-pollution method of preparing masa flour is provided which yields flour equivalent to conventionally fabricated masas with a total processing time significantly less than prior techniques. The procedure preferably comprises subjecting alkali-treated, debranned and moisturized grain (e.g., corn) to near infrared radiation in order to partially cook the grain. The grain can then be milled to desired particle size specifications. Masa prepared in accordance with the invention may be produced in as little as one-half hour, as compared with prior methods involving many hours of preparation time. The preferred alkali treatment of the grain prior to infrared processing substantially reduces pollution inherent in prior art methods.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a shelf stable half product expandable in microwave ovens. A chlorinated soft wheat flour, corn starch, modified corn starch and whole grain amaranth flour are combined to form a dry starch mixture. Salt and flavoring additives (if desired) are combined with the dry starch mixture. These ingredients are thoroughly mixed in a ribbon blender, then preconditioned in a paddle mixer with injection of steam and water, to form a mixture with moisture at 22-24 percent by weight. This mixture is provided to a twin screw extruder where it is worked and heated to substantially gelatinize the starches, vented for rapid cooling and moisture release, conveyed and lightly worked at reduced temperature, then forced through a shaping die and cut into pieces of the desired shape. The pieces are dried in a drying enclosure, at an air temperature of 43 degrees C., for about three and one-half to four hours.

Abstract: A fat-absorbing substance is added to a fat-based food, such as cream and cheese, which then is dehydrated with microwave radiation under reduced pressure.

Abstract: A comestible processing system includes equipment of components for receiving, soaking, draining and tempering food or feed material. Furthermore, infrared material processors are provided for energizing the material with energy in the infrared range. The retention vessel is provided for receiving the heated, energized material for retaining the same in a temperature-elevated condition. A cooler receives the heated material, cools it and flashes off steam therefrom. A processing method includes the steps performed on the material by the above components, and includes additional, optional steps of flaking, grinding and mixing/formulating the material in preparation for packaging same.

Abstract: A crisp, palatable, reduced calorie whole grain snack food is produced by subjecting initially tempering whole grains such as wheat, barley, corn, oats, rice and sorghum to a micronizing process wherein the whole grain(s) are partially precooked through application of near infrared radiation. Thereafter, the micronized grain is mixed with water and other optional ingredients and preconditioned with agitation and steam/water addition. After preconditioning, the mixture is directed to a twin screw extruder in order to form an extrudate of desired shape and size. The extrudate is then heat treated to crisp the outer surface thereof, typically through the use of oven heating and/or frying. The resultant snack product preferably has a whole grain content of at least about 50% by weight and a low total fat content on the order of about 20% by weight or less.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a process for par-boiling rice, comprising the steps of: (a) treating the rice with water at a temperature up to its boiling point to increase its water content to 17 to 28%; (b) steaming the soaked rice at a temperature from 100.degree. to 125.degree. C. to increase its water content to 19 to 30%; (c) heating the steamed rice, in a sealed vessel, under pressure and using dry heat, to a minimum temperature of approximately t.degree. C., wherein t=195-2.5 M and M is the moisture content of the steamed rice in %, for from 1 to 5 minutes; (d) reducing the pressure on the rice over a period of 1 to 10 minutes to atmospheric pressure, thereby allowing water to evaporate from the heated rice to reduce its temperature to approximately 100.degree. C. and its water content to 17 to 24%; and (e) drying the partially dried rice to microbiological stability. The product of the present invention has better consumer appeal than conventional par-boiled rice.

Abstract: To prepare dried pasta, the pasta is shaped from a mixture of water and a ground cereal, the pasta thus shaped is thermally pretreated and then precooked and dried.

Abstract: Disclosed are puffable gelatinized dough pellets which pop upon microwave heating in a consumer microwave oven. The pellets include an outer skin or casing of sufficient tensile strength to allow buildup of internally generated steam pressure upon microwave heating. Upon sufficient buildup of steam pressure, the skin fails suddenly, allowing the pellet to puff explosively thereby simultaneously causing an audible popping sound. Also disclosed are microwave snack products comprising an expandable microwave popping bag containing a charge of the present microwave poppable pellets. The sound of the popping gives the consumer an audible clue as to the desirable termination of the microwave heating step, which is particularly useful when the pellets are contained within an opaque paper microwave popping bag. Also disclosed are methods for the preparation of the microwave poppable pellets as well as microwave heating methods for snack preparation.

Abstract: Disclosed are half products especially adapted to be puffed by consumers by at-home microwave heating to form puffed food products. The finished products comprise both R-T-E cereals and snack products. The half products are fabricated from cooked farinaceous doughs comprising rice flour, wheat starch, oil and salt, which have been gelatinized by subjecting the mixture to high shear mixing during heating. The half products further essentially comprise an exterior or topical sugar coating.

Abstract: It has been discovered that dried extruded pasta shapes prepared in certain ways display a high toleration for exposure to water at temperatures of less than boiling. This toleration is conveniently evaluated by cooking in a microwave over and then extracting with room temperature water to determine if the starch loss is less than 7.0 weight percent. This toleration is obtained by exposing the extruded pasta shapes to temperatures of about 180.degree. F. or greater, temperatures of about 165.degree. F. or greater if the pasta contains a low temperature coagulatable protein such as egg whites or simple room temperature aging if the pasta contains both a low temperature coagulatable protein and a sulfhydryl reducing agent such as 1-cysteine hydrochloride. This toleration makes the pasta amenable to a number of cooking procedures such as presoaking in cold water prior to cooling (thus dramatically reducing the cooking time), and cooking in a microwave oven.

Abstract: An aroma-generating flavor composition is described which will generate desirable aromas when a food and/or a package is subjected to microwave radiation. The composition comprises an aroma-generating material which is either a sugar alone or in combination with an amino acid source. Also, the composition contains an effective amount of a microwave susceptible material in conductive heat transfer relationship with the sugar and/or amino acid source, the microwave susceptible material when irradiated with microwave energy provides sufficient heat to cause a chemical reaction thereby generating desirable aromas.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a cooked food product such as a potato chip without the use of oil. The apparatus includes a first infrared heating source to warm the exterior of the sliced potato pieces, a microwave energy source to warm the interior of the potato pieces, and a second infrared heating source to achieve browning of the potato pieces. The crisp, chip-type snack food product thereby produced is low in calories.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus which can manufacture dried foods giving the person who eats the dried foods a soft-dried and spongy feeling pleasant to the palate by evaporating the greater part of the moisture in the raw materials to be removed in as short a time as possible after the commencement of the drying process. According to the present invention, this is achieved by a method for manufacturing dried foods wherein raw food materials are radiated with microwaves under reduced pressure conditions while immersed in oil as well as by an apparatus for manufacturing dried foods comprising an oil tank arranged within a pressure reducing chamber having a pressure reducing device; a retainer for containing raw food materials immersed in oil in said oil tank; and a microwave radiating device for radiating said raw food materials with microwave while immersed in the oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of drying carrageenans extracted from red algae by alkaline treatment in an aqueous medium. This method consists in subjecting the moist fibers to the action of microwaves at 100 to 10,000 MHz in such a way that the temperature of the mass does not exceed 100.degree. C. Application: preparation of carrageenans.

Abstract: Half products expandable or puffable by microwave or convection heat energy are prepared by (a) preparing a starch-containing material having a moisture content of not more than about 25%, (b) extruding the moisture-tempered material at a temperature of about 80.degree. to 110.degree. C. without causing expansion thereby producing a hot melt in a rope or piece form, and (c) cooling the extrudate without substantially lowering the moisture content for a time necessary to harden up. The half-products contain not more than about 25% of moisture in a glass-like rope or piece form and are shelf stable without preservatives. Substantial savings can be achieved in manufacture, storage, shipping, and handling because of the low processing temperature and the storage stability of the dense and hard products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel composition suitable for the preparation of a puffable food product, and to processes for the use thereof, and to the puffed and/or puffable products so produced. The composition broadly comprises certain native starches, a maltodextrin of a specified dextrose equivalent, and specified modified pregelatinized starches.

Abstract: A method and composition for combining two or more separate food products, one of which is ordinarily not effectively prepared in a microwave oven, that are microwaveable together to yield a desired result. Specifically, a quantity of pork rind pellets can be successfully and completely popped in a standard microwave oven by inclusion of a quantity of unpopped popping corn kernels to the container of the pellets before cooking. The popping corn kernels are efficiently heated by the microwave energy and, as they pop, provide a desired agitating motion to the mixture, thereby moving the pork rind pellets within the container and increasing the likelihood of the complete popping of the pellets. Thus, the exploding popping corn kernels provide the requisite vehicle for mechanical mixing during cooking of the heated snack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing fruit powder from fruit or fruit by-products of industrial processing of fruits, wherein the fruit of fruit by-product is cut up, and dried in microwave apparatus at a maximum temperature of about 65.degree. C., and then comminuted.Preferred fruits processed according to the invention are apple, fruit with pits, berries, citrus fruit, and tropical fruit.The fruit powder according to the invention can be used for human consumption and fodder.

Abstract: A baked cookie is produced having a two phase interior filling. There is an oil based interior filling and a water based interior filling. The oil based interior filling coats at least part of the interior of the biscuit and enhances the taste of the cookie. Upon this cookie being heated in a microwave oven the water based filling expands and exudes out through the top of the cookie flowing down the exterior surfaces of the cookie and coating these surfaces. This cookie is produced by co-extruding a dough and the oil based filling. The dough piece is than baked whereby there is formed a hollow interior section. It is this hollow interior section that is then filled with the water based filling.

Abstract: To prepare instant food products having a long storage life, such as soups or sauces incorporating a garnishing, including vegetables having intermediate moisture content which are stabilized microbiologically and organoleptically without the aid of humectants such as polyols and sugars and which, when prepared in the soups or sauces, resemble freshly prepared products, the vegetables are blanched or cooked, partially dehydrated and dry mixed with salt. Glutamate and anti-mycotic agents may be added and the vegetables may be compacted to further enhance their stability.

Abstract: Flour-based pot pies capable of forming a desirable flaky crust texture upon cooking in a microwave oven are produced by separately adding throughout the flour an effective amount of a protein having low affinity for water to make the crust dough.

Abstract: Fast-cooked granular rice product, consisting of the rice components obtained as byproducts in producing table rice from raw rice and comprised of husking flour, scouring flour, polishing flour and broken rice, including 20 to 40% by weight of water, related to the weight of the anhydrous components, partly agglutinated and granulated.

Abstract: Disclosed is the process for popping wild rice to make a puffy snack food or breakfast cereal which has a nutty flavor. The process includes curing, roasting and parching the wild rice in roasting ovens, sorting the wild rice into differing lengths and widths so it will have uniformity prior to popping, heating the wild rice on a conveying means at a temperature between 500.degree.-800.degree. F., and immediately removing the popped product to avoid scorching the product and creating a bad taste.

Abstract: A composition of an aroma-producing material enrobed in a fusible encapsulating agent preferably a lipid and in conductive heat transfer relationship with a microwave susceptible material, when combined with a microwaveable comestible or package will provide an aroma when the comestible or package is prepared by subjecting said comestible or package and said composition to microwawve energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of french-fried potato strips, which have a crisp mouth feel and neither shrinkage nor deformation. The process comprises the steps of cutting raw potatoes to form strips thereof, blanching the strips, par-frying the blanched strips in an edible oil, freezing the fried strips immediately after the par-frying, and then subjecting the frozen strips to finish frying in an edible oil, while subjecting to microwave energy.

Abstract: A peanut food having the texture of a parched peanut and the taste of a boiled nut is produced by sequentially soaking the peanut in shell in water, boiling the peanut along with an amount of coconut, and microwaving the peanut. Upon cooling, the peanut hardens, yet retains the taste produced in boiling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for parboiling rough rice, which process includes: (1) soaking the rough rice; (2) subjecting the soaked rough rice to a first value of microwave energy to partially gelatinize the starch in the rice and raise its water content; (3) draining free water, if any, from the treated soaked rough rice; and (4) subjecting the drained rough rice from (3) to a second level of microwave energy to effect substantially complete gelatinization and to lower the rough rice water content.

Abstract: This invention relates to a package for popcorn to be cooked in a microwave oven. The package serves as a package for the unpopped corn, as a container for the corn while it is being popped, and also as a serving container for the popped corn. The package utilizes a bag comprising two opposing side panels and an inwardly pleated bottom panel between said opposing side panels, the outside edges of said side panels being joined to one another and to the outside edges of said inwardly pleated bottom panel, portions of said opposing side panels further being joined to portions of said bottom panel so that the inside surface area of said bottom panel is substantially less than the outside surface area of said bottom panel.

Abstract: Process, for producing a dry, crips, puffed natural butterfat containing cheese snack in which cheese snack precursor pieces having a fat content of 17-34% and a moisture content of 20-50% are both baked in a convection oven and subjected to microwave cooking to puff and dry pieces.

Abstract: An infrared dehydrator unit for minced fish to produce an edible fish product. The unit is constituted by a gas-fired infrared heater provided with a refractory body having a radiation horn from which infrared rays are projected into the interior of a tank containing a load of minced fish to be dehydrated. The tank is provided with an agitator acting to pick up and expose all pieces of the load to the rays to effect dehydration thereof. The radiation pattern of the horn is such as to confine the projected rays to the exposed pieces of the load and to avoid striking and heating the sides of the tank. In this way, scorching and sticking of the agitated pieces when they make contact with these side walls are prevented. As a consequence, the dehydrated pieces are of substantially uniform quality and waste thereof is obviated.

Abstract: The degree of roasting of materials roasted by application of microwaves is regulated by a system free from any energy source which receives material from a microwave roaster and retains it for a time for completing roasting and varying and regulating the final degree of roasting of the material by regulating the feed of the roasted material from the system to a quenching zone. The microwave roaster includes a horizontal rotatable tube which has baffles for transporting the material to be roasted through the tube such that it reaches a roasting temperature at the outlet of the tube for receipt by the system for achieving the desired degree of final roasting.

Abstract: Described is a method for producing a candied fruit, including the steps of immersing in a syrup a natural fruit previously washed with water, peeled and cored, and heating the fruit and the syrup by microwave heating for substituting water and air bubbles in the fruit pulp by the syrup while the fruit remains immersed in the syrup. Also described is a method for producing dried fruit additionally including the step of drying the fruit produced as described above.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating a foodstuff with ultraviolet energy comprising a transport unit for receiving foodstuff at a first location and for transporting the foodstuff in a relatively spread out condition along a path to a second location. The foodstuff passes through a substantially enclosed housing wherein the foodstuff is exposed to a flux of ultraviolet radiation from a plurality of germicidal lamps. The transport unit includes a shaker table within the housing sloping downwardly from the entrance opening of the housing for agitating the foodstuff so that the foodstuff turns over and exposes its entire surface to the flux of radiation as it travels through the housing.

Abstract: A composition for use in, preparing, a microwavable popcorn product with a sugar glaze. The composition includes a glazing blend combined with unpopped popcorn. The glazing blend includes an oil component, a sugar component, a water component and a lecithin component, with the water and lecithin being in amounts effective to form a glaze and to control heating of the blend to permit substantially complete popping of the corn without burning the blend.

Abstract: A process for producing salted potato chips having a fat content lower than 32% by weight. The process comprises the steps of preparing potato slices, washing the slices in an aqueous solution of sodium chloride to salt the same in depth, drying the salted slices, preheating the dry slices with infrared radiations, and frying the preheated slices by immersion in a bath of edible oil or fat heated at an appropriate frying temperature.

Abstract: A microwave toaster including a rectangular block of microwave transparent material including a plurality of parallel and aligned slots therein for receiving cards of material which absorb microwave energy and subsequently dissipates heat therefrom. A piece of bread is positioned next to the material to absorb the heat dissipated therefrom for subsequently turning into browned toast.

Abstract: This invention provides a food material for puffing, which enables easy and uniform puffing without a special appliance and which has good taste, smell and texture. The food material for puffing comprises pre-gelatinized cereal grain, 0.2 to 11% by weight of ethyl alcohol, 0.25 to 16% by weight of fat and/or oil and if desirable other additives, the water content of said food material being between 5 and 45 weight %. The food material is used as a breakfast food or snack as well as for making rice crackers.

Abstract: An infrared dehydrator unit for minced fish to produce an edible fish product. The unit is constituted by a gas-fired infrared heater provided with a refractory body having a radiation horn from which infrared rays are projected into the interior of a tank containing a load of minced fish to be dehydrated. The tank is provided with an agitator acting to pick up and expose all pieces of the load to the rays to effect dehydration thereof. The radiation pattern of the horn is such as to confine the projected rays to the exposed pieces of the load and to avoid striking and heating the sides of the tank. In this way, scorching and sticking of the agitated pieces when they make contact with these side walls are prevented. As a consequence, the dehydrated pieces are of substantially uniform quality and waste thereof is obviated.