Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a melon juice concentrate, such as watermelon juice concentrate, includes a finisher with brushes for separating melon flesh from melon rind including leaving at least 1/16 inch flesh on the rind and screens for separating juice from flesh. The apparatus also includes a steamer to reduce bacteria count on whole melon, a chopper for chopping melons into pieces less than about 16 inches square, an extractor for extracting juice from the flesh, and an evaporator for concentrating melon juice to form melon juice concentrate. The steamer includes a cylinder frame, steam jets directing steam through apertures in the cylinder frame at whole melon therein, and a motivator to move the whole melon along the cylinder frame. The apparatus can also process cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and other melon.

Abstract: Partially deamidated rice endosperm protein or rice endosperm protein which is partially conjugated with mono-, di-, oligo- or polysaccharides is used as novel protective hydrocolloid for fat-soluble active ingredients and/or fat-soluble colorants. The present invention further includes compositions comprising that rice endosperm protein and at least one fat-soluble active ingredient/colorant, as well as their manufacture, that rice endosperm protein itself and its manufacture. These compositions are used for the enrichment, fortification and/or coloration of food, beverages, animal feed, personal care or pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention is directed to theses uses and to food, beverages, animal feed, personal care and pharmaceutical compositions containing such a rice endosperm protein and such a composition, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medicament containing a standardized dry extract of horse chestnut seeds which is active against various types of edema and diseases of the venous circulatory system and to a process for manufacturing this medicament. The dry seed extract is processed to the form of pellets which can be coated to obtain sustained release of the agent. In this way satisfying therapeutical blood levels of the triterpene glycosides as agent are achieved. The finished medicament according to the invention can best be provided as hard gelatin capsule or matrix tablet containing the extract pellets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for removing the pellicle from nut kernels and a blanching composition for use in the treatment of nuts.More particularly, the process of the invention comprises the steps of:(a) immersing nut kernels in a composition comprising a mixture of a vegetable oil and a wetting agent in a solution of water and, optionally, a sugar, at ambient temperature to soften and loosen the pellicle;(b) removing the nut kernels from the composition and draining the nut kernels;(c) exposing the nut kernels to ambient temperature water to remove the pellicle; and(d) separating the nut kernels from the pellicle.