Abstract: Compositions for forming protective coatings on, e.g., agricultural products, can form a lamellar structure on the surface of the agricultural product that forms a barrier to, e.g., water and gas.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a moisture permeable device suitable for use in a refrigerator where the device includes a corresponding first surface (110) and second surface (111); at least parts of the first surface (110) and the second surface (111) of the moisture permeable device define a hollow cavity (301); through-holes are provided at regions of the first surface (110) and the second surface (111) of the moisture permeable device defining the cavity (301); and regenerated cellulose is accommodated in the cavity (301) includes the steps of pouring a regenerated cellulose slurry with a tackifier added thereto into the cavity (301) to form a moisture permeable film, thus allowing omission of an assembling procedure and a non-woven support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multidimensional ecological preservation technology for sweet potatoes, including the following steps: collecting mature tuberous roots in proper time; and performing BTH soak cleaning to promote callus, and performing callus treatment as follows: pretreatment before storage, disinfection in a cellar, sand storage, tent air conditioning, and performing secondary cobalt ray irradiation at an irradiation dose of 0.1-0.5 kGy before the end of storage and marketing, thereby achieving dual guarantee of storage period and shelf life. In the present invention, the traditional sand is replaced with a sandy material (having a particle size of 1-3 mm), and the sandy material is lightweight, breathable, and high in water absorbing and retaining property, thermal insulation and heat preservation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an edible container made of liquid, sugar, and one or more hydrocolloids. The edible container may hold hot or cold liquids for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A coffee maker has a water reservoir, an in-line water heater, a brew basket for receiving coffee grounds, a water passage between the water reservoir and the brew basket, a water level sensor located in the water reservoir, a water level indicator, and a controller in communication with the water level sensor and the water level indicator. The passage passes through the in-line water heater for delivering heated water to the brew basket. The controller activates the water level indicator in response to a signal from the water level sensor. A method of making coffee in the coffee maker includes determining, in the controller, an operating condition for a coffee bean grinder and operating the coffee bean grinder based on the operating condition to grind coffee beans and produce a quantity of ground coffee beans.

Abstract: The present application describes a produce wash system for dispersing carbon dioxide into a liquid medium which includes a container containing carbon dioxide gas which is connected to another container or pipe capable of containing a liquid medium so that the gas from the first container is capable of being dispersed into the liquid medium of the second container or pipe.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for producing substantially stable produce, typically vegetables and fruit that can be stored in a refrigerated environment for at least about five weeks without preservatives and at least about three months with preservatives. The process involves holding the produce in an aqueous immersion solution that includes a cellular stabilizing agent for a time sufficient to convert the produce into a heat durable piece and thermally processing the heat durable produce in the immersion solution. The use of additional ingredients as components of the immersion solution such as sweeteners, acids, salt, and preservatives are optional.

Abstract: The present application describes a produce wash system for dispersing carbon dioxide into a liquid medium which includes a container containing carbon dioxide gas which is connected to another container or pipe capable of containing a liquid medium so that the gas from the first container is capable of being dispersed into the liquid medium of the second container or pipe.

Abstract: Food safety and longevity of still respiring fruit or vegetable pieces are enhanced reliant on a treatment process where the cut surfaces (preferably cleaned of cell debrit) are subjected to both UV light irradiation and heating so as, in concert, render the surfaces more sterile. The heating also has the effect of reducing ethylene production and at least depressing respiration. Such a process is preferably in addition to an anti-oxidant impregnation. The overall process in its preferred forms significantly extends the life and apparent freshness of, for example, apple slices when kept post treatment (eg; 25 days) over the temperature range of from 0° C. to 8° C.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a microbiocidal aqueous formulation comprising: (i) an effective amount of at least one essential oil component, or derivatives thereof, said derivatives thereof obtained by exposure to light or by oxidation, or mixtures thereof; and (ii) at least one additional stabilizer selected from the group consisting of ethanol in an amount of from 10% to about 50%, an emulsifier, an antioxidant, or an encapsulating agent. The invention is further directed to a method for inhibiting microbial development using said microbiocidal aqueous formulation.

Abstract: An antimicrobial, anti-bacterial processing aid, food additive and food ingredient is provided to inhibit cellular growth of known pathogenic, indicator and spoilage organisms, such as salmonella, stahphylococcus, listeria, e coli, and the like. The antimicrobial agent of the present invention is useful as a treatment for animal feed, a treatment for pre-harvest and post-harvest processing of foodstuffs, a treatment for cooked food subject to airborne contaminants and many other conditions in need of disinfectants and sanitizers. One of the primary benefits of the antimicrobial agent is that it inhibits the growth of bacteria that have become antibiotic resistant.

Abstract: Contacting an animal carcass with an aqueous solution containing an effective amount of an alkali silicate reduces bacterial contamination of the carcass or retards bacterial growth on the carcass or both reduces bacterial contamination and retards bacterial growth on the carcass, without substantial detriment to the organoleptic properties of the carcass. The method is also useful in treating edible plant materials, such as fruits and vegetables, to reduce bacterial contamination, retard bacterial growth or reduce bacterial contamination and retard bacterial growth on the plant materials.

Abstract: Methods of using modified lecithin to delivery various benefits to plants and plant parts are disclosed. Modified lecithins, applied to growing plants, can cause improvements in fruit and plant firmness, size, color and stability, in economically important fruits and vegetables.

Abstract: Food products are sanitized by spraying an aqueous sanitizing liquid comprising up to 15 ppm ozone onto all exterior surfaces of the product from a plurality of directions while moving the food product laterally with respect to the sprays, wherein the velocity of each spray is sufficient to wet microbes adhered to the surface of the food product, maintaining contact between the sanitizing liquid and the product for at least a time effective to maximize wetting of the surface of the food product by the sanitizing liquid, and then removing mechanically at least 75% of the liquid from the food product.

Abstract: A method of producing and using a solution, and the solution itself, for extending the shelf life of fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables after they are harvested which includes the steps of extracting juice from the flowers, flowering plant parts, fruits or vegetables, filtering the juice, disintegrating the parts from which the juice is extracted, extracting an enzyme or enzymes from the parts using a solvent without the denaturing the enzymes, removing the parts and mixing the remaining ingredients with the extracted juice.

Abstract: A fungicide composition useful for fighting against phytopathogenic fungi infesting or cable of infesting fruits contains a) at least a fungicide compound inhibiting mitochondrail respiration and b) at least a fungicide compound inhibiting sterol biosynthesis. A method of using the phytopathogenic fungicide for treating fruits against fungal disease is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for removing liquid from a product includes a vertical main conduit open at both ends,

Abstract: Citrus pulp products are provided which incorporate components from pulp material separated from a citrus juice source. Naringin, limonin or other bitterant levels are reduced substantially in the pulp components. In particular applications, the debittered citrus pulp is a grapefruit-originating bland clouding agent, a citrus pulp wash bland clouding agent, or a citrus peel juice bland clouding agent.

Abstract: A flavored filling having a low water activity. The filling includes a flavoring agent, an edible oil, and humectant. The edible oil can include a high and a low melting temperature oil. The high melting point oil, when used, can act as a crystal seeding agent during the formation of the filling.

Abstract: A disinfectant composition is disclosed effective against a pathovar of Xanthomonas axonopodis pathogenic for citrus, comprising an aqueous solution of a carboxylic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and a percarboxylic acid product thereof. In a preferred composition the percarboxylic acid comprises peroxyacetic acid in an equilibrium aqueous solution with hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid. The composition is used in a process to disinfect citrus fruit and equipment used therewith by contacting with a sufficient concentration of the composition for a sufficient time for reducing the organisms by at least 99.9%.

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: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing fruit ripening and stability and of delaying senescence in fruit and other plant tissues. This method consists of applying an effective amount of a lysophospholipid, such as lysophosphatidylethanolamine (18:1) (hereinafter referred to as “LPE (18:1)”) or lysophosphatidylinositol (hereinafter referred to as “LPI”) to the fruit and other plant tissues. Lysophospholipids such as LPE (18:1) and LPI were found to be superior to other lysophospholipids in delaying senescence and in inhibiting phospholipase D, a key enzyme in mediating membrane deterioration during of plant senescence. LPE (18:1) and LPI are naturally occurring and environmentally safe. Their use could replace many environmentally toxic compounds that are currently being used to retard senescence of flowers, fruits and leaves and to enhance fruit ripening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanized fumigation tent with a composite closing structure. The composite closing structure is connected to the bottom perimeter of side curtains for sealing the bottom perimeter of the side curtains. The composite closing structure has at least a first component and second component. The first component is a structural support component and has sufficient rigidity to flex no greater than 6 inches over a 10 foot length with a fulcrum weight of 100 pounds. The second component is a sealing component and is formed of flexible material. Further, the sealing component may be a flexible base mounted along the bottom perimeter for receiving, holding and releasing water from an external water supply. When the sealing component holds water, it will seal the tent to a floor. In a preferred embodiment, the structural support component is formed of a triangular cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fumigation tent which includes a frame suspended from a structure by support cables, the frame having an underside; a tarp adapted to be mounted to the top side of the frame, the tarp hanging from the frame defining a tent having a top and side curtains having a lower periphery that defines a bottom perimeter; a sealing arrangement for connecting and sealing the top of the tarp to the frame; a first plurality of cables for raising and lowering the side curtains and being connected to the side curtains and to means for raising and lowering the first plurality of cables; a second plurality of cables for raising and lowering the frame and being connected to the frame and to means for raising and lowering the second plurality of cables.

Abstract: A method for making fruit and vegetables purees includes selecting raw produce of the type having meat with a cell structure that is not ruptured by cooking or macerating, and seeds and/or skins. The seeds and/or skins are separated from the meat at substantially ambient temperature by extruding the meat through perforations to form a cold break. The cold break is heated to a temperature which cooks the same into a puree. The puree is then finished to the desired texture and consistency.

Abstract: Methods for disinfesting insect pests such as the Mexican fruit fly in citrus fruit such as grapefruit with minimal adverse effect on fruit quality include placing and maintaining such fruit for a time period of about 15 to about 21 days at a temperature of about 14° to 18° C. and in a gaseous mixture that includes not more than about 0.05% oxygen by volume, a balance nitrogen or up to 20% carbon dioxide in combination with nitrogen.

Abstract: Safe, effective first-pass inhibiting compounds and citrus-derived substances are provided. Formulations containing the compounds are also provided as are methods for inhibiting the first pass effect.

Abstract: Methods of aseptically transporting a bulk quantity of a sterile product such as an edible food product comprise sterilizing a transporting container by flooding the container with a chemical sterilant, pressurizing the sterilized container with a positive pressure inert gas atmosphere, and aseptically supplying a bulk quantity of the sterile product to the sterilized container. The pressurized container supplied with the sterile product is sealed to substantially maintain the positive pressure during transport of the container, and the container with the sterile product therein is then transported to a remote location. A transporting container for use in the present methods comprises an insulated transportable storage tank provided with a sealable atmospheric vent on an upper portion thereof, an inert gas valve provided with a microbial filter, and an aseptic inlet/outlet valve for supplying a sterile product therethrough.

Abstract: First-pass effective substances derived from citrus.

Abstract: A method for treating a perishable meat product including the steps of chilling the meat product to within a selected temperature range, exposing the chilled meat product to a chilled gas mixture containing a significant fraction of inert gas, and thereafter removing the chilled gas and exchanging that gas with a gas mixture containing a high oxygen fraction.

Abstract: Safe, effective first-pass inhibiting compounds and citrus-derived substances are provided. Formulations containing the compounds are also provided as are methods for inhibiting the first pass effect.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing fruits or vegetables having an extended shelf life and/or a reduces level of bacterial contamination.

Abstract: A method of producing and using a solution for extending the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables after they are harvested which includes the steps of extracting juice from fruits or vegetables, filtering the juice, disintegrating the peel, extracting enzyme from the disintegrated peels using a solvent without denaturing the enzymes, removing the disintegrated peels and mixing the remaining ingredients with the extracted juice.

Abstract: Citrus products are provided which incorporate components from pulp material separated from a citrus juice source. The invention is especially beneficial in connection with grapefruit sources. Naringin or other bitterant levels are reduced substantially in all phases of the citrus source, including pulp components. In a particular application, the citrus product is a grapefruit juice product which is organoleptically identified as grapefruit juice when it stands alone but is not organoleptically identified as grapefruit juice when blended with other fruit juice sources.

Abstract: Methods of aseptically transporting a bulk quantity of a sterile product such as an edible food product comprise sterilizing a transporting container by flooding the container with a chemical sterilant, pressurizing the sterilized container with a positive pressure inert gas atmosphere, and aseptically supplying a bulk quantity of the sterile product to the sterilized container. The pressurized container supplied with the sterile product is sealed to substantially maintain the positive pressure during transport of the container, and the container with the sterile product therein is then transported to a remote location. A transporting container for use in the present methods comprises an insulated transportable storage tank provided with a sealable atmospheric vent on an upper portion thereof, an inert gas valve provided with a microbial filter, and an aseptic inlet/outlet valve for supplying a sterile product therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention embraces a fruit pulp extraction process that avoids the concentration or freezing of the pulp, together with the packaging method that allows the processor to offer fresh and natural tasting fruit pulps to be consumed at any moment by only adding water and thus obtaining instantly a naturally fresh tasting fruit juice. The invention also includes the product obtained through this process-packaging combination.

Abstract: A method of partially or completely selectively removing first-pass effect-reducing particles from citrus juice containing first-pass effect-reducing particles, wherein the particles have a size less than about 500 um and greater than about 25 .mu.m and citrus juice products made by the method.

Abstract: This invention relates to the process of making citrus (preferably grapefruit) extract having reduced levels of phototoxic furocoumarins and containing enhanced amounts of one or more anti-first pass effect compounds.

Abstract: A safe, effective first-pass inhibiting citrus-derived substance.

Abstract: A fumigant which is effective for the control of postharvest disease in agricultural commodities utilizes carbon supports impregnated with natural volatiles to provide controlled release of the volatiles in storage containers and facilities. Activated carbon is an effective carbon support, while essential oils and benzaldehyde are useful natural volatiles.

Abstract: A method of operating a drenching apparatus for drenching fruit and vegetables with an aqueous chemical solution having a pit for holding a large volume of the solution, a drench pump for drawing the solution from the pit and discharging it into manifolds equipped with nozzles for drenching the fruit, recovery apparatus for returning excess solution to the pit which is a holding tank for holding a volume of the solution; a heater, including a heater pump, connected to the holding tank and arranged to maintain the temperature of the solution therein; a re-circulation pump connected to draw solution from the pit and direct it to a heater with a conduit connecting said holding tank to said pit. The volume of the holding tank being sufficient to assure that portions of the solution are maintained at said temperature for a time to eradicate pathogens.

Abstract: An adsorbent is described, which has a pore structure suitable for the selective and efficient removal of bitter components from fruit juice, and which does not contain ionic functional groups or the like in the structure thereof and can be easily handle, and more specifically, which comprises a porous crosslinked polymer produced from an aromatic vinyl monomer compound, and in which the specific surface area per dry unit weight, the pore volume per water-wet unit volume, and the specific surface area attributable to pores having a radius not smaller than 50 .ANG. per water-wet unit volume are not smaller than respective specific values. A process for producing the adsorbent and a method of treating fruit juice using the adsorbent are also described.

Abstract: The article of the present invention is an analog of a particular object which has substantially the same size, shape and rotational inertia of the object while having the density of the medium of which the object is within. The analog encompasses a signal generator which may be used to analyze various properties of the object. More specifically, the article of the present invention is an analog of a food particulate undergoing aseptic processing wherein the food particulate is a constituent of a heterogeneous food such as soup or yogurt with fruit. The analog has substantially the same size, shape and rotational inertia of the actual food particulate while the article has the density of a fluid. The analog encompasses a signal generator which may be used to measure the residence time of the analog in a holding tube of an aseptic processing machine. The article also has the thermal conductivity of the food particulate.

Abstract: A method of continuously de-activating enzymes, sterilizing or deodorizing a liquid material such as liquid foodstuff or liquid medicine with a supercritical fluid of carbon dioxide. The method includes the following steps: 1) the liquid material is continuously supplied from an inlet at a bottom of a processing tank; 2) micro-particles of the supercritical fluid of the carbon dioxide are formed so that a density of the supercritical fluid is smaller than that of the liquid material; 3) the micro-particles of the supercritical fluid are injected continuously into the liquid material from another inlet at the bottom of the processing tank; and 4) the liquid material and the supercritical fluid are separated into different phases at the top of the processing tank and are taken out of the processing tank separately.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA(HMG-CoA) reductase in mammals comprises administering citrus peel extract thereto.

Abstract: A new method for processing citrus fruit into a marketable product of separate whole natural sections involves as an essential step the injecting of water under pressure simultaneously at a plurality of separated locations into the citrus fruit substantially restricted to the albedo level depth without bursting of the skin. Typically, a complete processing method includes the steps (a) providing a quantity of whole citrus fruit, (b) chilling the fruit to between about 35.degree.-45.degree. F., (c) blanching the chilled fruit at about 160.degree.-180.degree. F. for about 1-3 minutes, (d) injecting water under pressure at a plurality of separated locations into the blanched fruit substantially restricted to the albedo level depth, (e) peeling the skin from the water injected fruit, (f) immersing the peeled fruit in a caustic bath, (g) separating the immersed and peeled fruit into individual whole sections, and (h) recovering the separated whole sections as a marketable product.

Abstract: The invention is a process for preventing microbial growth in aqueous streams by applying a C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 percarboxylic acid or mixture of such acids to the aqueous stream and to an automated dispensing system for the percarboxylic acids based on a correlation between oxidation-reduction-potential and anti-microbial levels of the aqueous stream. Generally, the process of the invention is applicable to aqueous streams used in any number of applications such as the application of streams for the transport of food products, e.g. fruits or vegetables, into the processing environment and through the various steps of processing.

Abstract: The invention is a process for preventing microbial growth in aqueous streams by applying a C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 percarboxylic acid such as, for example, peracetic, perpropionic, perbutyric, peroctanoic, perglycolic, perlactic, percitric; and the like to the aqueous stream. Generally, the process of the invention is applicable to aqueous streams used in any number of applications such as the application of streams for the transport of food products, e.g. fruits or vegetables, into the processing environment and through the various steps of processing.

Abstract: A hydroxycitric acid concentrate prepared from Garcinia rind including 23 to 54% by weight free hydroxycitric acid, 6 to 20% by weight lactone of hydroxycitric acid, 0.001 to 8% by weight citric acid, and 32 to 70% by weight water, wherein the free hydroxycitric acid, the lactone of hydroxycitric acid and the citric acid constitute 94 to 99% by weight of total solutes dissolved in the water. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such a concentrate from Garcinia rind, as well as food products containing hydroxycitric acid.

Abstract: A process of enriching hyroxycitric acid (HCA) from Garcinia rind in which a salt-free water extract of Garcinia rind is loaded onto an anion exchange column, eluted with a metal hydroxide for release of HCA. The water-extract is then treated with a cation exchange column to make free HCA as a free acid. The water extract is loaded at a capacity of 100 to 125% of the anion exchange column and at a capacity of 50 to 90% of the cation exchange column. The HCA can be added to food products such as beverages and snack bars.