Abstract: A vegetable food product and a method of making a dehydrated vegetable food product are provided. A quantity of vegetables is cut to a predetermined size. The quantity of cut vegetables is cooked. The quantity of cut vegetables has surface moisture removed. A flavoring material is imparted into the quantity of vegetables. The quantity of cut vegetables is substantially dehydrated, wherein each of the cut vegetables has a jerky-like texture, wherein shearing through the jerky-like texture requires a force of at least 30 N until a 95% strain is achieved utilizing a TA-HD Plus Texture Analyzer Device. The quantity of vegetable may include a quantity of potatoes.

Abstract: The method and system for processing meal from oilseeds after oil extraction includes biotransformation of meal and its cascade, sequential refining leading to the separation of the product or products with high added value, and finally obtaining the remaining biomass with an increased nutritional value compared to the original post-extraction meal material.

Abstract: A system for controlling and/or monitoring and/or visualizing construction sites, including a detection device for detecting the position of a construction unit at the construction site, wherein the detection device includes a signal transmitter to be mounted on the construction unit for providing an identification signal identifying the construction unit, and a signal evaluation device for receiving and evaluating the identification signal in order to determine the position of the construction unit at the construction site. The signal evaluation device includes at least one loop antenna that is laid at the construction site for receiving the identification signal of the signal transmitter and for determining the position of the signal transmitter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing and separating pieces of plastics material from contaminants includes supplying to a washing container pieces of plastics material containing contaminating material and an entering flow of washing fluid. A turbulent stirring action to detach and separate mechanically the contaminating material from the plastics material is generated, evacuating through overflowing, through an outlet port An outlet flow of washing fluid and a quantity of plastics material that has undergone the turbulent stirring action is evacuated by overflow through an outlet port. A controlled-conveying and retaining arrangement is driven to retain the plastics material in the washing container and to advance in a controlled manner the quantity of plastics material to the outlet port independently of the advancement of the outlet flow of washing fluid.

Abstract: A process for trichome separation from plant matter deploys an ionic brine to induce oedemic transformation of disk cell to aid in releasing glandular trichomes. The brine can be agitated to further release disk cells from the plant tissue. The disk cell debris can be separated by sieving the larger trichomes and plant tissue particles that results from agitation and maceration. If the brine concentration is appropriately modified, the trichomes will float and the brine and the plant tissue fragments sink. The floating trichomes are then removed and rinsed and then dried or extracted further after drying.

Abstract: High meat content extruded pet foods and methods of preparation thereof, preferably include initial treatment of a high moisture meat slurry to create a dewatered meat fraction and a liquid fraction. The liquid fraction is directed to an extruder, along with typical dry pet food ingredients, in order to create an extruded intermediate. This intermediate is then mixed with the dewatered meat fraction, and the mixture is then extruded and dried to create a final pet food. The methods may be carried out using separate processing systems each including a mixer, an extruder, and a drying assembly, in order to maximize production rates.

Abstract: The present specification provides, e.g., processes for infusing food bodies with infusion formulations, including long chain molecules such as soluble corn fiber, and provides food products infused with such formulations. Also provided are infusion formulations for performing such methods.

Abstract: A process of producing a composition comprising at least two different proteins is disclosed, of which at least one is a coagulating protein, such as a casein and/or a caseinate, and at least one is an anti-coagulating protein, such as a leguminous protein (for example pea and/or soy) combined or not with whey protein, comprising the steps of: a) heat-sterilizing a first liquid component comprising the coagulating protein, b) heat-sterilizing a second liquid component comprising the anti-coagulating protein, and c) mixing the first component with the second component to obtain a mixture thereof. The obtained mixture is useful as a food constituent having reduced coagulation in the upper gastro-intestinal tract, more in particular in the stomach.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of a soy protein product having a protein content of at least about 60 wt % (N×6.25) d.b. which is completely soluble in aqueous media at a pH of less than about 4.4 and heat stable at that pH range is adjusted in pH to a pH of about 6.1 to about 8. The resulting product is further processed by drying the product, recovering and drying any precipitated soy protein material, heat treating and then drying the product, or heat treating the product and recovering and drying any precipitated soy protein material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating and removing aflatoxin-contaminated corn from batches of corn by a floating process, thus producing a distinguishable floating mat of contaminated corn and a separate submerged bed of uncontaminated and less contaminated corn. The methods of this disclosure include removing the floating contaminated corn mat by a vacuum mechanism or by liquid flow. The methods reduce the aflatoxin level in the submerged corn bed as much as 80% from the initial aflatoxin level, while removing no more than 15% from the batch of corn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to prepare a dried vegetable product comprising the steps of —subjecting a vegetable to a hypertonic heat shock by contacting (preferably submerging) the vegetable with (in) a hypertonic heat shock solution comprising at least one edible salt, at a temperature of 101 to 112 degrees C.; —coating the hypertonically heat shocked vegetable with a coating mix and —drying the coated hypertonically heat shocked vegetable.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a flow control device that controls a supply of a first phase fluid flowing through the fuel cell stack. A controller monitors at least one parameter of the fuel cell stack and controls the supply to generate pulses of reactant when the at least one parameter crosses a threshold to flush a second phase fluid from said fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A process of treating biomass such as sugar cane bagasse utilizing practically all components of the biomass to produce livestock feed and fuel biomass. Raw bagasse is ensiled for 50-60 days, dried, mechanically separated from soil particles and ground together with plant-derived lignocellulosic materials, pelletized feed material, agricultural processing residues, or by-products at a ratio of 2:1. The resultant ground material is used as cattle feed, feed additives, fuel pellets and for other purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus for pasteurizing a dry food product comprises an impingement chamber, a conveyor for conveying the dry food product through the impingement chamber; a heater and water supply assembly for generating heated, moist air, and a fan for circulating the heated, moist air through the impingement chamber and onto the dry food product. In operation, the moisture in the heated, moist air condenses on the surface of the dry food product and produces a heat of condensation which heats the surface of the dry food product. Moreover, this heat of condensation is sufficient to kill a percentage of any pathogenic microorganisms which may be present on the surface of the dry food product.

Abstract: An apparatus for making food chips, comprises a source of heat, and a conveyer belt arranged such that, when in use, food chips are held between the belt and the heat source at least a part of the path of the belt, and wherein the belt is steam permeable. Also, a method for making food chips comprising feeding sliced mono layered food between a steam permeable conveyer belt and a heat source and guiding steam from the food through the steam permeable belt.

Abstract: Methods of making low-fat or fat free snack food products, and products made according to the methods, in which food pieces are subjected to enzyme and/or cation treatment and/or specific cooking and/or drying techniques, to provide for snack food products having the texture, flavor, and other characteristics of conventional full-fat products.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new method for dehydrating natural fruit and/or vegetable products in order to modify their textural properties, so as to obtain chewy and non-sticky dices or pieces intended to be used by people having (or suffering from) difficult chewing, for example in sweet food, in dried savoury food, in baby food, hospital food, food for seniors and/or clinical nutrition for people with medical conditions.

Abstract: A method of preparing a salt product comprises the steps of: (i) providing a mixture which comprises salt dissolved in a solvent, said mixture further containing an organic material that is solid under ambient temperature conditions; and (ii) atomising said mixture and evaporating said solvent to produce a salt product comprised of particles of salt incorporating said organic material. The organic material may be a polymer such as a carbohydrate (e.g. maltodextrin or Gum Arabic). Novel salt products are disclosed which comprise hollow particles having a shell formed for individual crystallites of salt. The salt product is useful as a seasoning for food and may be used in lower amounts than conventional salt to provide the same taste. Particular advantages are obtained in the baking of bread.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing a dried food product said process comprising treating a dried food with an aqueous acidulant, in an amount and for a period of time which is sufficient to modify a surface of the food to increase water permeability; dehydrating the acidified food to obtain a desired moisture content with heat; cooling the heated dehydrated acidified food; and infusing the cooled dehydrated acidified food with an infusate.

Abstract: Low sodium salt compositions containing a blend of sodium chloride and one or more magnesium, sodium and potassium salts are provided. Also provided are methods for making and using the compositions. Further provided are food products containing the compositions.

Abstract: A machine and method operable to mass produce batches of dough in selectable, discrete and customizable batches and control the temperature of the dough under various environmental conditions is provided. The machine and method adjusts the temperature of the water introduced into a batch of dough in order to make a batch of dough having a predetermined temperature. Specifically, the machine includes a controller operable to adjust the temperature of the water based upon first law of thermodynamics to produce a batch of dough having a predetermined temperature. The machine includes a bowl for containing dough ingredients, a water source operable to selectively introduce water with the dough ingredients, a controller, and a water temperature controlling apparatus. The controller actuates the water temperature controlling apparatus to change the temperature of the water introduced into the bowl so as to form a batch of dough having a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: [Problem] The object of invention is to provide solid milk with favorable solubility and enough strength and the method of manufacturing the solid milk. [Means] The solid milk of the invention has X-ray diffraction pattern of its surface area that has a main peak of 2theta=10-15 degrees at 2theta=10-11 degrees or at 2theta=12-13 degrees. A method for the manufacture of solid milk comprises compressing powdered milk to obtain compressed powdered milk; humidifying the compressed powdered milk to obtain humidified compressed powdered milk; and drying the humidified compressed powdered milk to obtain the solid milk. A part of amorphous lactose at the surface of the solid milk 12 is crystallized at the steps of humidifying step and drying.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing a dried food product said process comprising treating a dried food with an aqueous acidulant, in an amount and for a period of time which is sufficient to modify a surface of the food to increase water permeability; dehydrating the acidified food to obtain a desired moisture content with heat; cooling the heated dehydrated acidified food; and infusing the cooled dehydrated acidified food with an infusate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions containing fat-soluble active ingredients and/or colorants in a matrix based on improved modified polysaccharides, i.e. modified polysaccharides where parts were separated, and to a process for preparing these compositions as well as to these improved modified polysaccharides themselves and a process for the manufacture thereof. The present invention further relates to the use of the compositions of this invention for the to enrichment, fortification and/or for the coloration of food, beverages, animal feed, cosmetics and pharmaceutical compositions and to such food, beverages, animal feed, cosmetics and pharmaceutical compositions themselves.

Abstract: A method is used to separate fractions from a seed. This can be done by: a) Physically breaking down the Chia seed into smaller particles; b) Adding a liquid carrier to the broken Chia seed to form a Chia liquid carrier blend; c) Optionally providing further processing of the Chia liquid carrier blend to further reduce the particle size of the Chia particles d) Optionally centrifuging the Chia liquid carrier blend; e) Optionally forming at least three discernible layers of materials within the centrifuged Chia liquid carrier blend; f) Optionally separating the composition of at least one layer from remaining layers; and g) Optionally combining the separated layers together into a desired combination/ratios h) Drying the separated layers or combined layers into a flowable powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for continuous production of articles including at least two different types from a pasty mass. The mass is introduced into a processor unit by a supply unit, processed in the processor unit and transported further thereby, whereupon an adjunct is added by a metering unit to the mass transported through the processor unit. The mixing of the adjunct introduced to the mass is carried out by a mixing unit with mixing elements located downstream of the processor unit. The mass with provided adjunct is formed by a forming unit into individual articles downstream of the mixing unit. According to the invention, the metering of the adjunct is carried out in a sequence of metering conditions with at least two different metering conditions, wherein the metering unit, for a given metering condition, introduces the adjunct to the mass at a given metering rate.

Abstract: A method of relatively rapidly and uniformly extracting moisture from an animal chew having an edible composition is provided. Process cycle time and scrap levels may be reduced and the level of uniformity in the animal chew may be improved by including one or more openings selectively sized and positioned in the chew prior to drying.

Abstract: A drinkable food product comprises a liquid and a hydrolyzed, dried, agglomerated grain powder.

Abstract: A process for preparing a dried malted beverage product. The process comprises: a) mixing together solid and liquid constituents of the beverage product in a single vessel so as to form a mixture; b) subjecting the mixture in the vessel to heat at a lowered pressure so as to effect drying and granulation of the mixture and form the dried malted beverage product; and c) discharging the dried malted beverage product from the vessel. The process is carried out in a single vessel for mixing, drying and granulation. Suitable solid constituents include one or more selected from malt extract powder, maltodextrin, cocoa powder, milk powder/dairy creams, whey powder, salt, flavours, natural colours and mixtures thereof. Suitable liquid constituents include one or more selected from water, malt extract, caramelised sugar syrup, natural colours, flavours, soya lecithin, maltodextrin, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for preparing a modified whey protein concentrate (WPC) or whey protein isolate (WPI) is described. It involves (a) providing an aqueous WPC or WPI solution having a protein concentration of 15-50% (w/v), at a pH of 4.7-8.5; (b) heat treating the solution to more than 50° C., for a time that allows protein denaturation to occur; the heat treating comprising heating the solution while under conditions of turbulent flow. At the end of the heat treatment, the heat treated material may be promptly transferred to a drier or to be mixed with other ingredients. The heat-treated WPC or WPI is not subjected to a mechanical shear process prior to the transfer other than where liquid is converted into droplets to facilitate drying. The modified WPC is useful in the manufacture of food and drinks where a high protein content is desired without undesirable changes in texture.

Abstract: A method improving the textural attributes of baked snack foods. The method comprises mixing ingredients, extruding the ingredients to form a collet, hydrating the collet with a hydrating fluid to form a hydrated collet, and baking the hydrated collet. The hydrating fluid can comprise water, oil, a surfactant, an emulsifier, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment the baking comprises utilizing an impingement oven. The method discussed herein more resembles the taste and texture of a fried product than does prior art baking methods.

Abstract: A rotary air impingement oven enables volume production of oil-free food products including those from root crops such as potato chips. The oven contains a cage-like drum with perforate or foraminous sidewalls rotatably disposed within the oven such that the sidewalls, containing product therein, are exposed to temperature and velocity controlled impinging process vapor which is withdrawn continuously during drum rotation. The food products within the drum are urged by an internal baffle towards the drum discharge during rotation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for a method for reducing the amount of acrylamide in thermally processed foods. This invention permits the production of foods having significantly reduced levels of acrylamide. The method relies on the manipulation of various unit operations used in the production of food products, particularly the washing and cooking unit operations. For example, the washing unit operation can be modified to provide a contacting step at an increased time and temperature, and adding components such as calcium chloride and L-cysteine to an aqueous solution used for the contacting. The cooking unit operation can be modified by dividing it into at least a higher-temperature first heating step and a lower-temperature second heating step in order to avoid the high-temperature/low-moisture conditions most favorable for acrylamide formation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for a method for reducing the amount of acrylamide in thermally processed foods. This invention permits the production of foods having significantly reduced levels of acrylamide. The method relies on the manipulation of various unit operations used in the production of food products, particularly the washing and cooking unit operations. For example, the washing unit operation can be modified to provide a contacting step at an increased time and temperature, and adding components such as calcium chloride and L-cysteine to an aqueous solution used for the contacting. The cooking unit operation can be modified by dividing it into at least a higher-temperature first heating step and a lower-temperature second heating step in order to avoid the high-temperature/low-moisture conditions most favorable for acrylamide formation.

Abstract: Natural sweetener compositions, comprising a highly purified steviol extract of rebaudioside A (Reb A) of about 80 to 99% purity, other steviol glycosides of about 3% or less, and sterebins of 1% or less, and one or more bulking agents, where the natural sweetener compositions are suitable for use as an ingredient in orally administered pharmaceuticals, foods, beverages, and other orally administered products, for humans and animals. A method of preparing naturally sweetened orally administered products, comprising the step of mixing natural sweetener compositions, having a highly purified steviol extract and one or more bulking agents, with other ingredients commonly used in manufacturing orally administered products.

Abstract: A method for treating citrus peel by processing pieces of raw citrus peel through a plurality of progressive, continuous clean steaming and mechanical pressing stages; rupturing at least some of the cells of the pieces of raw citrus peel to release liquid, sugar and oil bound within the pieces of raw citrus peel; and transforming the pieces of raw citrus peel into press cake and pressate. The clean steaming step ay involve using clean steam that is free of chemical water treatment additives.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a device and method for steaming and toasting food items is provided. The device is particularly suited for steaming and toasting hamburger sandwich bun heels and crowns. The device in accordance with the invention may include a steam outlet for steaming food items by impinging steam onto the food item. A conveyor moves the food item along a toasting pathway in which the food item is toasted by a heated platen extending along at least a portion of the toasting pathway.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing citrus snacks. In this method, citrus fruits are sliced in a natural state and dried under reduced pressure so that the citrus fruits may be dried while containing the same nutrients as when fresh, thereby avoiding nutritional damage due to high temperature drying. Further, the citrus fruits containing various nutrients are provided to users in a snack form that allows more convenient ingestion, so that the citrus fruits may be easily ingested by children and the elderly to whom the supply of nutrition is essential.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-naturally occurring animal feed and attractant that mimics the shape of a naturally occurring object, such as a food source, and has a size and shape that is easier to hold than traditional feeds. The invention provides a non-naturally occurring animal feed having a more durable, chemical-free water resistant seal that is safer and more environmentally sustainable. The invention provides a non-naturally occurring animal feed having a combination of minerals, vitamins, and other ingredients designed to promote deer healthiness and antler growth. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods and processes for manufacturing embodiments of the inventive non-naturally occurring feed.

Abstract: Highly purified Stevioside, Rebaudioside A and a purified sweet steviol glycoside mixture were prepared from sweet glycoside extracts obtained from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves. The resulting sweeteners are suitable as non-calorie, non-cariogenic, non-bitter, non-lingering sweeteners, which may be advantageously applied in foods, beverages, and milk products.

Abstract: A food product with Chia vegetable oil as a source of essential fatty acids, obtained by a simple and effective micro-encapsulation method using spray drying under special conditions. The product is highly soluble and oxidatively stable (by micro-encapsulation), odorless and flavorless, and can be used in food preparations or can be ingested alone.

Abstract: It is intended to provide germinating brown rice having an improved taste and cooking characteristics. Namely, germinating brown rice containing at least a direct reducing sugar component in an elevated amount compared with the starting brown rice and, if necessary, further containing ?-starch prepared by the gelatinization of a part of starch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the perforation of the skins or hulls of food pieces to more efficiently produce a dried, shelf-stable product. The apparatus contains two parallel and adjacent blade wheels positioned longitudinally within a frame in substantially the same horizontal plane at a distance from each other such that the blades' teeth contact product passing between the blade wheels and make perforations. Each blade wheel comprises a plurality of circular blades with a plurality of teeth around the circumference mounted on a rotatable shaft. In one aspect, a guard is provided for each blade wheel to ensure that no product remains on the blades after perforation. The shape, size and number of blades and the distance between the blade wheels may be modified with respect to the size and shape of the product and the strength of the product's skin or hull.

Abstract: A method of infrared heat-processing of nuts (e.g., almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts and mixtures thereof in order to reduce the microorganism level thereof is provided wherein the nuts are sequentially moisturized by application of water and then subjected to infrared radiation, preferably through a series of treatment cycles. Nut treatment apparatus (10) includes opposed banks of infrared heaters (38, 40), with plural water application stations (48, 50, 52) along the length of the heater banks (38, 40).

Abstract: An apparatus for making food chips, comprises a source of heat, and a conveyer belt arranged such that, when in use, food chips are held between the belt and the heat source at least a part of the path of the belt, and wherein the belt is steam permeable. Also, a method for making food chips comprising feeding sliced mono layered food between a steam permeable conveyer belt and a heat source and guiding steam from the food through the steam permeable belt.

Abstract: A tomato sweet infusion process involves heating sliced tomato sections in a bath of high fructose corn syrup, water, citric acid and ascorbic acid. The tomato sections in the bath are subjected to cycles of negative pressure and atmospheric pressure and then spread on a drying tray. The tomato sections are dehydrated to a moisture content of between twelve and twenty percent, preferably between fourteen percent and eighteen percent.

Abstract: Quinoa grain products having a reduced bitter flavor with a sweet taste or crunchy texture. Despite numerous beneficial properties, quinoa grain has not been utilized in a wide variety of products. Provided are efficient processes for quinoa to obtain additional products and to process the quinoa grain to yield components for food ingredients. The dried edible quinoa product is particularly useful to flavor and/or texture bakery products, nutrition bars, granolas, confections and chocolates. It can withstand additional and/or extreme food processing and can be used as a replacement for allergenic nuts, seeds, and sesame seeds. The sweet quinoa product is particularly useful to flavor and/or sweeten, or function as humectants, in bakery products, nutrition bars, beverages, and coffee and tea products and can serve as a replacement or partial replacement of corn syrup and brown rice syrup. Lastly, the quinoa products are considered to be hypo-allergenic.

Abstract: Allergen-free or dairy free LCPUFA powdered compositions and the use thereof in food products and especially infant formulas. The present invention relates to allergen-free (or at least dairy free) spray dried composition comprising an oxidation sensitive edible oil and a matrix material. The matrix material comprises a specific emulsifying agent and a specific glucose syrup. Further, the invention relates to a process for preparing such compositions and to the use of such compositions in an infant food product.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preparing an alpha acid-enriched hop composition that contains a low level of beta acids.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a dried vegetable comprising saccharide, which shows preferable rehydrating property and good shape, color, and relish when rehydrating it and can be used as a material of instant foods and side dishes, a process for producing the dried vegetable, and uses thereof. The above object is attained by providing a dried vegetable comprising saccharide, which is obtained by permeating a saccharide(s) into a vegetable and drying with hot air, and said dried vegetable comprising saccharide shows following physical properties of (1) and (2): (1) The dry weight of residue which is obtained by extracting said dried vegetable comprising saccharide with 60% ethanol aqueous solution accounts for 15% or higher but lower than 35% to the weight of said dried vegetable comprising saccharide; and (2) The specific gravity of said dried vegetable comprising saccharide is increased by 0.