Abstract: An equine dietary supplement which is fed to a horse to improve the health of the horse includes a mixture containing chia seeds, whey dextrose and bee pollen.

Abstract: A method for infusing a nut snack by immersing it in an aqueous flavoring solution and baking/roasting the moistened product to the desired texture, crunch, and appearance. The process not only enhances the flavor of the nut, it also produces a nut with no exterior residue. The method includes such steps as providing a portion of blanched nuts; adding the blanched nuts to water and a flavoring component in order to infuse the flavoring into the nuts; cooking the flavored nuts for a predetermined period of time to enhance the infusion process; rinsing the cooked nuts; and roasting the nuts.

Abstract: A method of infusing flavor into cereal grains. The method includes the steps of preparing a liquid seasoning having a flavor, increasing the porosity of the cereal grains, infusing the more-porous cereal grains with the flavor of the liquid seasoning, and locking the flavor of the liquid seasoning into the flavor-infused cereal grains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to animal feed and processes for manufacturing the same. In particular, this invention relates to a high fibre, low density, mono-component (monoforage) product with high concentrations of long fibre particles derived from forage material, for feeding to pets and other animals and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: Provided is an oil or fat composition including the following components (A) and (B): (A) a tetracyclic triterpene alcohol selected from the group consisting of 24-methylene cycloartanol and cyclobranol; and (B) an oil or fat containing diacylglycerol at 5 weight % or more.

Abstract: The Present Invention relies upon a physical process for preparing reduced fat, high fiber, high protein, low calorie roasted snack nuts. The process of the Present Invention exhibits significantly lower process times and higher yields than the prior art processes. The process comprises expelling the oil from nutmeat kernels (defatting) using a novel pressing process that takes less than a minute. The defatting process deforms the nuts. The nuts are reformed to their original shape using water. Then the reformed nuts are annealed using cold water to produce hardened nuts. The nuts are then dried and post-processed with coatings and roasting using state-of-the-art technology. The yield of snack nuts produced by this process is generally greater than eighty percent.

Abstract: Methods for producing a partially hydrated bean paste are disclosed. The methods include inputting a quantity of uncooked whole beans or split beans into an extruder comprising an inlet, one or more temperature zones in series downstream of the inlet, and a die downstream of the one or more temperature zones; rotating a screw assembly of the extruder to extrude the beans and force the beans through the one or more temperature zones, wherein a quantity of steam and a quantity of water is added to the beans as the beans are forced through each temperature zone; and forcing the beans exiting the final temperature zone of said one or more temperature zones in series through the die to produce a bean paste. The partially hydrated bean paste produced by the methods of the disclosure comprises a water content of at least about 45% by weight. The partially hydrated bean paste can be further processed into partially hydrated bean products, such as refried beans.

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: Provided are methods of removing contaminants from cocoa beans, reducing free fatty acids in cocoa butter of the cocoa beans or a combination thereof. The methods are accomplished by use of a pre-washing solution placed in contact with the cocoa beans. Cocoa products produced by such methods and systems for performing such methods on cocoa beans are also disclosed.

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: A process for decontaminating cold dispersible locust bean gum powder is disclosed. Heating locust bean gum powder, which is preferably slightly wetted, while mixing it results in a powder with a reduced content of live bacteria, while the important functional properties of the locust bean gum powder remain intact.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel methods of using Phleum spp. seeds, especially Timothy grass (P. pratense L.) seeds, for making gluten-free food products and the food products produced using such methods.

Abstract: An improved wet milling process is provided that allows for separation of seed coat particles from the horny endosperm particles of seed. The process uses soaking and grinding to produce seed coat flake particles and horny endosperm particles that may be separated using movement of liquid slurry of the particles, providing hydraulic lift to separate the seed coat particles. Improvements in the process allow for omitting addition of sulfur compounds to the process. By-products of wet milling with improved properties are provided.

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: The disclosure is directed to a process for the manufacture of roasted cocoa nibs. It is further directed to processes of producing cocoa liquor and cocoa powder from the roasted cocoa nibs.

Abstract: A process for obtaining fenugreek flour from fenugreek seeds has been developed, and the flour incorporated into baked or other food products. The processed fenugreek flour from boiled seeds was easier to add into food products than whole seeds and did not compromise the food's taste or texture. This fenugreek flour can be included in everyday food items and will allow increased use in fenugreek to aid in the prevention of diabetes and obesity. Using this flour, a fenugreek bread formula was developed, and the bread was produced in a commercial bakery by incorporating fenugreek flour into a standard wheat bread formula. Eight diet controlled diabetic subjects were served wheat bread with about 5% fenugreek, and the consumption of the fenugreek bread was shown to reduce serum insulin indicating the bioactivity of the fenugreek remained in the bread.

Abstract: A hand-held oatmeal product is provided that is ready to eat. The oatmeal product may be packaged in a retortable pouch. Methods of making the oatmeal product are provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing an instant beverage is provided which includes heating a dried soluble coffee under sufficient pressure thereby forcing gas into internal voids of the dried coffee. The heated dried soluble coffee is cooled and depressurized to produce a dried soluble coffee having internal voids filled with pressurized gas. An instant dry beverage comprising soluble coffee having internal voids filled with pressurized gas is also provided, and this product is advantageous in that it produces a beverage with foam on its surface when reconstituted.

Abstract: A method of production of a soymilk or a soy-based beverage. The method includes the following processing steps: providing soybeans for processing; soaking the soybeans; grinding the soybeans to form a slurry; separating the soy slurry into soymilk and okara in a centrifugal field. The soaking and grinding are carried out at temperatures from 0° C. to 40° C., which temperatures yield native proteins. Further included is a step of deodorizing the soymilk to reduce the beany taste.

Abstract: This invention provides a fine bubble generating apparatus which can efficiently generate fine bubbles on the nanometer level. This apparatus comprises a cylindrical member (40) having a cylindrical inner peripheral surface, a first end wall member (42) configured to close one end of the cylindrical member, and a second end wall member (44) configured to close the other end of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member (40) and the first and second end wall members (42) and (44) define a fluid swirling chamber (46). The cylindrical member has a fluid inlet hole (48) at a position close to the second end wall member (44) to supply a gas-liquid mixed fluid in the tangential direction of the peripheral surface of the fluid swirling chamber (46). The second end wall member has a fluid outlet hole (50) extending therethrough along the center axis of the inner peripheral surface of the fluid swirling chamber.

Abstract: A fried legume snack food comprising a substantially intact cooked legume seed including its hull. Dried legumes are hydrated, par fried, and then finish dried. Rupturing of the hulls of the legumes during frying is avoided by either puncturing the hulls prior to cooking or by sequential cooking steps.

Abstract: A method for making a low or reduced carbohydrate dough for making snack food products with a reduced carbohydrate content. Legumes such as soybeans are cooked near boiling, drained, and milled. Dry ingredients such as starch, fiber, and/or protein can be added to lower the dough moisture content so the dough can be sheeted and cut into pre-forms. The pre-forms can then be cooked, by frying or baking, and seasoned to make a low carbohydrate tortilla-like snack food.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved denatured carob flour, which includes 2 to 15% sugars, 0.2 to 1.5% cyclitols (pinitol), 2 to 10% lignins, 10 to 30% celluloses, 3 to 20% hemicelluloses, 1 to 6% pectins, 25 to 55% condensed tannins, 3 to 9% protein and less than 8% water. The invention further provides a process to obtain a denatured carob flour that includes the following steps: a. cleaning the whole fruit; b. crushing the carob fruits; c. separating the carob seeds and kibbled carob pulp, d. toasting between 130 to 200° C.; e. an extracting process; f. separating; g. milling 90% of particles below 250 pm; h. separating; i. drying below 8%; and j. classifying (sieving).

Abstract: This invention relates to the feeding field as well as industrial processes for obtaining food. More particularly, this invention refers to corn prepared for cooking without the use of fat matter and having one or more sugars selected from a certain group, which allows it to be cooked—mainly in a microwave oven—without the use of fat matter. The invention also refers to a process for the production of said corn.

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: A process for manufacturing dehydrated precooked flaked pinto beans begins with cleaning a quantity of beans. The cleaned beans are then pressure cooked. Following cooking, the beans are deposited on a perforated conveyor for transportation through a first dehydrator which reduces the moisture content of the beans to about 20%. The cooked dehydrated pinto beans are then directed through a roller mill to convert the beans into flakes. Alternative to being dehydrated in a first dehydrator before being converted into flakes, the beans may be separated on a water separating conveyor and not undergo any dehydration. The cooked dehydrated bean flakes are then transported through a dehydrator which reduces the moisture content thereof to less than about 10%.

Abstract: Food products containing whole chia seeds or a gluten-free agglutinant derived therefrom are made by mixing a food material with water, adding whole chia seeds or an agglutinant derived therefrom in an agglutinating amount, and reducing the water activity of the mixture. Other ingredients such as honey, syrups, and sprouted grains can also be mixed with the chia seeds. The gluten free varieties are of especial value for those individuals who are allergic to the gluten in wheat and other grains.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating a product to make capsules is disclosed; each capsule (12) is comprised of a shell (10) which holds the product and is formed of polymeric material which consists substantially totally of a single polymer. A method of encapsulating comprises forming droplets (4) of a liquid mixture of the product and a single suitable prepolymer and then exposing the droplets to a polymerising medium (8) for the prepolymer so as to polymerise the outer surfaces of the droplets, thereby forming the shells and thus the desired capsules (12). An alternative method is disclosed in which the method of encapsulating comprises forming shells containing no product by exposing droplets of a prepolymer to a polymerising medium for the prepolymer, so as to polymerise the outer surfaces of the droplets and thus form the shells and exposing these shells to an environment containing the product, and causing or allowing the product to diffuse through and into the shells, thus forming the desired capsules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a puffed grain food product having a mixture of puffable low expansion grain and puffable high expansion grain. Flavoring agents, coloring agents or mixtures thereof are absorbed into the puffable low expansion grain pieces. The treated puffable low expansion grain pieces are then mixed with the puffable high expansion grain pieces, placed in a mold, and puffed to form an edible puffed grain food product.

Abstract: A nutritional feed supplement composition for post rumen metabolism in ruminant animals composed of spheroid nutrient particles coatingly covered with divalent metal salts which are insoluble in near-neutral rumen fluid but soluble in acidic post rumen digestive fluids. The composition protects nutrients which would be of no value if exposed to rumen fluids but are beneficial when available for metabolism in post rumen digestive fluids. The nutrients may be dispersed in inert powders formed into spheroid particles, and the divalent metal salts may be dispersed in a resin membrane insoluble in all ruminant fluids. Nutrient particles in the composition include enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, single cell proteins, and medicinal materials. The divalent metal salts include magnesium phosphate, magnesium ammonium phosphate, and magnesium stearate. The resin membranes include polyurethane, polyethylene and polyacrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene.

Abstract: A mineral fortified food matrix can comprise a dimetalhydroxy malate composition and a food matrix fortified with the dimetalhydroxy malate composition. Additionally, a method of administering a mineral in a bioavailable form to a warm-blooded animal can comprise steps of fortifying a food matrix with a dimetalhydroxy malate composition and orally administering the food matrix to a warm-blooded animal. In one embodiment, the mineral can be calcium and the method of administering calcium in a bioavailable form can comprise fortifying a food matrix with a dicalciumhydroxy malate composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and for enhancing productivity of ruminant animals. Particularly, a method comprising determining particular corn hybrids of specific endosperm type and NDF content for use as silage and/or a grain supplement and combining other dier components to form a feed ration that optimizes the site of starch digestion, and a feed made using the method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing the fibrous shells from cereal grains. This method according to the invention includes a pretreatment step, wherein the moisture content of the cereal grains is increased, e.g. in the case of corn grains from 16 to more than 20% by weight, followed by the step of exposure of the pretreated grains to a thermal shock by means of a cryogenic medium and thereafter mechanical treatment step thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to germinated brown rice which can be easily and deliciously boiled even by a household rice cooker without impairing its original nutritive value, and has excellent mouth feel and shelf stability. The germinated brown rice can be provided by subjecting germinated brown rice to a heat-moisture treatment and drying the treated germinated brown rice to a water content of 10 to 18% by mass and a degree of gelatinization of 5 to 50%.

Abstract: A class of food products whose nutrients have not been damaged by heat during the preparation process. These products are prepared with methods to limit souring thus permitting these food products to be prepared at a temperature low enough to minimize damage to vital nutrients (especially enzymes) without the objectionable excessive sourness and bitterness of similar products prepared without such methods. The result is a new class of delicious and nutrient rich health food products with many health benefits. Also disclosed is a Wet Grain Press for quickly and easily compressing very wet sprouts.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of reducing the friability of food items such as cereal products (including ready to eat cereals and corn and tortilla chips), of potato chips, and of freeze-dried foods. The methods involve contacting the food item with water and then drying the food item to approximately its original water content. The water may be applied by any convenient means so long as it does not cause overhydration of the food item. The invention further provides methods of delaying the development of rancidity in nuts. The methods comprise contacting the nuts with water. In preferred forms, the methods comprise causing mild abrasion of the nuts to facilitate hydration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing the fibrous shells from cereal grains. This method according to the invention comprises a pretreatment step, wherein the moisture content of the cereal grains is increased, e.g. in the case of corn grains from 16 to more than 20% by weight, followed by the step of exposure of the pretreated grains to a thermal shock by means of a cryogenic medium and thereafter mechanical treatment step thereof.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for manufacturing no-bran cereal such as no-bran rice which require no washing before cooking. With the method and the apparatus, bran stuck on a surface of a grain of the polished cereal is easily removed without imparting any damage on the surface, and further moisture in the grain is maintained to increase taste of the cereal. Moisture is added to the polished cereal and granular material is mixed and stirred with the moistened polished cereal to polish a surface of each grain of the polished cereal and remove bran stuck on the surface of the polished cereal. Then, the polished cereal is separated from the granular material to obtain the no-bran rice.

Abstract: A soybean processed food having crisp feelings of eating and good tasting is provided. The soybean processed food is produced by kneading a mixture of a soybean-derived material and a condiment in the presence of water to obtain dough, and drying the dough under a reduced pressure of 0.1 kPa to 10 kPa. It is preferred that the soybean-derived material contains isolated soybean protein as the major constituent, soybean saccharide, soybean dietary fiber, and/or soybean lecithin.

Abstract: A reduced-flatulence, legume-based snack food including legumes, additional grain-based ingredients, an aqueous solvent, and processing aids. The legumes have greater than 45 percent by weight of the oligosaccharides and saccharides removed therefrom. The legumes, additional grain-based ingredients, aqueous solvent, and processing aids are processed together to provide the snack food with a developed matrix so that the snack food exhibits a high crunch texture and a low fat absorption when cooked.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a household flour with improved baking properties, in particular for yeast-leavened bread, which mixes a first wheat flour with a second wheat flour, the second wheat flour being produced by softening wheat in aqueous surroundings wherein the wheat germinates; adding a liposome solution to the aqueous surroundings that the wheat is germinating in, the liposome solution penetrating the biomembranes of the wheat germ to enhance enzyme production; interrupting the germination phase after a predetermined time; drying the germinated material, and grinding the germinated material to produce the second wheat flour.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a ready-to-eat cereal and fluid-milk breakfast food product having a firm surface and an interior comprised of fully cooked, soft and moist, fluid-milk-infused cereal grains joined together. The cereal and fluid-milk products of the present invention can be picked up and eaten hand-held because their textures do not become soggy even when the cereal grains have been infused with all the added fluid-milk. In the process of the present invention, a fluid-milk solution which contains starch complexing agents, flavors and sweeteners, are infused into cereal grains at temperatures above 180 F until the cereal grains become infused with all the fluid-milk solution, fully cooked, and soft and moist in texture.

Abstract: A leguminous food product which generally retains the shape of the legume from which it was made is formed from a variety of legumes such as pinto beans, red beans, black beans, navy beans, kidney beans, lentils and peas, etc. The leguminous food product is somewhat crisp and crunchy when chewed. It may be seasoned or flavored with salt, herbs, spices, etc. to achieve a variety of different desired tastes. The leguminous food product provides a nutritional source of protein and fiber which is low in fat and calories. The leguminous food product is formed by preconditioning, cooking, chilling, dehydrating, and enrobing the legumes.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to a method for processing food products to prepare the food products for packaging. The methods involve presteaming, steeping, steam cooking, and then drying the food products. The method reveals pressure cooking with a pressure that is maintained below 15 psi, and in a steam vessel. Chemical additives may be added to the food products during processing. The apparatus includes a conveyor, steeping tanks as needed, and a water recirculation system. A dryer which includes a rotating barrel adapted for agitation of the food products during cooking is also included.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the preparation and manufacture of dried legumes to make a quick cooking whole bean and bean paste food product which is rehydrated to a food product having the appearance and organoleptic texture of canned or conventionally prepared Mexican style refried bean product. One embodiment is the production of dehydrated bean flakes and/or powders which are instantly rehydratable. Subsequent to cleaning, sorting and washing, the beans are either milled by dry grinding or wet milling. The slurry is cooked and dried by a continuous method. Another embodiment is the production of dehydrated whole beans. Whole beans are cooked by conventional methods without pre-cooking or soaking after being sorted, cleaned, and washed. After cooking the whole beans, beans which are no longer intact and now are in the form of a slurry are separated from the intact beans. The whole beans are dried in a manner which does not disrupt their intact structure.

Abstract: A continuous method and apparatus for cooking cereal grains such as wheat is provided. The method comprises two stages, a first continuous pre-cooking stage wherein the grains are hydrated by heating in water at a temperature below 95.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to raise the moisture content of the grains to from about 28% to about 36% while allowing a substantial amount of starch to remain ungelatinized and a second continuous stage wherein the grains are heated in water at a temperature above about 95.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to substantially fully cook the grains.

Abstract: Dry whole wheat grains are prepared for eating by preheating water to a temperature above a predetermined cooking temperature for said grains, adding a given weight of grains at ambient temperature to the preheated water to lower the temperature thereof to the cooking temperature, maintaining the water at the cooking temperature and cooking the grains at the cooking temperature for a period of time which provides for the weight of the grains to increase by from about 37.6% to about 64.1%, and then immediately cooling the cooked grains to preclude further cooking thereof.

Abstract: Plant glycogen is a polysaccharide derived from rice and contains a high molecular weight group whose weight average molecular weight is 5.00 to 7.60 million and a low molecular weight group whose weight average molecular weight is 0.30 to 1.10 million, the glycogen is a glucose polymer, being easily dissolved in cold water and hot water, and being rendered viscous at the time of degree of water addition of 25 to 200%. The process for producing plant glycogen, includes immersing finely ground rice in water or a water-containing solvent, subjecting it to solid-liquid separation to give an extract, heating it to remove thermally precipitated solids and proteins, adding the resulting liquid layer to an organic solvent, and recovering the resulting white precipitates, followed by purification, if necessary.

Abstract: A method for treating canola seeds for use in ruminant feed is disclosed. The method consists of treating substantially intact canola seeds at a temperature of 30.degree.-90.degree. C. with an aqueous alkaline solution, the solution having a pH of 10-14 and comprising 1-20% by weight, based on the dry weight of the seeds, of alkaline agent. The integrity of the seed coat of the canola seeds remains substantially intact during treatment. When treated seeds are fed to ruminants, the triglycerides, fatty acids and protein present in the treated seeds bypass the rumen, and are digested in the abomasum and the small intestine. Ruminant feeds comprising the treated seeds and methods for feeding these feeds to ruminants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the heat processing of foodstuff to improve the palatability thereof. A oven housing defines an oven chamber having a material inlet and a material outlet. A tubular structure extends between the material inlet and the material outlet for carrying the foodstuff during the cooking process. The tubular structure is preferably comprised as a bank of interconnected augers. Control of the speed of the auger assembly determines the duration during which the foodstuff is subject to the heat processing. A fluid conduit system provides heated gases to the oven housing for purposes of heat processing or cooking the foodstuff. A blower is connected to the fluid conduit for moving the gases. A heater module provides heated gases to the fluid conduit and controls the temperature thereof. A moisture conditioning apparatus can be used to control the moisture content of the incoming foodstuff thereby controlling all of the process variables for the heat processing of foodstuff.