Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a food product having a liquid component and an insoluble component, such as soups or stews. A food product assembly may include a cartridge containing a liquid component medium that is usable by a beverage forming machine to produce a liquid component of the food product. A second container, to which the cartridge may be removably attached, may contain the insoluble component of the food product, and may receive the liquid component so as to hold both the insoluble component and liquid component together, e.g., for consumption by a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a beverage from water and an instant product includes a water supply system for supplying water, a heating device for sterilizing water by heating it; and a cooling device for cooling water heated in the heating device. The cooling device uses water from the water supply system as cooling-water. The water that is sterilized in the heating device has preferably previously been used in the cooling device as cooling-water. The cooling device includes a counter flow heat exchanger.

Abstract: A packaged savoury food concentrate in the form of a gel, for preparing a bouillon, a soup, a sauce, a gravy or a seasoning comprising: —a gelling system, —a liquid phase comprising a liquid polyol, —from 3% wt to 30% wt of salt, based on the weight of the total food concentrate, wherein the liquid polyol is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt % to 80 wt %, based on the total weight of the food concentrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are packaged compositions comprising an aseptically sterilized container and a sterilized, concentrated, nutritional liquid emulsion that is aseptically packaged and sealed within the container. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the packaged compositions. In some embodiments, the aseptically packaged, concentrated, nutritional liquid emulsions have a desirable flavor and aroma and have increased emulsion stability.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to a foodstuff having a first component with a first soluble solids ratio; and a second component with a second soluble solids ratio, wherein the second component is a foodstuff comprising (i) about 50% to about 70% water; (ii) about 7% to about 17% hard fat; (iii) about 0.1% to about 5% protein source; and (iv) about 0.1% to about 20% water binder, the foodstuff having a gel strength of about at least 100, further wherein the foodstuff does not comprise lecithin; wherein the first and second components are arranged in discrete layers to form the multi-texture, ready-to-eat foodstuff and wherein the first and second soluble solid ratios have a relative difference of less than about 12 percent.

Abstract: An exchangeable capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption is disclosed. The exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom. The wall, the bottom and the lid enclose an inner space comprising beverage ingredient for preparing the beverage. The bottom comprises an entrance area for supplying fluid to the ingredient, wherein the lid comprises an exit area for draining beverage from the capsule. The beverage ingredient comprises at least a soluble substance. The exit area comprises an exit filter that is adapted to substantially prevent non-dissolved soluble substance from leaving the capsule. A system for preparing a beverage comprising such a capsule and a method for preparing a beverage is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a chamber where a base concentrate common to at least a first flavored food product and a second flavored food product is formed, the first flavored food product having different flavoring than the second flavored food product, the base concentrate having a first temperature. The apparatus also comprises a process line that receives the base concentrate from the chamber, heated liquid from a heated liquid source, and flavoring from either a first flavor source or a second flavor source to form a mixture of base concentrate, heated liquid and flavoring. The mixture has a has second temperature sufficient to achieve a change in the mixture selected from the group consisting of microbial change, chemical change, biochemical change, and enzymatic change, and combinations thereof. A method is also disclosed for change over from forming a first flavored food product to forming a second flavored food product.

Abstract: Presently described are methods of inhibiting water vapor adsorption of a powder and methods of storing a powder at increased humidity level. The methods comprise providing adding discrete hydrophobic nanoparticles to a plurality of particles.

Abstract: A method for heating and pasteurizing a material, comprising placing the material inside of a semi-sealed chamber at atmospheric pressure that contains an atmosphere produced by replacing air in the chamber with a gas component produced by spraying or injecting hot water droplets and steam at a temperature of at least 100° C. into the chamber which is heated to a temperature of at least 100° C. which is equal to or higher than the temperature of the sprayed hot water droplets and steam, which gas component has a humidity of at least 95% and contains no more than 1% oxygen; contacting said material to the gas component for exposing it to continual temperature variation during heating ranging from 10-50° C. inside the chamber at temperature(s) ranging from 90-180° C. for a time sufficient to heat or pasteurize it. An apparatus for performing this method.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a beverage from a soluble beverage powder comprising the steps of: —metering a dose of the soluble beverage powder,—heating the soluble beverage powder dose,—diluting the heated soluble beverage powder dose with a diluent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cheese or a cheese preparation. The invention furthermore relates to a cheese or a cheese preparation. The invention furthermore relates to a device for producing a cheese or a cheese preparation. The method according to the invention uses an initial material, preferably a curd, a matured cheese or a preparation of fresh or matured cheese and a milk and/or whey retentate and comprises the following steps: a) reduction of the initial material such that the initial material has a homogenous, firm, finely granulated structure having grain sizes of ?10 mm, or addition of a reduced initial material; b) impinging the material with a vacuum during step a); c) shaping of the material; and d) portioning of the material.

Abstract: Mixing nozzle fitments and beverage devices containing the mixing nozzle fitments are provided. In an embodiment, the mixing nozzle fitment includes a first shaft defining an inlet passage, a second shaft defining a curved outlet passage and attached to the first shaft, and a coupling member attached to the second shaft. The coupling member defines a passage that leads into the curved outlet passage of the second shaft. A flexible tube is attached to the coupling member. The mixing nozzle fitment can be used in any suitable beverage dispensing device.

Abstract: A coral is washed with purified water or tap water, and a crushed coral is heat-treated. Proteins and other organic matter are incorporated between calcium molecules in the coral skeleton, and the organic matter is decomposed and released as volatile components. In the skeleton from which organic matter is released, a calcium skeleton having a porous structure is formed, and the surface area of pores is increased. A hydrogen gas can be retained in the structure by adsorbing a hydrogen gas to the pores in such a calcium skeleton a porous structure (micropores). The resulting coral powder, with which ions dissolved in water are easily extracted, shows a low oxidation reduction potential when dissolved in water.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes components and methods for facilitating beverage production applying water or other liquid in combination with a brewing substance and controlled aeration and pressurization of a mixing vessel or column. The aeration of the water and brewing substance can be accomplished with a vacuum system, a positive pressurization system, and a combination of such systems. The apparatus, systems, and methods can be used with a variety of beverage making devices such as a device which might be used to controllably produce volumes of beverage to a reservoir. The methods include controllable aeration and pressurization of the vessel for brewing which may include controlling extraction time, steep time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics, features, and actions.

Abstract: A savoury water-in-oil food emulsion comprises a fat phase and an aqueous phase. The aqueous phase comprises at least 50% dissolved solids. Also provided are a food composition comprising the emulsion, and a method of preparing the emulsion.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for accurately dispensing a powder such as powdered infant formula into a container, and pasteurizing and reconstituting the powdered formula while completely mixing the formula in the container. The apparatus includes a hopper assembly for storing powder, a dosing assembly for measuring and dispensing powder from a receptacle into the container, a dilution assembly and a mixing assembly for obtaining accurately and completely mixed formula from the dispensed powder. The hopper is shaped to promote powder bridging, and the resulting powder bridge is used in combination with the dosing assembly to provide a predetermined amount of powder using a single mechanical valve that is isolated from the powder. The mixing assembly mixes the contents of the container while holding the bottle at a fixed angle relative to the vertical. A method of providing pasteurized infant formula from an infant formula powder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A food processing system 10 comprising a cooking apparatus 12 and a cooling apparatus 14. The apparatus 12, 14 are similar and are configured for processing sausages which have casings which are fragile and easily ruptured. The apparatus 12 comprises a processing vessel 16 for containing a cooking liquid, a feed chute 18, a guide means in the form of jets 56.1, 56.2 and 56.3, a screw conveyer 22 and a discharge conveyer 24. The sausages are fed into the vessel 16 via feed chute 18. The jets 56.1, 56.2 and 56.3 guide the sausages into optimal positions relative to the screw conveyer 22 which conveys the sausages to the discharge conveyer 24. The jets 56.1, 56.2 and 56.3 also separate the sausages ensuring that the sausages do not “bunch up” when deposited into the vessel 16 and also ensure that the sausages are aligned and travel in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the screw conveyer 22 thereby to reduce impact forces applied to the sausages by the conveyer 22.

Abstract: A flavor infusion device for roasting poultry, such as chicken, comprising an elongated metal member having an attachment means at one end for attachment to a sidewall of a roasting pan, a radiused bent portion extending upwardly from the attachment means, and a horizontal arm portion extending from the radiused bent portion in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the roasting pan to support an open cavity of the poultry, said horizontal arm portion having a flavor cup associated therewith for receiving an infusion flavoring liquid therein. A method of roasting poultry comprising the steps of providing a flavor infusion device, attaching the device to a sidewall of a roasting pan, placing an infusion liquid in the cup, mounting the poultry on the horizontal arm of the device, preferably in a breast-down orientation, and roasting the poultry.

Abstract: Raisins that have been formed by field drying of grapes and that have been exposed to rain during the drying process that has caused solids, particularly sand, to become embedded in the surface folds of the raisins, are cleaned of such embedded solids by spraying with a mixture of pressurized air and water applied through an atomizing nozzle, which achieves both washing and drying of the raisins. The same process is applicable to other agricultural products with wrinkled skins, and produces unusually effective results.

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 food product of non-uniform shape may be manufactured from an edible composition such as starch by introducing said composition to an extruder having a barrel and subjecting the composition to shear and heat to form a melt, and conveying the melt through an adjustable orifice while varying the cross-section dimensions of the orifice to form an extrudate having thickness dimensions that varies along its length. This may be followed by cutting the extrudate to length. The extrudate may also be passed between cooperating cavities and formed to shape. The extrudate may also be guided into predetermined patterns by repositioning the die relative to a molding surface.

Abstract: Described is the use of isoamyl acetate in food compositions for weight management and/or weight control. Further described is a beverage containing isoamyl acetate.

Abstract: A process of precooking grains which comprises the steps of: a) Charging the grains into a reactor in a controlled manner; b) Applying a first negative pressure to the reactor; c) Heating the grains contained in the reactor; d) Applying a second negative pressure to the reactor; and e) Cooling the grains. Equipment for precooking grains comprises at least one reactor, which is associable with means for applying negative pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of instant beverage products which, upon reconstitution with liquid, form a foamy upper surface. The method makes use of a porous base powder to which the present invention also relates.

Abstract: A capsule for use in a beverage production device, the capsule containing ingredients to produce a nutritional or food liquid when a liquid is fed into the capsule at an inlet face thereof, with the capsule being provided with a filter having a plurality of filtering orifices and a flow collection member placed downstream of the filter to collect the filtered liquid from the filtering orifices. The collection member includes at least one restriction orifice to focus the flow of liquid in at least one jet of liquid at high velocity in the compartment containing the ingredients. The invention is particularly advantageous for producing a nutritional liquid (e.g., infant formula) or a food from powdered ingredients.

Abstract: Disclosed are antimicrobial compositions for treating poultry and meat to substantially eliminate bacteria and microorganism harmful to human. The compositions include various combinations of an aliphatic heteroaryl salt, an aliphatic benzylalkyl ammonium salt, a dialiphatic dialkyl ammonium salt, a tetraalkyl ammonium salt and/or trichloromelamine.

Abstract: Disclosed are antimicrobial compositions for treating poultry, meat, and other surfaces to substantially eliminate bacteria and microorganism harmful to humans. The compositions include a combination of an aliphatic heteroaryl salt, trichloromelamine, and at least two ammonium salts comprising an aliphatic benzylalkyl ammonium salt, dialiphatic dialkyl ammonium salt, or a tetraalkyl ammonium salt.

Abstract: The present invention discloses dry psyllium husk incorporated dough products and method of preparation thereof. Up to 14% unpowdered psyllium husk-300 mesh sized psyllium husk powder (having 95% to 99.99% purity) of total amount flour is used for the preparation of dough products. Also 4.5 gm±20% water per 1 gm of psyllium is the right quantity of additional water to bind the dough having psyllium. The psyllium husk can be either whole, fragmented, slitted, normal, bleached, snow white or processed source of psyllium husk powder.

Abstract: The present matter provides a gelato formulation that is low in carbohydrate, high in protein, and fiber enriched having similar taste, body and texture of traditional gelatos, and a method of making the same.

Abstract: A method and system for deriving animal feed from waste food is provided. The method and system involves dehydrating the waste food. The dehydrated waste food is grinded and mixed with one or more nutrients based on requirements of an animal. Thereafter, a mixture of the waste food and the one or more nutrients is extruded to obtain a plurality of grain pellets with a predetermined consistency. The plurality of grain pellets obtained after extrusion are cut to obtain a required shape and size for a grain pellet. Thereafter, the plurality of grain pellets are conditioned by adding one or more of fat, minerals and vitamins to the plurality of grain pellets. The plurality of pellets thus obtained are packaged and supplied as animal feed.

Abstract: A method includes producing a flowing sheet of comminuted foodstuff and then exposing the flowing sheet of material to a processing fluid in at least one of the major surfaces of the sheet. The transverse dimension of the flowing sheet of material may be generally equal to a dimension of the foodstuff pieces making up the comminuted foodstuff. The processing fluid may enter the sheet of material through one or both of the opposing surfaces used to form the sheet. Discrete openings may be formed through a wall of material used to form one of the major surfaces of the flowing sheet of material, and the processing fluid may be applied through such discrete openings. The processing fluid may also be applied through a porous and permeable material included in, or making up, a wall used to form one of the major surfaces of the flowing sheet of material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing treated meat having a predetermined proportion of water in a container. The method includes treating meat that has lost water content through evaporation with an agent capable of killing bacteria together with an amount of water, wherein the amount of water corresponds to the amount of water that is lost through evaporation. The method provides meat being treated with a bactericidal agent as well as also providing meat with the predetermined amount of water for packaging.

Abstract: A method of forming a butter product comprises forming a primary oil-in-water emulsion by dispersing liquefied stearine butterfat in a butter serum, the liquified stearine butterfat forming stearine globules within the butter serum. The primary oil-in-water emulsion is dispersed into an olein butterfat component forming an oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion, and the oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion being cooled to form the butter product which is spreadable at a temperature of less than about 45° F.

Abstract: Methods are provided to prepare heat stable soy milk concentrates above 3.2× based on the level of protein that are thermally stable upon achieving an Fo of at least 5. One method removes soluble carbohydrates prior to concentration. Another method removes both soluble and insoluble carbohydrates prior to concentration. Yet other methods prepare soy milk concentrates using partially hydrolyzed soy protein isolate.

Abstract: A process for preparing an emulsion is disclosed comprising: injecting a first liquid as dispersed phase liquid through a central inlet of a microchannel system with a cross junction geometry chip and injecting a second liquid as continuous phase liquid through the outer cross inlet, which continuous phase liquid does not instantly mix with said injected first liquid prior to the cross junction, wherein the flow rate QC of the continuous phase in cubic meters per second is given by Q C = f × A ? ? ? ? d , where A is the exit area of the microchannel in square meters, ? the interfacial tension between the first liquid and the second liquid in Newtons per meter and ?d the viscosity of the dispersed phase in Pascal-seconds, characterized in that f is in the range from 0.04 to 0.25.

Abstract: A processing system and methods for extracting phytochemicals from plant materials with subcritical water. The processing system includes a water supply interconnected with a high-pressure pump, diverter valve, a temperature-controllable extraction vessel, a cooler, a pressure-relief valve and a collection apparatus for collecting eluant fractions from the extraction vessel. The processing system controllably varies the temperature of subcritical water within the extraction vessel, and may optionally be configured to controllably vary the pH of subcritical water flowing into the extraction vessel. A plant material is placed into the extraction vessel after which a flow of subcritical water is provided through the extraction vessel for extraction of phytochemicals.

Abstract: A process for the production of fresh masa, nixtamalized flour and derived products. The invention is a new process for production of corn masa (dough) to be used in the production of tortillas, fried or baked tortilla chips, tostadas, or corn chips. The new process produces masa directly from raw materials without the traditional cooking and steeping steps. It utilizes a series of processing steps including milling, blending, hydration, cooking and continuous cooling using cooling rollers to stop gelatinization. The new process uses very little water and emits no waste water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a storage stable buoyant waxy grain wherein the waxy grain is waxy triticale and waxy wheat. The starch in the waxy grain is gelatinized throughout and the cooked waxy grains of this invention can be stored for prolonged times in air tight or conventional cereal containers having a liner without acquiring rancid odors or tastes even in the absence of preservatives that inhibit the development of rancidity. Preferably, the waxy wholegrain is a waxy wheat having a protein content of no more than 14% by dry weight. The processes for preparing the waxy wholegrain food products of this invention are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foaming instant coffee composition comprising particles having a bulk density of from 0.16 to 0.45 g/cm3, said particles comprising a continuous phase comprising an instant coffee matrix and a non-continuous phase comprising particles of a foamable component containing a gas.

Abstract: A method for making non-dairy, nut-based milk is disclosed. The method includes mixing water and nut butter. A dry blend is added that includes one or more hydrocolloids selected from the group consisting of: gellan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, and xanthan gum. The dry blend further includes one or more salts. The non-dairy, nut-based milk is substantially free of soy or soy-derived ingredients.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a botanical extract and a flavor system comprising a botanical extract produced by the process for use in beverages are provided. Also provided is a flavor system comprising a botanical extract comprising at least one of thymol, eugenol, carvacrol, cinnamic aldehyde, and eucalyptol. Further provided is a flavor system having a minimum inhibitory concentration of less than about 3%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instant beverage powder and, more particularly, to an instant soluble beverage powder which forms foam on its upper surface when reconstituted with water. The powder has a foaming porosity of at least 35% an open pore volume of less than 3 ml/g and a closed pore average diameter D50 of less than 80 micrometres.

Abstract: The present invention describes an edible spray-dried particulate composition comprising a solid non-lipid carrier and an oil phase, wherein (i) said oil phase being capable of being released from the carrier on contact with an aqueous medium to form an oil-in-water emulsion; and (ii) the oil droplets in said oil-in-water emulsion have a D[4,3] of from about 100 nm to about 1000 nm; at least about 75% of the oil droplets in said oil-in-water emulsion have a size of less than about 10 ?m; or the d90 by volume of the oil-droplets in said oil-in-water emulsion is greater than that of an oil-in-water emulsion used to prepare the composition by less than about 30%. The invention also relates to a method for the preparation of the composition, to food products and food supplements comprising the composition and to uses of the composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of flash freezing a tea-based liquid into small beads and then packaging the beads for consumers is disclosed. The beads are stored in a conventional freezer until desired and then reconstituted into a tea beverage base as needed. In particular, a warm or cold tea-based beverage may be easily and affordably created using the frozen beads.

Abstract: A simple and efficient method for the production of stable, clear, high-potency oat extracts is disclosed. The method employs the use of differential dissociation constants and ultrafiltration to stabilize extracts, prevent hazing, and prevent the loss of functional activity as an anti-irritant and anti-oxidant. Also disclosed are compositions of oat extracts derived from whole oat grains and oatmeal. Further disclosed are compositions of oat extracts for use in cosmetic, nutraceutical, therapeutic medical and veterinary preparations.

Abstract: A method for preparing a low viscosity whole grain flour slurry including hydrating whole grain flour in water and subjecting the flour-water mixture to mechanical treatment to obtain a low viscosity whole grain flour slurry.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous dispersion of fructan-containing particles, wherein the D50 of the fructan-containing particles lies between 2 ?m and 50 ?m and the solids content of the aqueous dispersion as a whole lies between 61 wt. % and 80 wt. %. The invention further relates to a process for the preparation of an aqueous dispersion of fructan-containing particles, comprising: a) the step of bringing fructan and water together to form a mixture; b) optionally a hydrolysis step, wherein a portion of the fructans in the mixture is hydrolysed, such that at the end of this step b) between 5 wt. % and 25 wt.

Abstract: Provided are a method of producing a filling which improves water-retention capability during heating conducted after the filling is wrapped, and which has an excellent texture, and a filled food product produced by using the filling. Specifically, provided is a filling for a filled food product, the filling comprising at least one or more heat-processed filling ingredients and water-soluble cellulose ether which is gelable during heating. Also provided is a method of producing a filling for a filled food product comprising at least the steps of: heat-processing one or more filling ingredients; and mixing the heat-processed filling ingredients with water-soluble cellulose ether which is gelable during heating, to thereby obtain a filling.

Abstract: A vacuum tumbler for marinating food products within a liquid. The vacuum tumbler comprises a container having an interior wall, the interior wall defining a chamber for containing the liquid. A rib extends inwardly from the interior wall at least one-quarter of the distance across the chamber. A drive moves the container so that the rib brings the food products into and out of contact with the liquid, and a vacuum source creates a partial vacuum within the chamber.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating pectin-containing plant materials in a manner to obtain fiber-containing pectin products, and subsequently pectin products, having a high molecular weight of the pectin polymer and a homogeneous distribution of the de-esterified sites in the pectin polymer and thereby providing products having improved gel-forming and/or viscous giving properties.