Abstract: A process for the production of a protein granules is described in which a vegetable protein isolate is hydrated to a ratio of about 2 to 3.5 parts of water to 1 part of isolate, wherein the water is at a temperature of at least about 50.degree. C. The hydrated isolate is then blended under conditions of shear for a period of time sufficient to form a hydrated protein granule. The formed granules is highly suitable as an extender for ground meats or as an ingredient in meat analogs.

Abstract: Fresh green beans in a plastic container that have an extended shelf life, the green beans being treated to slow down the normal deterioration of the beans by immersing the green beans in water at a temperature and for a time sufficient to cool the interior of the beans to that temperature, to sanitize the beans by removing spores and bacteria, and to replace some of the water lost by the beans after harvesting. After the immersion step, the moisture is removed from the surface of the green beans at a temperature of 40.degree. F. to 44.degree. F., and thereafter the beans are graded and packed into the plastic container, keeping the bean temperature below 48.degree. F.

Abstract: Doughs and batters are prepared which contain hydrated polysaccharide hydrocolloid hydrated insoluble fiber and hydrated protein preferably at a weight ratio of 1:0.8-6:1.1-4.5. The hydrated materials are added to the dough or batter formulation as an aqueous dispersion. The resulting dough and batter can be baked in a conventional manner. This invention is particularly useful in the preparation of fat-free baked goods.

Abstract: A fresh produce packing assembly and method for storing and transporting fresh produce. The produce packing assembly includes a hollow container having a liquid collection volume therein defined by a liquid impervious device and a passageway providing for liquid communication between the interior and exterior of the container. Produce pieces are positioned in the container and liquid, usually water, is added to the container for retention in contact with a portion of the produce positioned in the collection volume. The produce packing method includes the steps of placing produce pieces within a package having a liquid collection volume, closing the package to secure the pieces inside, introducing a liquid into the package for accumulation within the collection volume, and draining any liquid exceeding the amount retained by the collection volume from the interior of the container through the passageway.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing starting material for dried sweet potato chips comprises heating raw sweet potatoes at a temperature ranging from 70.degree. to 100.degree. C. for 180 to 8 minutes to adjust hardness of the sweet potatoes to 1,800 to 12,000 and then slicing the heated sweet potatoes to a desired thickness. The sweet potato slices are further subjected to a second heat treatment to convert starches present therein to .alpha.-starches and then dried as such or after freezing to obtain dried sweet potato chips edible as a snack food.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for reconstituting beverages wherein superheated reconstituting liquid and beverage concentrate are delivered into a mixing chamber having an adjustable volume. The mixing chamber is the volume between two coaxially arranged tapered elements which are disposed one inside of the other. Final beverage product emanates from an aperture in the tip of the outer tapered element. At least one tapered element can be displaced in the longitudinal direction so that the volume of the mixing chamber decreases and approaches zero as the tapered elements are moved closer together. Thus, when the system is shutdown the volume of the mixing chamber is allowed to approach zero so that very little product is susceptible to degradation in the mixing chamber due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures during a shutdown. The reduced volume mixing chamber may be flushed with reconstituting liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for manufacture of an imitation cheese using an acid casein or rennet casein which has been treated to remove stale flavors in accordance with the invention. In the method of the invention for removing stale flavors from acid casein or rennet casein, an initial mixture of dried casein and water is provided. The casein is maintained in suspension in the water for a period of time sufficient to substantially hydrate the casein. While the casein is maintained in suspension, water is removed from the initial mixture. At the same time that water is removed from the mixture, fresh makeup water is added to the mixture at substantially the same level that the water is removed from the mixture. The casein is then recovered from the mixture by a suitable process, such as by centrifugation.

Abstract: An improved wheat germ having longer shelf life by reason of its having been steamed under conditions sufficient to remove sulfhydril therefrom including venting about 0.2 to 0.4 pounds of steam condensate per pound of treated wheat germ during the steaming operation.

Abstract: An improved process of gum extraction from whole yellow mustard seed is described. The process is time temperature interdependent. In a first step the seed is treated in water, preferably at elevated temperature, the extract is then separated, preferably mechanically, more preferably by a perforated centrifuge, or even more preferably by a slitted centrifuge. The aqueous extract on precipitation and drying gives a gum with pseudoplastic properties similar to those of xanthan gum. The extraction using mechanical separation, especially by a perforated bowl centrifuge, which can be slitted, is suitable for industrial scale extraction of the yellow mustard seed. A centrifuge adapted for juice extraction is suitable. The gum produced under these conditions exhibits unique properties dramatically different from those reported from other previous processes, in both composition and viscosities.

Abstract: The method allows in particular the continuous swelling of granular, starchy raw materials subject to mechanically increased hydraulic pressure. Extraction is very effective because the steep and the raw material flow in opposite directions. The opposed currents are produced because the swelling section is upright, so that gravity forces the heavier raw material down through the rising steep.

Abstract: A method of preparing the traditional salted-and-dried fish is disclosed. The dried fish is first soaked in cold water to re-hydrate the fish and to reduce the salt content. Secondly, the re-hydrated fish is centrifuged until almost dry. The almost-dry fish is sealed in cans, and then cooked. The product is more nutritious and more tasty than salted-and-dried fish prepared in the home, and is far more convenient in that it can be eaten straight from the can.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for preparing packaged fast-cooking rice prepared by a process wherein raw material rice after being washed and soaked in water is heated to become gelatinized rice having a water absorptive property, and the resultant hot gelatinized rice is impregnated with an additive liquid so that swelled rice grains having non-sticking properties are produced. A predetermined amount of the produced rice is packed in an air evacuated package. The product rice can be cooked in an ordinary manner in a short time. By changing the additive liquid, rice containing a preservative or a seasoning can be obtained.

Abstract: A process for reheating and/or complete cooking and baking of food-stuffs, especially of cooking, baking or grilling products, wherein a mixture of heated air and water vapor is introduced directly into the interior of the food-stuff before and/or during the heating procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a cheese product uses an extrusion head having a plurality of extrusion apertures. Cheese is formed into a plurality of continuous ropes as the cheese passes through the extrusion apertures. To initially cool the cheese, each rope enters an extension upstream of each extrusion aperture. Each has an inside diameter equal to the diameter of its associated extrusion aperture. The cheese rope exits the extrusion aperture onto a canal table that is downwardly sloped from a feed end to an opposite discharge end. The canal table has a plurality of flumes extending between the ends, and each extruded rope of cheese is received in a flume. A brine solution is added at the feed end of the canal table to assist in cooling the cheese and moving the cheese to the discharge end. Sensors detect the position of the leading end of the cheese rope within each flume and independently activate knives to cut the cheese into the desired lengths.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making Pasta Filata cheese which has an extended shelf life. Pasta Filata curd is divided into pieces and the pieces are delivered to an auger conveyor. The curd is heated and worked in the auger conveyor while immersed in hot water to a plastic consistency as it passes through the conveyor. The plastic curd is transported through a steam injection heating zone and a static mixing zone to provide a homogeneous molten curd. The molten curd is transferred from the mixer through a holding conduit into a vacuum chamber so as to flash-cool the molten curd. The holding conduit has a diameter and length sufficient to hold the molten curd for a time and at a temperature which is sufficient to pasteurize and partially sterilize the molten curd. The holding conduit has a particular inner wall surface which is formed of a material with enhanced lubricity and reduced coefficient of friction as compared to stainless steel.

Abstract: A process for reducing the time required to achieve texture equilibration in crumb-continuous cookies having distributed therein discrete regions of storage-stable crisp texture and discrete regions of storage-stable chewy texture comprises increasing the rate of sugar crystallization. The rate of sugar crystallization can be increased by exposing the cookies to an exogenous source of moisture, decreasing the level of crystallization-resistant sugar in the outer region of the cookie, decreasing readily crystallizable sugar particle size for a given sugar level, increasing the readily crystallizable sugar to flour ratio, increasing the moisture level in the cookie dough, baking the cookies to have a higher moisture content, or by any combination of these or other equivalent means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing aqueous spray mist onto produce and the like provided in an upwardly opening case space. Water delivery to the nozzles is provided by an upwardly extending supply pipe within the case, eliminating the need for overhead mounting structure. The spray pattern and timed delivery are coordinated to assure proper misting of the produce with minimum adverse effect on customers selecting produce from the case.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a batch process for preparing a heat treated granular solid foodstuff, and more particularly it relates to a process wherein a granular solid food is sufficiently heated deep into the center portion thereof to be sterilized and/or cooked and then cooled without impairing the appearance and flavor thereof. The heating and cooling occur by heated and cooled liquids which fluidize the granular solid food.

Abstract: A method for washing and cooling cottage cheese curds and including the steps of disposing a housing in a horizontal position, admitting a washing and cooling fluid into an upstream end of the housing and discharging it at a downstream end to establish a reservoir of flowing fluid, placing the material into the reservoir adjacent the downstream end, lifting the material in the reservoir transversely to the normal direction of fluid flow, lowering the material in the reservoir at an acute angle relative to the normal direction of fluid flow to more the material in an upstream direction, and repeating the lifting and lowering steps until the material is discharged at the upstream end of the housing.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for improving the shrimps and lobsters, which comprises quick-freezing the prawns, color of prawns, shrimps and lobsters to a certain low temperature before the heat treatment, a step conventionally used for changing the color of prawns, shrimps and lobsters to a beautiful pink red, and then cooling the heat treated prawns, shrimps or lobsters immediately after the heat treating step, so that the depth of color change can be easily regulated within an appropriate range, preventing the prawns, shrimps or lobsters from losing body fluid and destroying any qualities of freshness.

Abstract: Fresh green beans in a plastic container that have an extended shelf life, the green beans being treated to slow down the normal deterioration of the beans by immersing the green beans in water at temperatures of 32.degree. to 38.degree. F. for a time sufficient to cool the interior of the beans to that temperature, to sanitize the beans by removing spores and bacteria, and to replace some of the water lost by the beans after harvesting. After the immersion step, the moisture is removed from the surface of the green beans at a temperature of 40.degree. to 44.degree. F., and thereafter the beans are graded and packed into the plastic container keeping the bean temperature below 48.degree. F.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for maintaining or restoring freshness of vegetables wherein at least part of the vegetable body is immersed into low temperature water supersaturated with air dissolved therein by blowing air in water through pores having a size range of from 0.1 to 10 microns in diameter.

Abstract: The shelf life of root crops such as raw carrots can be substantially increased by subjecting the raw carrots, in one embodiment, to a process including (a) a mild heat treatment effective to reduce the microflora of the carrots but not to adversely affect the organoleptic qualities of the raw carrots, (b) the rapid cooling of the heat treated vegetable and (c) placing the vegetable in a sealed container to prevent microbial recontamination and maintain the vegetable in a viable condition. In another embodiment, the process includes subjecting the carrots to a vacuum, breaking the vacuum in the presence of water and placing the vegetable in a sealed container to prevent microbial recontamination and maintain the vegetable in a viable condition.

Abstract: A dehydrated fabricated potato piece for reconstitution into hash brown potatoes is made for admixture with dehydrated fresh potato pieces. The fabricated potato piece is made from a dough or potato solids (comprising one or more of potato flakes, potato granules or potato flour) with or without mashed potatoes. If mashed potatoes are used, they may be either fresh mashed potatoes or rehydrated dried mashed potatoes. The potato dough is sheeted between a pair of sheeting rolls at a moisture content less than 55%. The sheet of potato dough is then cut into strips and predried to a moisture content of less than 30%. Thereafter, the strips are cut into individual potato pieces, final dried to a moisture of about 7%, and may be mixed with dehydrated fresh potato pieces in a proportion of from 10:90 to 90:10 respectively, and packaged for later rehydration into hash browns.

Abstract: Reduction of loss of water from meat during quick refrigeration.The meat follows a path passing through a series of mist cabins (1) in which they are subjected to successive gusts of sterilized water mist whose particle size is between thirty and one hundred micrometers.This treatment improves the surface appearance of the meat by limiting surface dehydration.

Abstract: A method for dehydrating foods by the steps of subdividing the starting food to a suitable size, as by slicing or chopping; blanching the subdivided product in a blanching solution such as brine, acid, sugars; placing the material in a sealed vessel, and while pressurizing the vessel to an elevated pressure of about 1-4 atmospheres above normal, contacting the food pieces with a solution of a sugar adapted to extract moisture therefrom by osmotic action; after sufficient moisture is removed osmotically, rapidly decompressing the vessel to significantly below atmospheric pressure, contacting the decompressed food pieces with a heated liquid oil until the moisture content thereof is not more than about 3% but before the pieces undergo superficial degradation in flavor and color, removing such oil from the pieces to reduce their oil content to about 5-25% by weight, preferably by centrifugation, and cooling the same to room temperature.

Abstract: A product obtained by subjecting an isolated soybean protein and corn starch used as the raw materials to pressing and heating treatments in a twin-screw extruder exhibits its fibrous properties when it is immersed in warm water to dissolve out a part of the corn starch and a little amount of the soybean protein. This product is relatively tough. The corn starch is dissolved out in only a small amount upon the immersion in warm water and, therefore, the yield is high.

Abstract: A system and corresponding process for cleaning sugarbeet pulp comprising: (a) a tank wherein a sufficient amount of water is added to the pulp to form a first slurry containing about 0.1 to 4 wt-% pulp; (b) a screening apparatus for separating the first slurry into a top portion containing substantially all of the pulp and a bottom portion containing a major proportion of the free foreign material; (c) a mill for reducing the particle size and loosening of adherent foreign material from the pulp; (d) a tank for adding a sufficient amount of water to the top portion to form a second slurry containing about 0.1 to 4 wt-% pulp (e) a screening apparatus for separating the second slurry into a upper portion containing substantially all of the pulp and a minor proportion of the loosened foreign material and a lower portion containing a major proportion of the loosened foreign material; (f) a tank for adding a sufficient amount of water to the upper portion to form a third slurry containing about 0.

Abstract: A dried puree of a starchy material, preferably the yam, in the form of flakes is compacted under a pressure of from 50 to 120 bars and then reduced to granules having a bulk density of from 0.40 to 0.65 kg/l. The granules may be placed in a water-permeable bag which may be filled to 45 to 80% of its volume with the starchy material. In the case of the yam, the dry matter content of the reconstituted material is on the order of 30 to 36%.

Abstract: A process ing system for processing batches of different products in the same process conditions, and having chamber means having zones, processing conditions means for each zone, to procure uniform process conditions within each zone, including water treatment means in at least one zone, first and second separate side by side conveyors passing through the chamber, batch supports maovable on respective first and second conveyors, for carrying batches of products, conveyor movement means for moving said separate batch supports at different timings, to procure different transit and dwell times of different products within the same zones of the chamber, and, control means connected to the conveyor, and a method of processing products in such a system.

Abstract: A process for treating frozen block meat, which includes the steps of: defrosting the frozen block meat by subjecting same to a temperature of between -4.degree. C. and 0.degree. C.; cutting the defrosted block meat into pieces of a thickness of about 30 mm or less; heating the cut meat by contact with hot water of 80.degree.-100.degree. C. for 30-90 seconds; then immediately cooling the heated meat by contact with cold water of 5.degree. C. or below for 1-30 seconds; removing the water deposits on the surface of the cooled meat; and freezing the resulting meat.

Abstract: Legumes, such as beans, are hydrated, and cooked to form a mash prior to forming the resultant mixture into shapes suitable for dehydration to a storage-stable moisture content. The dehydrated bean product has a bulk density greater than about 0.28 gm/cc, and a rehydration ratio within the range of 1.75 to 3.75:1.0, and is capable of substantially uniform reconstitution which does not require physical agitation. The hydrated product is particularly suitable for the preparation of refried beans.

Abstract: The shelf life of root crops such as raw carrots can be substantially increased by subjecting the raw carrots to a process including (a) a mild heat treatment effective to reduce the microflora of the carrots but not to adversely affect the organoleptic qualities of the raw carrots, (b) the rapid cooling of the heat treated vegetable and placing the vegetable in a sealed container to prevent microbial recontamination and maintain the vegetable in a viable condition.

Abstract: A method of preparatory processing of mussles. The mussles are placed in an inner container which is positioned inside an outer container. The inner container has perforated walls and is equipped with perforated tubes which are spaced a certain distance apart. The mussles are heated to about 85.degree. C. inside the container while being maintained in compacted condition whereby they will be able to open to a minimum extent only. The mussles are then cooled and dry-frozen individually. The cooking (processing) liquid may be frozen in cubes, blocks or the like. The liquid is then used in the final preparation of the mussles prior to their consumption.

Abstract: A new method of preparing a cooked and frozen noodle product capable of being re-cooked to the "ready-to-eat" state uniformly in its texture with recovering the original, good chewiness of the non-frozen, cooked noodle product, is now provided, which method comprises applying water onto the outer, exposing surfaces of the noodles cooked and frozen in a clump form, followed by freezing the applied water on the noodle surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing slices of a tuberous plant, in particular potatoes comprises a pre-washing unit with a water inlet. The slices are discharged by a slicer which is accommodated in said pre-washing unit. The apparatus further comprises an elongated rotatably supported washing tube connected to the pre-washing unit, and a vibrating sieve following the washing tube for conveying the slices. Said vibrating sieve is mounted above a receiving tank with an outlet and includes three sections. The first vibrating sieve section is adapted to separate shreds from the slices, the second vibrating sieve section comprises a re-washing unit connectable to a water supply, and the third vibrating sieve section is adapted to remove surface water from the slices.

Abstract: A structured meat product which may resemble a natural cut of meat comprises a lean portion formed by extrusion of multiple lean meat chunks bonded by a protein exudate and a fat cap or rim formed by simultaneous extrusion of a fat emulsion. The product is made by preparing chunks of lean meat substantially free of fat, gristle and sinew. The muscle scaffold network is slackened e.g., by multiple severing of the connective tissue of the lean meat chunks. These chunks then are massaged under reduced pressure to produce the protein exudate, while sufficient water is added to obtain a desired protein-to-moisture ratio. Fat trimmings are ground and blended into an emulsion which is simultaneously extruded with the lean meat chunks through separate but adjacent extrusion heads which may be shaped to produce a product resembling a steak, roast or other conventional cut of natural meat.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing a cereal of the dry crisp type which is generally served with sugar and cold milk or cream has been developed. The method consists of having the relatively high moisture content of the discrete cereal pieces equilibrate with that of the substantially dry discrete fruit pieces before or during storage. The equilibration of moisture results in the cereal pieces being crisp and the fruit pieces obtaining a desired degree of softness and moistness.

Abstract: In the cooking process, in particular that of hams, the heat carrying fluid is put in contact with moulds (15) for a relatively short period of time, then removed for a relatively long period of time. This cycle is reproduced a certain number of times until the desired temperature is attained at the heart of the product. The cooking installation to carry out the process comprises a number of thermally isolated enclosures (1.1 to 1.n) containing stack of filled ham moulds (15), a heat carrying fluid heating station (2), a network of conducts (5, 10) between the enclosures (1.1 to 1.n) and the heating station (2), pumping apparatus (9, 14) and valves (8.1 to 8.n and 13.1 to 13.n) installed on the network or conducts (5, 10) to selectively fill one enclosure with heat carrying fluid from the heating station (2) or empty an enclosure into the heating station (2), and control means (4) to control the pumping apparatus (9, 14) and the valves (8.1 to 8.n and 13.1 to 13.n).

Abstract: A disposable cartridge comprises a substantially rigid envelope of plastics material which contains a dose of water-soluble granular, powdery or similar particulate matter adapted to produce a beverage by brewing with hot water. The envelope has an inlet endwall with one or more water inlet through holes close to, and radially inside a peripheral region thereof, the inlet end-wall being otherwise imperforate. The envelope has an opposite outlet endwall which has, within the envelope, a substantially axial tubular appendage which extends from the inner face of the outlet wall towards the inlet wall and which defines a beverage outlet conduit with an intake orifice near the inlet wall and an out-flow orifice in the outer face of the outlet wall.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the high speed, high volume making of coffee by preheating then superheating water, mixing with a liquid coffee concentrate and balancing heat demands throughout the apparatus to enable preheating of the receiving urn, storing of heat as steam beyond the boiler, and return of that steam to the boiler responsive to pressure drop caused by differential flow rates into and from the boiler, to enable rapid recovery of the boiler and rapid making of large quantities of coffee.

Abstract: A fish meat-like flaky food is obtained by treating a granular vegetable protein with warm water containing an alkaline earth metal salt, molding the treated granular vegetable protein to a flake, washing and dehydrating the flake, and seasoning the flake. As the alkaline earth metal salt, there are used calcium or magnesium salts of sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acids and organic acids.

Abstract: A process for producing a natural fruit candy by mixing enzyme deactivated dehydrated fruit and enzyme deactivated fruit juice concentrate to provide a mixture in the form of a plastic mass having a moisture content in the range of 8 to 50% by weight the relative proportion of dehydrated fruit and fruit juice concentrate being limited only by the need to achieve a moisture content in the plastic mass which falls within the required range. The plastic mass is then formed to the required product configuration.

Abstract: Wafers are produced by guiding a sheet of bread having friable outer crusts and a relatively soft center through wafer forming apparatus. The apparatus includes a pair of rolls, one of said rolls, i.e., a cutting roll having one or more wafer forming recesses or cavities therein and the other roll being a pressure roll which operates in rolling engagement with the cutting roll. As the sheet of bread is introduced into the nip formed between the two rolls the pressure roll acts to press the bread into the cavity or cavities on the cutting roll and into engagement with the edges of the cavity or cavities to cut wafers from the sheet of bread. Each cavity is configured to have a bottom surface which rises as a gradually tapering wall to a cutting edge which is coterminous with the surface of the cutting roll. Continuous production of wafers is possible with the edges of the wafers being sharply defined, free of undesirable crumbling and devoid of fracture lines.

Abstract: A hollow vessel of unglazed terra cotta pottery which, when moistened, keeps the temperature of a salad below room temperature when it is removed from the refrigerator to the dining table for comsumption. Leftover salad, even when impregnated with salad dressing, may be stored in this vessel in the refrigerator for several days, without losing either its crispness or its flavor.

Abstract: A utensil for reconstituting a two-component dehydrated dish includes three approximately cup-shaped container members having each a bottom wall and an annular wall transverse to the bottom wall and bounding an open side of the member opposite the bottom wall. A first container defines a cavity dimensioned to receive the other two members substantially entirely. The bottom walls of the first and of a second member are imperforate, the bottom wall of the third member being formed with a plurality of perforations. Positioning means permit the second and third members to be positioned in the cavity of the first member in respective positions in which the bottom walls of the second and third members are transversely offset from each other and from the bottom wall of the first member, and the second and third members are open in the same direction as the first member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of separating fish meat from bone with showering water or an aqueous solutions of alkaline salts, saccharide and/or amino acids thereon. Hitherto the fish meat has been separated from bone in the air, so that the freshness of meat has rapidly deteriorated, but the present invention can prevent such a drawback. When the boiled fish paste is produced by use of fish meat which has been prevented from the deterioration of freshness, it is possible to obtain a boiled fish paste of a higher gel strength, in other words, one of a higher quality having good tooth touch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for preparing pasta filata cheese for brining and cutting. The warm mixed cheese is extruded in a continuous ribbon which is discharged into a channel filled with cold brine. The brine and ribbon flow together through the channel, and the ribbon is mechanically removed therefrom on a continuous basis. After removal from the brine channel, the ribbon can be cut into long lengths for brining, and thereafter into the final size for packaging.

Abstract: A system for pressure infiltration of liquid through the skin of fresh produce. The produce is subjected to vacuum pressure, and then coated with the liquid without submersion while continuing to subject the produce to the vacuum pressure. The application of liquid is continued as the vacuum pressure is progressively released to return the pressure surrounding the produce to atmospheric conditions, thereby causing the liquid to be forced through the produce skin surfaces due to the increase in exterior pressure about it. The coating apparatus is a combination of yieldable support rollers and an overhead spray. The rollers are partially immersed in a liquid bath from which liquid is recirculated to the spray nozzles.

Abstract: A method of infusion of fruit is provided. Dried fruit is hydrated in a solution of fructose prior to infusion with a solution of fructose. The rehydration step raises the ratio of fructose to dextrose of the fruit which improves the organoleptic qualities and stability of the infused fruit.