Abstract: There is provided a process for preparing a reduced sodium salt composition, the process comprising the steps of mixing sodium chloride with one or more sodium chloride substitute complexes, heating the so-formed mixture to form a melt, and cooling the melt to form a solid. The so-formed solid is a fused granular matrix of sodium chloride and one or more sodium chloride substitute complexes. An alternative process is provided in which the sodium chloride and the sodium chloride substitute complex are heated to the liquid phase before they are combined. A reduced sodium salt composition is also provided, in particular a reduced sodium chloride salt obtained from these processes.

Abstract: A method for producing a confectionery product from at least two pieces with at least one interface between the two pieces and including meltable material at least in parts of the interface, comprising the step of heating the interface during or after the two pieces have been brought into contact with each other. An apparatus for producing a confectionery product from two or more pieces comprising at least one heater in or downstream of a station where at least two pieces of the confectionery product are brought into contact with each other. A mold for the production of a confectionery product having at least two pieces has at least one component or portion heatable by induction heating. A heatable component, preferably a ferromagnetic component provided in the vicinity of a confectionery product, is used for partially heating the confectionery product, preferably by induction heating.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for production of gelatin-containing confectionery, in which a mass composed of starch and syrup is liquefied at low temperature and admixed with a gelatin solution.

Abstract: A method of reversing the formation of an oxidized off-flavor in milk that includes providing milk, and heating the milk to a temperature between approximately 70° C. and approximately 90° C. for a period of between approximately 25 seconds and approximately 60 seconds.

Abstract: A system comprising a pre-heater located downstream of where a product stream is formed and upstream of a heater that heats the product stream to a desired temperature, the pre-heater comprising a circulating stream of a first heat transfer stream that pre-heats the food product, a container cooler comprising a circulating stream of a second heat transfer stream that cools containers containing the heated food product coming out of the heater, and a heat exchanger where heat from the second heat transfer stream is transferred to the first heat transfer stream. A method for using the system is also disclosed. The product can be a food product, including but not limited to a beverage. The container containing the heated product can be any suitable container, including but not limited to bottles and cans.

Abstract: A multi-purpose jug with temperature indicator, wherein the jug is formed from a material having high thermal conductivity, including a liquid crystal thermometer attached to a side of the jug, the thermometer being arranged to indicate temperatures of liquid within the jug from 35 degrees Celsius to greater than 65 degrees Celsius, wherein the liquid crystal thermometer is in the form of a label adhered to the external side of the jug and is sealed with a layer of resin covering the label.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scraped surface heat exchanger (100) comprising a heat exchanging wall (20) having an cylindrical inner surface (21) with a radius (R+.delta.), a shaft (10) being rotatable mounted inside of and concentrically to the inner surface (21) of the heat exchanging wall (20) and having at least one gap portion (10A) with an outer surface (11) and a radius (R), and at least one scraping member (40) supported by the shaft (10) and extending to the inner surface (21) of the heat exchanger wall (20), characterized in that the at least one or the gap portions (10A) with an outer surface (11) and a radius (R) extend over at least 60% of the circumference of the shaft (10).

Abstract: Provided is a gelatin dessert which can be frozen and stored in the freezer for at least 6 months. Upon thawing, the gelatin dessert is a ready to use dessert that has desirable mouthfeel and organoleptic properties. The dessert comprises gelatine, sugar, inulin, wheat fiber, acacia gmn, emulsifier, starch and water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining when meat is cooked to a desired degree of doneness, the method continuously calculating the arithmetic integral of the meat's temperature (T) minus some threshold temperature (Tt) to determine an Energy Impulse (EI) value. Each level of doneness for a particular type of meat is represented by a range of EI values resulting from the integration of a time-based function of the meat's temperature. When the desired EI value is reached, the meat has been cooked to the desired doneness level, a signal is generated that indicates the meat is cooked to the desired doneness level and the cooking process is terminated.

Abstract: A system and method of packaging a food product which provides a long shelf life, wherein the food product is cooked on rollers heated to 500° to 550° F. degrees in an oven heated to 750° to 800° F. for less than ten minutes and then enters a blast chiller at about 5° F. After cooling the product to 40° F. the product is placed in a cook-in bag, seasonings are added and the bag is vacuum-sealed and stored in a cooler at about 40° F. or lower. The seasonings are irradiated prior to being added to the food product to further control pathogen growth.

Abstract: The present disclosure employs two principles: The first principle consists of producing a great and sudden decompression which causes a great and sudden expansion of the gases present in the cytoplasmic and organelle liquids of the contaminative organisms, thereby causing the death of the contaminative organisms. This process can be accomplished at low temperatures near the freezing points of the liquids to be treated, thereby preserving all the molecules of the nutrients that get lost with the higher temperature used in the pasteurization process. The second principle consists of subjecting the liquids to be treated, conformed in droplets or fine sprays, to great linear or rotatory accelerations, or both, which can reach up to 1,000 times the gravitational acceleration on Earth's surface, through frontal, tangential or oblique shocks. These shocks have lethal effects on the cell membranes, organelles and, mainly, cytoskeleton and organelle architecture of the contaminative organism cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to selected from the group consisting of hard candies, brittle, caramel, and toffee, preferably hard candies containing maltodextrin, and at least 93% w/w erythritol preferably at least 95% w/w erythritol, more preferably at least 97% w/w erythritol.

Abstract: The present invention resides in methods of preparing low moisture sweetened fruit product base. The methods comprise the steps in sequence of forming a hot sweetened intermediate moisture flowable fruit or confectionary composition or slurry by extended cooking with agitation at final moisture levels and a solids content ranging from about 85 to 92° Brix; and without intervening drying, forming the hot slurry into sized and shaped individual pieces.

Abstract: A heat retentive server includes a chamber defined between an upper shell and a lower shell that are connected to one another. An induction-heatable member is positioned in the chamber, and the induction-heatable member may be heated by electromagnetic induction to a first temperature that is greater than the heat deflection temperature of the upper shell. Buffering material is positioned in the chamber between the induction-heatable member and the upper shell, and the buffering material is adapted for providing predetermined conductive heat transfer from the induction-heatable member to the upper shell so that at least a portion of the upper shell is heated to a second temperature that is greater than the heat deflection temperature of the upper shell. The second temperature is less than the first temperature.

Abstract: A method for producing a confectionery product from at least two pieces with at least one interface between the two pieces and including meltable material at least in parts of the interface, comprising the step of heating the interface during or after the two pieces have been brought into contact with each other. An apparatus for producing a confectionery product from two or more pieces comprising at least one heater in or downstream of a station where at least two pieces of the confectionery product are brought into contact with each other. A mold for the production of a confectionery product having at least two pieces has at least one component or portion heatable by induction heating. A heatable component, preferably a ferromagnetic component provided in the vicinity of a confectionery product, is used for partially heating the confectionery product, preferably by induction heating.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a liquid food product includes flowing a food product to be sterilized through an input channel. The method also includes flowing the liquid food product through a heating channel that is fluidly coupled to the input channel. Further, the method includes flowing the food product through an output channel fluidly coupled to the heating channel. The output channel is adjacent the input channel, and the output channel, the input channel, and the heating channel are all integrated portions of a heat exchanger. Further still, the method includes transferring heat between the output channel and the input channel.

Abstract: Barley based beverages are produced in large quantities, employing highly energy consuming methods, for example in the malting and brewhouse facilities for kiln drying and wort boiling operations, respectively. The present invention relates to energy saving methods for preparing barley based beverages, as well as to barley plants useful in such methods. In particular, the invention describes barley plants with combined traits of null-lipoxygenase-1 (null-LOX-1), null-lipoxygenase-2 (null-LOX-2) and null-S-adenosylmethionine:methionine S-methyltransferase in one plant, which is particularly useful for energy saving methods to prepare barley based beverages, such as beer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an innovative procedure for producing three-dimensional candies, preferably of the type known in the food industry as gummy snacks, which eliminates the stamping of starch beds and the cleaning process of the chilled product, furthermore having control of detail on all sides of the product, as well as a transparency and crystallinity never before achieved with the procedures known and traditionally used in the food industry. Likewise, the invention incorporates a completely novel shaping device consisting of two plates connected by a male-female system and with a plurality of product-shaping cavities that are in contact with all sides of the product to be formed.

Abstract: An inexpensive heat treatment method for producing dried microbial cells is provided, wherein the method does not result in lowering the quality of the microbial cells or causing pulverization. The method includes a step of heating microbial cells to between 200 to 450° C. for 1 to 30 seconds.

Abstract: Provided are a chocolate-like food, which shows little change in viscosity and sustains stable qualities even when transported and stored in a melted state, and a method for producing the same. A chocolate-like food, which contains a large amount of milk components, can be transported and stored in a melted state by regulating the content of non-crystalline lactose to a specific level or below. Further, a chocolate-like food produced by a simple method, said method comprising adding moisture to a chocolate-like food and then heating the same before the completion of a grain refining step, can be transported and stored in a melted state.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for hygienically and automatically producing from a beverage dispensing device a frothed whitened beverage in a receptacle comprising upon the actuation of a command on the device the following operations controlled by a control unit of said device: —a. metering and delivering a pre-warming volume of heated water in a receptacle for prewarming a whitening food component already contained in the receptacle and forming a warmed liquid in said receptacle, —b. metering and delivering a frothing volume of heated water in the form of at least a pressurized jet directed toward the receptacle for frothing the warmed liquid, —c. producing and delivering in the receptacle a liquid mixture made of a second food component and a metered mixing volume of water. The invention also concerns a device for implementing said method.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating freshly harvested olives to substantially retain the quality of oil contained therewithin for enabling production of high quality olive oil from said treated olives at a prolonged time after harvest and treated freshly harvested olives with retained oil qualities characterized in that the oil extracted therefrom after a prolonged storage time meets the standards of the IOC for Virgin Olive Oils.

Abstract: The present invention provides feed or food products for consumption by animals or humans which include respective quantities of flax oil and non-flax carbohydrate. The flax oil and carbohydrate are mixed together and simultaneously subjected to an elevated temperature of at least about 120° F. and subsequently cooled; the flax oil is used at a level so that the final product contains at least about 5% by weight flax oil. It has been found that the products of the invention, when fed at effective levels, induce increased in vivo synthesis of desirable eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Abstract: A process for heating a pumpable food product comprising the steps of: a) providing a pumpable food product, b) transporting the pumpable food product through a continuous flow passage, c) heating the pumpable food product during at least part of the transporting of step b), characterised in that the flow rate of transportation during step b) comprises phases of acceleration and phases of deceleration, wherein the phases of acceleration and of deceleration periodically repeat.

Abstract: A rotating machine operated along an axis (3a) by a motor (3), for extraction of puree or juice from animal or vegetable food, comprises an inlet duct (1) where the animal or vegetable food (2) is loaded, for example fruit or vegetables, conveyed by a feeding screw conveyor not shown. The food pulps of the products (2) are loaded in frozen condition and enter then a shredding section comprising an armature (4) rotatable at a high speed in a stator (5) where the product is subjected to pressure pulses in quick succession by the movement of the frozen product (2) between the armature (4) and the stator (5). This way, there is a significant transformation of the mechanical energy into thermal energy that assists partial defrosting (at least 10%) of the product, obtaining a desired, temperature course of the product at least up to the end of the extraction with respect to the defrosting temperature (T*) of the product, which can be 0OC or even less.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition and method which facilitate increased incorporation of meat into a dry food product, such as an extruded pet food kibble. Products made by incorporating the composition provide increased resistance to breakage, excellent palatability, and increased nutritional value.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating high solids concentrated milk products to delay gelation of the concentrated milk products by minimizing the rate at which the viscosity of the concentrates increases during cold storage. By another approach, the methods described herein are effective to substantially reduce the viscosity of the concentrated milk products. The methods described herein advantageously increase the length of time the high solids milk concentrates remain fluid and pumpable during refrigerated shelf-life. The high solids concentrated milk products treated with the methods provided herein include about 33 to about 43 percent total solids. By one approach, the high solids concentrated milk products have a pH of about 4.6 to about 6.7, and include salt at about 0.25 to about 6 percent by weight of the concentrate.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for preparing foods and beverages that contain additives. Additives include nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and supplements, such as essential fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, conjugated fatty acids, and other fatty acids; phytochemicals, including phytosterols; other oils; and coenzymes, including Coenzyme Q10, and other oil-based additives.

Abstract: An edible, chewable dark chocolate candy for the oral delivery of dietary supplements and pharmaceutical compounds. The-chocolate formed or molded solid candy contains at least one active ingredient that is blended with the chocolate candy during conching of the chocolate candy. A method for manufacturing the chewable chocolate candy is also disclosed. In the blending phase, a chocolate liquor is blended with additional ingredients to obtain the desired individual chocolate recipe for the chocolate delivery vehicle. The selected dietary supplement and/or pharmaceutical compounds are then added to the chocolate liquor, which is then conched for the desired time period. When the conching phase is completed, the conched chocolate is tempered, after which the tempered chocolate having 60% or more cacao mass may be formed into various sizes and shapes for individually-wrapped pieces, or formed into large blocks for storage and shipment.

Abstract: A process for preparing a stable and homogenous fruit preparation, includes the steps of: (i) preparing a fruit mixture by mixing fruit pieces, optionally in the presence of a fruit matrix, with sugar in an amount included between 10% and 60% by weight relative to the total weight of the fruit preparation, (ii) treating the fruit mixture obtained in step (i) at a temperature ranging between 40° C. and 90° C., and at a pressure from 50 mbar to 1000 mbar, during 15 to 90 minutes, so as to obtain a concentrated fruit preparation having a Brix degree at 20° C. ranging between 50° and 75°, (iii) optionally submitting the concentrated fruit preparation to a heat treatment, at a temperature ranging between 90° C. and 120° C., (iv) cooling the concentrated fruit preparation obtained in step (ii) or, when step (iii) is performed, cooling the concentrated fruit preparation obtained in step (iii), to storage temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cheese product containing milk solids ?50% and consisting of a mixture of melted cheese and of at least one cereal, and to a cheese product which may be produced by the method. The cheese product is characterized by a long shelf life, i.e. a shelf life which may be up to 4 months at room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a confectionery product, more specifically a hard candy containing an edible acid, and at least 95% w/w erythritol preferably at least 98% w/w erythritol, more preferably at least 99% w/w erythritol. The confectionery product is not containing a binding agent selected from the group consisting of gum Arabic, gelatine and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tri-enzyme hydrolysis method for preparing an oligo-saccharide enhanced oat-based drink product useful in lowering cholesterol, triglyceride, blood sugar and improving gastrointestinal function which comprises not only oat ?-glucan and but also a higher amount of isomalto-oligosacchride. In accordance with the invention, whole grains of oats are micronized to an average particle size of 100 microns prior to enzyme treatments, and a product of creamy milk-like texture is obtained without filtration so that nutrients of the whole grains of oats are retained. This invention enhances the value of oat-based processing to yield additional health-associated content and illness (such as hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycemia) prevention efficacy that are beyond the potential of oats per se.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tri-enzyme hydrolysis method for preparing an oligo-saccharide enhanced oat-based drink product useful in lowering cholesterol, triglyceride, blood sugar and improving gastrointestinal function which comprises not only oat ?-glucan and but also a higher amount of isomalto-oligosacchride. In accordance with the invention, whole grains of oats are micronized to an average particle size of 100 microns prior to enzyme treatments, and a product of creamy milk-like texture is obtained without filtration so that nutrients of the whole grains of oats are retained. This invention enhances the value of oat-based processing to yield additional health-associated content and illness (such as hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycemia) prevention efficacy that are beyond the potential of oats per se.

Abstract: Treated Brassica seeds and their extracts for use as a flavor and/or a flavor modifier in consumables. Treatment includes heating, and optionally grinding methods and/or recovery methods. Consumables include foods, beverages, health-care products, oral hygiene and oral care products, beauty-care products, and tobacco products. The extract contains elevated amounts of flavor and flavor modifier. One flavor modifier of the extract may be 2-furfurylthiol (“FFT”). A process for producing treated Brassica seeds extract.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a process for producing a ready-to-eat (RTE) fruit food product, comprising: obtaining a quantity of granulated fruit meal; and forming the fruit meal into a predetermined shaped product, comprising: applying a heat sufficient to cause the fruit meal to become tacky; and applying a compressive force to the tacky fruit meal to form the predetermined shape. In one embodiment, the process can use a mold to form the predetermined shape. Importantly, the fruit food product can be formed into a stable predetermined shaped product independent of baking the product. The heat sufficient to cause the fruit meal to be come tacky generally causes the fruit meal to be between 80° F. (27° C.) to 200° F. (93° C.). For example, the compressive force can between 1 pound force (0.4 kilograms) to 16 pounds force (7.3 kilograms) for an exemplary 2 inch (5 cm) cookie/biscuit.

Abstract: A system and method for holding and warming food held in pans or trays having a low relative magnetic permeability, such as 300-series stainless steel, using induction heating.

Abstract: Thermally convertible food presentation modules are described. A single module may be used for both heating and refrigeration of foodstuffs as desired at any given time. Any well of a module may be switched between heating and cooling of food regardless of the status of any other well of the module.

Abstract: Novel apparatus, thermal processing medium and method for accelerated, optimized thermal processing of product, to a user selected processing state using a thermal processing medium that is essentially neither water nor steam, does not result in any change of state during any processing step, and wherein said thermal processing medium comprises a different composition for each of the heating, holding and cooling stages but is additionally regulatory approved for direct or indirect contact with foodstuffs, is described. It further relates to the elimination of any significant additional pressurization of either the thermal processing apparatus or the medium. It also relates to eliminating expensive, anti-corrosion additives. Finally, it relates to the flexible and modular structure of the apparatus, wherein the independently controlled and optimized processing of product to any user-selected processing state can be accomplished without further modification.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a chamber containing a plurality of food products, and a second chamber having a heater. In use, the apparatus: transfers the products individually from the collection chamber to the second chamber; displacing a lower heating device into an inactive position enabling nearing and distancing movement of the product with respect to the upper heating device; vertically translates the product, along a vertical axis, up to a heating position, defined in proximity of and below the active heating surface of the upper heating device; brings the lower heating device into an active position, facing upwards and located below the active surface of the upper heating device. The product interposed, and the upper heating device and the lower heating device heat the product, displacing the lower heating device into the inactive position, vertically translating the product, moving the product to a position outside the second chamber.

Abstract: Passive temperature control is provided to vessels too tall to be stored in a shallow, temperature-controlled tray or basin by a vertically oriented thermally-conductive tube. In one embodiment, an insulative collar covers the tray and insulates portions of the tube that extend above the top of the tray. Optional heat sinking fins and air convection holes increase heat transfer between the tube and the tray.

Abstract: Methods for stabilizing liquid coffee concentrates are provided that form a coffee beverage that has a substantially consistent acidity profile. In one aspect, the methods blend a liquid coffee concentrate base with an edible alkali source in an amount effective to artificially increase a pH of the liquid coffee concentrate base. The liquid coffee concentrate base is aseptically processed and thermally treated at elevated temperatures for a time sufficient to artificially drive acid generating reactions in the liquid coffee concentrate to completion to form a stabilized liquid coffee concentrate.

Abstract: A snack chip comprising from about 15% to about 60% of vegetable material; from about 40% to about 65% of starch material made from materials selected from the group consisting of tapioca, rice and mixtures thereof; from about 0.1% to about 3.0% water; and from about 1% to about 20% of optional ingredients. At least about 40% of the starch material is pre-gelatinized. The snack chip can be made by combining the vegetable material and dry ingredients with water to form a dough which is then sheeted, dried without the use of a heated extruder to form a half product, which is cooked to form the snack chip.

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: A field-ready oven has reinforced telescoped side walls that extend and hold a base, shelf, tray support and cover spaced apart. A low air intake and a semipermeable membrane deliver air and vapor fuel to catalyst pads on the shelf. Radiant heat from exothermic reaction is diffused over a bottom of a tray. Hot gas circulates around the diffuser and tray with a chimney effect before exhausting. A lid on the cover lifts for access to the tray. A fuel container in the oven forces fuel through a capillary restriction to limit fuel flow. A spring in the container is released to start fuel flow.

Abstract: A desiccating device and method providing variable drying conditions allowing the desiccated material to substantially maintain its natural characteristics upon rehydration as well as have a low microbial content. The method provides a process of subjecting the material to ultrasound and flowing hot air or gas for a defined period of time. The ultrasonic frequency, temperature, air flow and time of exposure can be varied to produce the most efficient drying conditions depending on the material to be dried. The apparatus has plurality of drying chambers with forced heated air or gas input and output ducts and ultrasonic emitter. The material passes through each chamber at a pre-determined rate on a perforated conveyor belt in one embodiment of the invention. Optionally, the material may be placed on a drying bed or substrate comprising a number of spheres.

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 present invention is a grain product. The grain product includes a first fraction including bran. The first fraction is milled to a first particle size of less than 500 micrometers. The grain product also includes a second fraction including germ. The second fraction is milled to a second particle size of less than 500 micrometers. The grain product is at least one of: a food product, a nutritional supplement, a dietary supplement, a fiber supplement, a digestive supplement, a functional food, and a medical food.

Abstract: A food warming and cooking apparatus used over a burner of a range or similar heat source. The apparatus has a base section adapted to cover the heater and help contain heated air therein. A heat modifier having a plurality of emitters emits heated air into an intermediate section. A pot or other food holder is placed into a receiver during operation. One or more guides position the pot for even cooking. Hot air is emitted in a manner that induces good heat transfer at relatively lower temperatures than would be experienced by direct contact of a pot or other cooking implement to reduce the risk of sticking and scorching.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a thermal stable whey protein beverage comprising: (a) providing an aqueous solution of at least 2% (w/w) whey proteins and having a neutral pH; then (b) heating the aqueous solution of whey proteins; then (c) cooling the aqueous solution of whey proteins; then (d) adding at least one mineral salt at a neutral pH; and then (e) heating the aqueous solution of whey protein to produce a thermal stable whey protein beverage. The present invention is further directed to a method for producing a thermal stable whey protein beverage under aseptic processing conditions or pasteurization or ultrapasteurization conditions comprising: (a) providing an aqueous solution of at least 2% whey proteins and having a neutral pH; then (b) heating the aqueous solution of whey proteins; then (c) cooling the aqueous solution of whey proteins; then (d) adding at least one mineral salt to produce a thermal stable whey protein beverage.