Abstract: A two component ice confection is formed by cooling an ice confection core to below -15.degree. C., preferably using a cryogenic liquid, then immersing it in a water ice solution to form a layer of water ice on the core, and then hardening the water ice layer. Products formed by the process preferably have an average ice crystal size of below 100 micron.

Abstract: A process for preparing a savory flavor, the process comprising reacting a compound of general formula X with hydrogen sulphide and/or cystein, wherein ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 represents an alkyl group having 1 or 2 carbon atoms or hydrogen, R.sup.2 represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms or hydrogen, R.sup.3 represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms or hydrogen and R.sup.4 represents hydrogen or an organic radical consisting of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, hydrogen and from 0 to 2 oxygen atoms. X is preferably 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3-oxo-2-butyl)-3(2H)-furanone, and is formed from the reaction of 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone and diacetyl. 2,5-dimethyl-4-mercapto-3(2H)-furanone is a flavor compound obtainable by this process.

Abstract: The current invention deals with a low fat opaque pourable dressing where the opacity is achieved by emulsification of the oil in a pre-emulsion and then adding and homogenizing the pre-emulsion to a water phase containing the balance of the dressing ingredients.

Abstract: A preservative and flavoring system for tea based beverages. The system contains a tea extract, an antimicrobially active amount of cinnamic acid or an acidic derivative thereof and an acidulant in an amount that maintains the pH of the beverage below pH 4.5. The system preferably includes an additional preservative such as a weak acid preservative. It can be used to prepare an ambient-stable tea based beverage and is suitable for cold filling.

Abstract: A valve (16) reciprocates with a constant stroke in the former tube (2) of a form-fill apparatus to dispense doses of filling material from the tube by ejecting the material through an outlet nozzle (8). The size of the doses is adjustable, in one form of the invention, by feeding the material is fed through an adjustable dosing opening immediately adjacent the valve. In another form of the invention, the valve (16) is adjustably positionable relative to the former tube (2) to vary the mean position of reciprocation of the valve relative to the tube. In a further form of the invention, an adjustably controllable head of material is maintained in the former tube to determine the rate at which it is fed to the valve (16).

Abstract: Stable tea concentrates containing xanthan gum are shown. The concentrates are prepared by the use of selected cell wall lysis enzymes.

Abstract: A leaf tea especially blended from a black tea and a green tea so that it contains catechins and phenols in a ratio between 0.15 to 0.4, but preferably between 0.2 and 0.3. Such a product resembles black tea but typically possesses an antioxidant activity that is 10% or more higher than that the same mass of the black tea alone. The black tea is preferably low grown while the green tea is preferably from an Assam jat.

Abstract: An aqueous based tea solids containing beverage is taught which also contains a sufficient amount of cinnamic acid its salts and esters as a flavoring/antimicrobial compound and employs a hurdle approach with selected levels of water hardness, polyphosphate, sequestrants, pH adjustment, benzoic acid and sorbic acid to prevent microbiological outgrowth while simultaneously contributing to the pleasant flavor of the beverage thus making the beverage acceptable both organoleptically and microbiologically.

Abstract: A crisp, approximately circular wafer product is provided whereby the two surfaces of the wafer each have a pattern formed by ridges, the first surface having a pattern comprising at least two grid patterns superimposed on each other, one grid being at an angle of approximately 45.degree. to the other, the second surface having a single grid pattern, the pattern being at 45.degree. to the lower grid on the first surface.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a frozen ice confection within a multi-part or split mold, wherein the mold is pre-cooled to below -50.degree. C., the process comprising the steps of;(a) exposing the empty mold to a cryogenic liquid;(b) releasing any cryogenic liquid from the mold;(c) introducing the ice confection into the mold;(d) allowing at least the ice confection in contact with the mold to freeze; and(e) releasing the frozen ice confection from the mold.

Abstract: A tea concentrate prepared by enzymatic extraction of the tea leaf with a combination of cell wall lysis enzymes and tannase is disclosed where the concentrate is stabilized where necessary by xanthan gum.

Abstract: An aqueous based tea solids containing beverage is taught which also contains a sufficient amount of a selected substituted phenyl flavoring/antimicrobial compound to prevent microbial outgrowth while simultaneously contributing to the pleasant flavor of the beverage thus making the beverage acceptable both organoleptically and microbiologically. Optionally selected "hurdles" or stepwise antimicrobial controls are also employed.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a frozen fish product comprises: treating frozen or non-frozen fish, which comprises molecules of myosin and molecules of actin, each molecule of myosin having a head region (6) and a tail region (8), such that the conformation of the head region of the molecule of myosin changes irreversibly and the conformation of the molecule of actin does not change completely and irreversibly; and storing the fish under freezing conditions. Suitable treatments for affecting the conformational change include application of pressure. The treated fish product has an increased resistance to frozen deterioration of texture.

Abstract: A flexible packaging system containing spiral wound instant pasta noodles along with a system for packing the noodles in flexible envelopes to reduce breakage of the noodles to permit inclusion of noodles longer than the flexible package filling aperture and reducing the incidence of perforation of the package.

Abstract: A tamper evident container with a dispensing closure is disclosed. The patent deals with a container having a smooth neck portion and having a removable dispenser closure mounted on the neck portion. The closure, in turn, is formed with a top, a skirt depending from the top and a dispensing lid mounted on the top. The top has a dispensing orfice in it which communicates with the interior of the container. The lid is moveable from a position closing the dispensing orifice to a position opening the dispenser orifice. A tamper evident neck wrap is mounted on the container over the skirt and the lid which prevents the dispensing lid from being moved to an open position without tearing or breaking the neck wrap to show the container has opened.

Abstract: Packing apparatus on a conveyor line for use in filling cartons with compressible articles comprises first and second tamping pistons (4,6) operating in sequence in a chamber (2) to successively compress the articles and drive them through a chute (2a) into a carton (C). A planar shutter (32) is provided at the bottom of the chute (2a) to close it between carton-filling operations. The chute and carton are separated by only the shutter so as to minimize the gap between them and also to facilitate the extension of the driving piston (6) into the container to pack the articles more firmly therein. The shutter rotates on a vertical axis offset from the chute with its lower face contacting the cartons and moves generally in the direction of advance of the carton along the conveyor line.

Abstract: A double compartment infusion packet has a drawstring (4) running through both compartments. The compartments are doubled over are joined together at opposite ends. The drawstring has an intermediate portion (6) retained at one end between the compartments and further portions (8) extending through the compartments to the other end where the ends of the drawstring are secured to a tag card (40). The tag card overlaps the sealing of the compartments at the other end and is secured there to the packet material. A line of weakening (42) allows the tag card to be detached to draw out the further portions of the drawstring to contract the packet and squeeze out excess moisture after infusion.