Patents Assigned to Diamond of California
  • Patent number: 6572907
    Abstract: A method for drying nuts that includes removing, acids, particularly tannins, and stopping enzymatic activity within the nut prior to drying provides a novel approach to processing nuts that has many useful characteristics. In one embodiment, walnuts are first blanched in water for 3 to 5 minutes to remove acids and stop enzymatic activity without causing the nut oils to react and are then reduced to a partially dehydrate state of 2% water. Nuts so prepared are dried without inducing rancidity producing reactions that normally occur when drying tannin-containing nuts and have less of a bitter taste associated with the tannins. Additionally, the nuts may be glazed to form a protective coating that inhibits oxidative reactions between the atmosphere and the nut, and which provides a convenient and tasty snack food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Diamond of California
    Inventors: Greg Gorang, Maris Lunt, Peter Mattson, Marianne Paloncy