Abstract: A method of preparing a beverage, wherein the method comprises the step of heating a beverage in a cup by means of injecting steam into the beverage through a wand and the step of measuring the temperature of the beverage in the cup, wherein the step of measuring the temperature of the beverage comprises during the step of heating the step of continuously recording an audio signal from the beverage and the step of deriving the temperature of the beverage from the recorded audio signal. A device for preparing a beverage, said device being provided with a beverage temperature sensor comprising at least one microphone and a controller which is loaded with a computer program for performing the inventive method.

Abstract: Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container (11) for food or beverage preparation, adapted for containing at least one precursor ingredient within at least one compartment (34), and comprising an injection wall (17) for coupling to a food or beverage preparation machine (1) having at least one pressurized source of a mixing ingredient, whereby a food or beverage product is prepared within said container (11) by mixing said mixing ingredient with said precursor ingredient, said container (11) further comprising at least one food or beverage delivery wall (16, 37), characterized in that said injection wall (17) comprises outwardly expandable connection means (18, 19, 20) suitable for connecting said container (11) to said mixing ingredient source and establish a fluid communication between said container and said mixing ingredient source.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for controlling a roasting process of coffee beans comprises sampling a first batch of coffee beans and a second batch of coffee beans from said coffee beans during roasting (S12; S42); detecting a surface color of the first batch of coffee beans (S14; S44); grinding the second batch of coffee beans and detecting a powder color of the second batch of coffee beans after grinding (S16; S46); and controlling the roasting process at least partially based on the detected surface color of the first batch of coffee beans and the detected powder color of the first batch of coffee beans (S18; S48). The present invention also provides apparatus using the above described method.

Abstract: A disposable beverage pod includes a first compartment containing a beverage concentrate in dry or semi-dry form and a second compartment containing ethanol. An apparatus for making a single serving beverage is operable to receive the disposable beverage pod and mix the contents thereof with water from a water reservoir and optionally pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source to form a single serving beverage.

Abstract: A method for processing vegetables to reduce unpleasant odor and/or taste, and/or to minimize discoloration, deterioration, degradation, or rot over a period of storage time is described. The method includes: i) subjecting the vegetable to mechanical size reduction; ii) heating or freezing the vegetable for a pre-determined period; and iii) bringing the softened vegetable product into contact with one or more reactive oxygen species selected from: peroxides; superoxides; and ozone.

Abstract: A system for cooking pieces of protein may include a batter applicator that receives a batter made from high-gluten flour and coats the batter on pieces of protein, a thermoforming packaging machine that receives the pieces of protein coated with the batter from the batter applicator and seals the pieces of protein in plastic pouches, and a heating unit that receives the plastic pouches from the thermoforming packaging machine and cooks the battered protein in the plastic pouches. A method for cooking pieces of protein may include coating a batter made from high-gluten flour on the pieces of protein; sealing the pieces of protein coated with the batter in plastic pouches; and cooking the battered protein in the plastic pouches to make cooked, battered protein pieces in which the batter is tacky after cooking. The cooked protein pieces may be removed from the plastic pouches, breaded, and flash fried.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a product package having a tray and a combination flexible/rigid lid design that comprises a rigid or semi-rigid frame and a flexible film that is transparent or translucent that is fixedly attached to the frame and releasably attached to the package tray. The novel product package is capable of maintaining a seal until opened by a consumer, allows a consumer to see the product through the lid, can be opened with a single step, and is resealable and/or reusable by the consumer.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing aromatic beverages by means of extraction of a respective substance, such as espresso coffee and similar, that comprises at least one extraction device (3) adapted for extracting an single dose of said substance provided in a package (2), for example in the form of a substantially rigid capsule or substantially flexible pod, and a previous opening disposition (5) disposed upstream of the extraction device (3) and adapted to provide passageways (53) in the single dose packages (2) before the latter are supplied to the extraction device (3). A process for preparing beverages with anticipated opening of a package (2) by means of the previous opening disposition (5) disposed upstream of the extraction device (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a capsule body (2), which has a capsule bottom (3) and a filling side (4), wherein a cavity (100) for accommodating a powdery or liquid beverage substrate (101) is formed between the capsule bottom (3) and the filling side (4), wherein a filter element (7) is arranged between the beverage substrate (101) and the capsule bottom (3).

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of the beverage preparation machines having an ingredient processing module for preparing a beverage with at least one ingredient supplied with a capsule. The machine comprises a positioner arranged to hold at least one capsule out of the ingredient processing module. It further comprises a sensing arrangement adapted to detect an event related to the insertion by a user of a capsule and/or the presence of the capsule on or into the positioner. The machine is configured, upon detection of the event, to transfer the capsule to the ingredient processing module by using transfer means, and then to start the preparation of the beverage. More particularly, the invention relates to a machine providing a convenient and safe solution to fully automate the preparation of a beverage.

Abstract: Microwave foodstuff packages and methods of making and using the same. The microwave foodstuff packages include only a single gusset and/or a Z-fold configuration.

Abstract: An extraction appliance with a brewing module for forming a brewing chamber for a portion capsule, with a water feed comprising a pump and a water heater for feeding water under pressure to the brewing chamber. The extraction appliance includes a control for the pump that can be integrated into the pump or be present at least partly externally of the pump, as well as a device for measuring the fluid flow into the brewing chamber. The control is configured such that a pump power of the pump is dependent on the fluid flow, and specifically such that given a lower fluid flow, the pump power is reduced in comparison to a greater fluid flow.

Abstract: The invention concerns pack (1) with an inner volume (2) in which a food or beverage ingredient (7) is stored and in which a beverage is produced when water is introduced inside,—said inner volume (2) being defined by two sheets of material (10) joined to one another at their edges and said inner volume (2) presenting a generally plane shape defining a plane (P) vertically oriented during beverage production,—said pack comprising at least one inlet (3) for introducing water in the inner volume and at least one outlet (4) for delivering the beverage from said inner volume, the water inlet (3) and the beverage outlet (4) being included in one single insert (5), said single insert (5) being positioned at the bottom of the pack and being partially positioned between two joined edges of the sheets of material (10), the water inlet (3) being oriented essentially perpendicularly to the plane (P) defined by the inner volume (2), and—wherein the single insert (5) comprises a centring hole (53) extending essentially pe

Abstract: A coffee pod is described with an improved sealing surface for a filter disposed within the pod. The improved sealing surface provides better adherence between the filter and a sidewall of the pod so that unadhered portions are minimized and operation is improved. A coffee pod is also described with an improved foot structure having a configuration and thickness designed to minimize buckling while also utilizing a cost-efficient amount of material.

Abstract: A packaged product consisting essentially of an aseptic dairy beverage in a closed container is disclosed. The beverage may be foamed by shaking, to provide a pleasant foamy texture.

Abstract: A single-serve beverage cartridge including a generally hollow body portion having a chamber, a sidewall, a first end, and a second end. A beverage component or precursor can be positioned in the chamber. Further, the second end can include at least one restricting orifice that can facilitate the creation of a predetermined amount of pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A system for providing a single serving of a frozen confection, wherein the system comprises a pod comprising at least one ingredient for providing a single serving of a frozen confection; the system cools the pod; the system introduces water into the pod; the system simultaneously stirs the contents of the pod while scraping at least one wall of the pod to prevent a build-up of the frozen confection on the at least one wall of the pod; and the system ejects the frozen confection out of the pod.

Abstract: Processor tray for displaying tubular meat products in an arcuate configuration, and designed to help guide the packer to mold and place curved meat products in the tray. The filled tray is wrapped in film, and the configuration of the filled tray maintains the film taut to avoid leakage. The tray includes a rectangular upper shaped cavity, and a plurality of curved recessed pockets extend below the upper cavity to define a lower cavity. The tray is designed to provide structural rigidity that resists warping and breakage, thus enabling the overwrapped tray to be handled, shipped, and displayed with minimal leakage or breakage. In some embodiments the tray includes features that facilitate de-nesting of a stack of empty trays, and is adapted to facilitate movement of the wrapped package on a moving conveyor line. The tray is easy to manufacture and provides a lightweight and cost effective packaging product.

Abstract: A portion pack for preparing beverages, in particular tea or coffee, comprises a container for holding a substance suitable for beverage preparation and an adapter which can be inserted into a machine for beverage preparation. The container is liquid-permeable at least in some regions or can be perforated during the beverage preparation. The container is releasably fastened to the adapter. The adapter can be reused to prepare a plurality of beverages.