Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preserving a plant material. The method comprises applying a composition comprising a microwave attractant to the plant material; and then drying the plant material while exposing the plant material to microwave energy, wherein the microwave energy heats the plant material to a temperature effective to inactivate the majority of any browning enzymes in the plant material, and wherein the microwave attractant results in the heating of the plant material occurring at a rate whereby browning of the plant material by the browning enzymes during heating is substantially prevented. Also disclosed are uses of the preserved plant material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for producing egg-free simulated egg food products. The composition comprises whey protein, a soy material comprising a lipoxygenase inactivated soy flour and a pH modifying agent effective to alkalinise the composition upon hydration. A simulated egg food product having organoleptic properties similar to those of the egg food product if produced using hen eggs is produced upon hydrating and then cooking the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for producing egg-free simulated egg food products. The composition comprises whey protein, a soy material comprising a lipoxygenase inactivated soy flour and a pH modifying agent effective to alkalinise the composition upon hydration. A simulated egg food product having organoleptic properties similar to those of the egg food product if produced using hen eggs is produced upon hydrating and then cooking the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a ready to use storage stable food composition. The method comprises comminuting an admixture of a fresh plant material and an oil at a substantially neutral pH and under conditions whereby browning enzymes in the plant material are substantially prevented from reacting; rapidly heating the admixture to a temperature at which the browning enzymes are substantially inactivated, and under conditions whereby the admixture loses substantially no weight during heating; and cooling the heated admixture to a temperature at which growth of spoilage organisms does not occur. Also disclosed herein are ready to use storage stable food compositions. When the compositions are combined with foods containing phenolic compounds, no browning of the food occurs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preserving a plant material. The method comprises applying a composition comprising a microwave attractant to the plant material; and then drying the plant material while exposing the plant material to microwave energy, wherein the microwave energy heats the plant material to a temperature effective to inactivate the majority of any browning enzymes in the plant material, and wherein the microwave attractant results in the heating of the plant material occurring at a rate whereby browning of the plant material by the browning enzymes during heating is substantially prevented. Also disclosed are uses of the preserved plant material.

Abstract: Quick-cooked dehydrated vegetables having a moisture content of about 12% or less which have been compressed, but maintain a substantially intact cellular structure, and which on being placed in water at a temperature of 90° C. to 100° C. are capable of rehydration substantially to their original fresh dimensions, and are of edible tenderness and texture instantly or within five minutes, are described. Also described are processes for the production of a dehydrated, rapidly rehydrating vegetable product by compression of a partially dehydrated vegetable product.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved breakfast cereal biscuit comprising grain which includes waxy grain in an amount of at least 20% by weight of total grain content. The grain has been hydrated and cooked either sequentially or simultaneously, rolled into flakes, and either agglomerated and toasted into a desired biscuit shape or toasted and agglomerated into a desired biscuit shape. A process for the production of the improved breakfast cereal biscuit is also provided. The improved breakfast cereal biscuit typically exhibits extended bowl life, has improved nutritional qualities, is tender and crisp in texture, has better flavors, and requires reduced energy in the manufacturing process, when compared to standard flaked wheat breakfast cereal biscuits.

Abstract: There is provided a grain suitable for use in baked products and a method for producing the grain in which the grain has been preconditioned by physical action sufficient to induce an internal capillary network without causing the grain to fragment. The grain is subsequently treated with an osmotically active solute which provides the grain with rapid imbibition characteristics. The treated grain, when used in baked products, results in a baked product having improved shelf stability and antistaling properties.

Abstract: Spreadable gelled syrup compositions are described which comprise syrup, and agar in an amount sufficient to form a gel. Also described are processes for the production of a spreadable gelled syrup composition which comprises dispersing solubilized agar through a syrup at a temperature which is above the gelation temperature of the agar, and thereafter cooling the composition so as to allow formation of a gel.

Abstract: A process for introducing solutes into dried fruit is described, which process comprises: