Abstract: A method of processing a fruit or vegetable is described. The method includes contacting a fruit or vegetable in an optimizer with a first deacidified juice, the first deacidified juice including at least one bulking agent and a sugar concentration that is at least about equal to the sugar concentration in the fruit or vegetable, under conditions sufficient to transfer acids from the fruit or vegetable to the first deacidified juice and bulking agent from the first deacidified juice to the fruit or vegetable, thereby producing an acidified juice and an infused fruit or vegetable product. The method also includes removing acids from the acidified juice to produce a second deacidified juice, mixing the second deacidified juice with at least one bulking agent, and, optionally, recycling the second deacidified juice comprising at least one bulking agent to the optimizer.

Abstract: Processes for producing an extract containing phytochemicals from pomegranates are disclosed. The processes generally comprise providing pomegranate solids, such as the pericarp, inner membrane and seeds; creating a mixture comprising the pomegranate solids in an aqueous solution; adding enzymes to the mixture in an amount sufficient to at least partially degrade the pomegranate solids; heating the mixture to a temperature that permits the maximum rate of catalysis of the enzyme; maintaining the temperature of the heated mixture for a time sufficient to allow at least partial degradation of the pomegranate solids; and removing residual insoluble solid materials from the mixture. Compositions containing the extract may be used as a food product, beverage, pharmaceutical preparations, nutritional supplements, vitamin supplements, food additives, and food supplements.

Abstract: Processes for producing an extract containing phytochemicals from pomegranates are disclosed. The processes generally comprise providing pomegranate solids, such as the pericarp, inner membrane and seeds; creating a mixture comprising the pomegranate solids in an aqueous solution; adding enzymes to the mixture in an amount sufficient to at least partially degrade the pomegranate solids; heating the mixture to a temperature that permits the maximum rate of catalysis of the enzyme; maintaining the temperature of the heated mixture for a time sufficient to allow at least partial degradation of the pomegranate solids; and removing residual insoluble solid materials from the mixture. Compositions containing the extract may be used as a food product, beverage, pharmaceutical preparations, nutritional supplements, vitamin supplements, food additives, and food supplements.

Abstract: Processes for producing an extract containing phytochemicals from pomegranates are disclosed. The processes generally comprise providing pomegranate solids, such as the pericarp, inner membrane and seeds; creating a mixture comprising the pomegranate solids in an aqueous solution; adding enzymes to the mixture in an amount sufficient to at least partially degrade the pomegranate solids; heating the mixture to a temperature that permits the maximum rate of catalysis of the enzyme; maintaining the temperature of the heated mixture for a time sufficient to allow at least partial degradation of the pomegranate solids; and removing residual insoluble solid materials from the mixture. Compositions containing the extract may be used as a food product, beverage, pharmaceutical preparations, nutritional supplements, vitamin supplements, food additives, and food supplements.

Abstract: A rotary packaging machine (10) that receives tubular bag material and moves the tubular bag material in a direction (11). Product is delivered to the interior of the tubular bag material with the bag material then being sealed and cut to form bags of the product. The machine (10) has a jaw carriage (14) that is reciprocated while the jaws (29) are rotated.

Abstract: Processes for producing an extract containing phytochemicals from pomegranates are disclosed. The processes generally comprise providing pomegranate solids, such as the pericarp, inner membrane and seeds; creating a mixture comprising the pomegranate solids in an aqueous solution; adding enzymes to the mixture in an amount sufficient to at least partially degrade the pomegranate solids; heating the mixture to a temperature that permits the maximum rate of catalysis of the enzyme; maintaining the temperature of the heated mixture for a time sufficient to allow at least partial degradation of the pomegranate solids; and removing residual insoluble solid materials from the mixture. Compositions containing the extract may be used as a food product, beverage, pharmaceutical preparations, nutritional supplements, vitamin supplements, food additives, and food supplements.

Abstract: Processes for producing an extract containing phytochemicals from pomegranates are disclosed. The processes generally comprise providing pomegranate solids, such as the pericarp, inner membrane and seeds; creating a mixture comprising the pomegranate solids in an aqueous solution; adding enzymes to the mixture in an amount sufficient to at least partially degrade the pomegranate solids; heating the mixture to a temperature that permits the maximum rate of catalysis of the enzyme; maintaining the temperature of the heated mixture for a time sufficient to allow at least partial degradation of the pomegranate solids; and removing residual insoluble solid materials from the mixture. Compositions containing the extract may be used as a food product, beverage, pharmaceutical preparations, nutritional supplements, vitamin supplements, food additives, and food supplements.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a reusable container for the point-of-sale display and advertisement of beverages is disclosed. The container generally comprise an open end, a drinker-friendly lip disposed around the open end, and a lid adapted to fit substantially around the lip to prevent the beverage from leaking out of the container. Graphics may be printed on the container comprising a company logo or an advertisement for the beverage. Instructions may also be provided that the container is reusable as a drinking glass at home.

Abstract: Processes for producing an extract containing phytochemicals from pomegranates are disclosed. The processes generally comprise providing pomegranate solids, such as the pericarp, inner membrane and seeds; creating a mixture comprising the pomegranate solids in an aqueous solution; adding enzymes to the mixture in an amount sufficient to at least partially degrade the pomegranate solids; heating the mixture to a temperature that permits the maximum rate of catalysis of the enzyme; maintaining the temperature of the heated mixture for a time sufficient to allow at least partial degradation of the pomegranate solids; and removing residual insoluble solid materials from the mixture. Compositions containing the extract may be used as a food product, beverage, pharmaceutical preparations, nutritional supplements, vitamin supplements, food additives, and food supplements.

Abstract: A packaging machine (11) in which tubular bag material (16) is driven through the machine and caused to vibrate in the general direction of movement of the tubular bag material to aid in settling products so that the product occupies a minimum volume during formation of bags containing the product.