Abstract: Phytic acid is added to wine to chelate polyvalent iron cations. A calcium salt is added to co-precipitate the complex that subsequently is removed by filtration. This method effectively, inexpensively and safely removes excessive levels of iron in wine, sparkling wine, and other beverages without changing the pH, color or taste.

Abstract: Phytic acid is added to wine to chelate polyvalent iron cations. A calcium salt is added to co-precipitate the complex that subsequently is removed by filtration. This method effectively, inexpensively and safely removes excessive levels of iron in wine, sparkling wine, and other beverages without changing the pH, color or taste.

Abstract: A allium flavored flour as well as to a method of making a flavored flour dough product. The allium flavored flour comprises flour and allium oil capsules formed by protein coacervation. The allium oil capsules are heat-stable and fracturable, and are added in an amount sufficient for flavoring when the flour is formed into a dough. Because the allium oil capsules are heat-stable, the allium oil does not affect the rheology of the dough during dough processing, baking or cooking and because the capsules are fracturable on chewing, the dough product provides a uniform and sustained allium flavor when eaten. The flavored flour or dough product further includes free allium material in an amount sufficient to reduce the mix time required to develop the dough and may be combined with the oil capsules in a customized blend to provide the desired level of flavor and affect on dough rheology.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for preparing frozen flavor capsules as well as a method for incorporating these flavor capsules into low-fat frozen or refrigerated desserts. The invention also encompasses the capsules themselves, as well as dessert products incorporating these capsules. The capsules are prepared by first forming discrete composite capsules having a flavor encapsulated in an oil, and then freezing these capsules to solidify the oil and form discrete frozen solid flavor particles. Because the oil is essentially a liquid at ambient temperature, the oil liquifies in the mouth upon consumption, providing a balanced flavor release from, the previously protected flavor capsule.

Abstract: A method for preparing flavored unpopped popcorn kernels is disclosed involving dehydrating unpopped popcorn kernels to produce partially dehydrated kernels having retained sufficient moisture for popping and having an increased tendency to absorb an aqueous flavor liquid. Upon coating or soaking the kernels with flavor liquid and drying, popping of the kernels results in a flavored popcorn. The method provides for a low-fat or no-fat popcorn product.

Abstract: An oxygen scavenging composition for use with foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals comprising a combination of a metal that can exist in two redox states at ambient conditions, and a radical oxygen scavenger. The oxygen scavenging system is also effective in inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and most aerobic bacteria.

Abstract: An oxygen scavenging composition for use with foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals comprising a combination of a metal that can exist in two redox states at ambient conditions, and a radical oxygen scavenger. The oxygen scavenging system is also effective in inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and most aerobic bacteria.

Abstract: A process of forming a browning composition for application to a surface of a food prior to exposure to microwave radiation is disclosed. The process includes the step of forming a solution comprising water, a reducing sugar and a proteinaceous substance, the ratio of reducing sugar to proteinaceous substance being effective to produce browning when applied to a surface of the food and when exposed to microwave radiation. The process also includes the step of prereacting the solution to a point prior to substantial coloration, before applying the solution to the food. A food product formed according to the above-described process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of silicon nitride by the reaction of silicon and nitrogen, wherein, in one reaction step, silicon powder is reacted with nitrogen which continuously rotates at a temperature of from 1000.degree. to 1800.degree. C. and at a pressure of from 1.01 to 1.8 bar up to a nitrogen content of 1 to 39.5% by weight.The present invention also provides a silicon nitride produced by this process wherein it is obtained in porous form and has the following properties.a) grain size of 0.1 to 20 mm.b) nitrogen content of 1 to 39.5% by weight,c) oxygen content of 1%,d) ratio of .alpha.:.beta.-phase of 1:9 to 9:1.

Abstract: A food product having a browning surface area or region for developing a desired browning effect during preparation of the food product for consumption by microwave irradiation. The food product includes a starch-based component and a browning system applied to the component to provide the browning surface area or region. The browning system includes Maillard browning reactants for developing the desired browning effect during microwave irradiation, and a carrier system which contains the Maillard browning reactants. The carrier system maintains the Maillard browning reactants in a substantially reactively immobilized state on the food product prior to microwave irradiation and while the food product is at temperature of up to about 40.degree. F. for up to several days.

Abstract: A method of coloring foods using a color system comprising a diluent and a colorant in particle form is disclosed. The color of a food can be controlled by controlling the particle size and dilution ratio of the colorants. The colorants become visible on the food when the product to which the colorants are applied is exposed to heat.

Abstract: Use of compounds which are capable of providing selecter cations in solution to inhibit the development of warmed-over flavor (WOF) in meats and meat products. Al.sup.3+ and divalent cations, such as Ca.sup.2+, Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, and Mg.sup.2+, may inhibit iron-catalyzed oxidation of certain phospholipids in the meat and thereby reduce WOF generation.

Abstract: The present invention provides treatment means for reducing microwave-induced toughness and/or firmness in microwave cooked or heated bread-like products. The invention permits the maintenance of product identity and the reduction of toughness and/or firmness regardless of the toughness or firmness that the product would exhibit without the treatment means. The treatment means includes added agents as well as processing steps for the reduction of toughness and/or firmness.

Abstract: A coloring system and method for use is provided. The coloring system comprises a diluent and colorant in particle form. The dilution ratio and particle size can be utilized to control the color of the system during distribution and storage. The colorant can be any desired color, for example, brown, red, etc., and the system can be made such that it is generally invisible when applied to the product. When the food product with the associated coloring system is exposed to heat, e.g. radiation, the colorant becomes visible providing color to the food product in a preselected region. A carrier can also be provided in the coloring system to provide shelf life stability to the coloring system when the coloring system is applied to the food prior to distribution.

Abstract: An improved tortilla is provided which has increased shelf life while maintaining improved flexibility over the shelf life. The tortilla is comprised of flour, water and other plasticizing agents to provide a low moisture content product still having a high liquid content. The tortilla is cooked to completely gelatinize the starch in the interior of the tortilla. The tortilla is cooled, packaged and stored having about a ninety (90) day shelf life while maintaining sufficient flexibility to prevent appreciable cracking when folded for use.