Abstract: A process for preparation of milled cocoa shell including grinding cocoa shell in a single unit operation in a short-duration manner without the need for moving mechanical parts. The milled cocoa shell product obtained from the grinding treatment has reduced heat degradation and avoids equipment maintenance concerns otherwise associated with mechanical milling of the cocoa shells while providing an edible granular product useful for food manufacture such as chocolate food production.

Abstract: A process for preparation of milled cocoa shell including grinding cocoa shell in a single unit operation in a short-duration manner without the need for moving mechanical parts. The milled cocoa shell product obtained from the grinding treatment has reduced heat degradation and avoids equipment maintenance concerns otherwise associated with mechanical milling of the cocoa shells while providing an edible granular product useful for food manufacture such as chocolate food production.

Abstract: A method and system for processing cheese. The method comprises the steps of blending ground cheese with additional ingredients to form a blended cheese material, and cooking and then cooling that cheese material. The method further comprises the steps of measuring a moisture content of the blended cheese material, generating a signal representing that moisture content, and adjusting the moisture content of the blended cheese material to a preset level in response to the generated signal. The moisture content of the cheese product may be measured at any appropriate stage of the processing line. Preferably, the moisture content of the cheese material is measured by transmitting microwave signals across the cheese material, and measuring the phase shift in the transmitted microwave signals. Also, preferably, the moisture content of the cheese material is measured, and any necessary adjustments made, after that material has been cooked and cooled.