Abstract: The invention describes processes to prepare levulinic acid, formic acid and/or hydroxymethyl furfural from various biomass materials.

Abstract: The present invention improves corn dry milling in several ways. Integrated corn biorefinery processes are disclosed which can produce ethanol, edible corn oil, DDG or DDGS, solvent-extracted meal, power, and optionally crude corn oil, starting from corn. Some variations employ corn fractionation and edible corn oil recovery using liquid carbon dioxide, avoiding hazardous hydrocarbon-based solvents to produce edible corn oil. Some variations employ integration of gas-fired co-generation into the dry-milled corn ethanol plant to significantly reduce energy usage and carbon footprint associated with the overall process. Counter-current drying is preferably employed to produce a high-quality DDG or DDGS product with high protein content, low mycotoxin content, and low residual ethanol content.

Abstract: The present invention improves corn dry milling in several ways. Integrated corn biorefinery processes are disclosed which can produce ethanol, edible corn oil, DDGS, solvent-extracted meal, power, and optionally crude corn oil, starting from corn. Some variations employ corn fractionation and edible corn oil recovery using liquid carbon dioxide, avoiding hazardous hydrocarbon-based solvents to produce edible corn oil. Some variations employ integration of gas-fired co-generation into the dry-milled corn ethanol plant to significantly reduce energy usage and carbon footprint associated with the overall process. Counter-current drying is preferably employed to produce a high-quality DDGS product with high protein content, low mycotoxin content, and low residual ethanol content.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a fertilizer composition from still bottoms obtained from milling of a starch-containing feedstock (such as corn), comprising separating still bottoms into a solids stream and a thin stillage stream; removing water to generate a condensed distillers solubles stream; and recovering the condensed distillers solubles stream as a fertilizer composition. Novel fertilizer compositions as well as novel distillers grains products are co-produced with a fermentation product (such as ethanol or isobutanol).

Abstract: The present invention improves corn dry milling in several ways. Integrated corn biorefinery processes are disclosed which can produce ethanol, edible corn oil, DDGS, solvent-extracted meal, power, and optionally crude corn oil, starting from corn. Some variations employ corn fractionation and edible corn oil recovery using liquid carbon dioxide, avoiding hazardous hydrocarbon-based solvents to produce edible corn oil. Some variations employ integration of gas-fired co-generation into the dry-milled corn ethanol plant to significantly reduce energy usage and carbon footprint associated with the overall process. Counter-current drying is preferably employed to produce a high-quality DDGS product with high protein content, low mycotoxin content, and low residual ethanol content.

Abstract: A method for producing a soy and corn dough mass is disclosed, the soy and corn dough mass comprising hydrated cracked corn and soy. The soy component of the soy and corn dough mass can be hydrated soy or non-hydrated soy. In one embodiment, both non-hydrated and hydrated soy can be part of the soy and corn dough mass. Tortillas and other traditional corn products can be made from the soy and corn dough mass.

Abstract: A method for preparing a heat-treated food from a raw ingredient derived from a plant material and containing asparagine and at least one reducing sugar is disclosed. The method includes contacting with the raw ingredient a reagent comprising an amino acid having a relatively low asparagine concentration so that a coating layer is formed. The method also includes heat treating such raw ingredient after such contacting or simultaneously with it. An oil for frying a raw ingredient from a plant material is also disclosed. A food product comprising a matrix of plant-based material having a reaction interface, and a layer at least partially covering the interface wherein the layer has undergone a Maillard reaction due to heat treatment is also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques for processing cocoa mass are provided. In general, the techniques involve solvent extraction of cocoa fat from cocoa mass, to achieve a desirable cocoa butter and low-fat cocoa powder. In one preferred process, the cocoa mass is the result of grinding cocoa nibs, with absence of a mechanical pressing and heating step, to advantage. Preferred products and uses are characterized.

Abstract: A modified oilseed material formed from oilseed-based material is described. The modified oilseed material can be utilized in a variety of nutritional applications, including the preparation of protein supplemented food products such as beverages, processed meats, frozen desserts, confectionery products, dairy-type products, and cereal grain products. The modified oilseed material typically includes at least 85 wt. % protein (dry solids basis), at least about 40% of the modified oilseed material has an apparent molecular weight of greater than 300 kDa, and/or a MW50 of at least about 200 kDa.

Abstract: Processed meat products, which include high protein content modified oilseed material, are described. The modified oilseed material typically includes at least 85 wt. % protein (dry solids basis) and has a relatively high average molecular weight, e.g., at least about 40 wt. % of the material has an apparent molecular weight greater than 300,000 daltons.

Abstract: A protein supplemented food product formed from a premix which includes modified oilseed material is described. The premix can be utilized in a variety of nutritional applications, including the preparation of protein supplemented food products such as ready-to-eat cereals and other cereal grain products, wherein the modified oilseed material typically includes at least 85 wt. % protein (dry solids basis), and at least about 40 wt. % of the protein has an apparent molecular weight of greater than 300 kDa, and/or the protein has a MW50 of at least about 200 kDa.

Abstract: A modified oilseed material formed from oilseed-based material is described. The modified oilseed material can be utilized in a variety of nutritional applications, including the preparation of protein supplemented food products such as beverages, processed meats, frozen desserts, confectionery products, dairy-type products, and cereal grain products. The modified oilseed material typically includes at least 85 wt. % protein (dry solids basis), at least about 40 wt % of the protein in the modified oilseed material has an apparent molecular weight of at least 300 kDa, and/or the modified oilseed material has a MW50 of at least about 200 kDa.

Abstract: Beverage compositions, which include high protein content modified oilseed material, are described. The modified oilseed material typically includes at least 85 wt. % protein (dry solids basis) and has a relatively high average molecular weight, e.g., at least about 40 wt. % of the material has an apparent molecular weight greater than 300,000 daltons.

Abstract: Frozen dessert products, which include high protein content modified oilseed material, are described. The modified oilseed material typically includes at least 85 wt. % protein (dry solids basis) and has a relatively high average molecular weight, e.g., at least about 40 wt. % of the material has an apparent molecular weight greater than 300,000 daltons.

Abstract: A method for preparing the high protein product from oilseed-based material is described. The high protein product provided by the process can be utilized in a wide variety of applications, including the preparation of food products for human consumption. The high protein product typically includes at least 85 wt. % protein (dry solids basis). The product is produced by a process which includes purifying an aqueous protein-containing extract through passage over a microporous membrane. The membrane generally has an MWCO of at least 25,000 and a filtering surface with a contact angle of no more than 30 degrees.

Abstract: Confectionery products, which include high protein content modified oilseed material, are described. The modified oilseed material typically includes at least 85 wt. % protein (dry solids basis) and has a relatively high average molecular weight, e.g., at least about 40 wt. % of the material has an apparent molecular weight greater than 300,000 daltons.

Abstract: A protein supplemented food product formed from a premix which includes modified oilseed material is described. The premix can be utilized in a variety of nutritional applications, including the preparation of protein supplemented food products such as ready-to-eat cereals and other cereal grain products, wherein the modified oilseed material typically includes at least 85 wt. % protein (dry solids basis), and at least about 40 wt. % of the protein has an apparent molecular weight of greater than 300 kDa, and/or the protein has a MW5O of at least about 200 kDa.

Abstract: Confectionery products, which include high protein content modified oilseed material, are described. The modified oilseed material typically includes at least 85 wt. % protein (dry solids basis) and has a relatively high average molecular weight, e.g., at least about 40 wt. % of the material has an apparent molecular weight greater than 300,000 daltons.

Abstract: Beverage compositions, which include high protein content modified oilseed material, are described. The modified oilseed material typically includes at least 85 wt. % protein (dry solids basis) and has a relatively high average molecular weight, e.g., at least about 40 wt. % of the material has an apparent molecular weight greater than 300,000 daltons.

Abstract: Processed meat products, which include high protein content modified oilseed material, are described. The modified oilseed material typically includes at least 85 wt. % protein (dry solids basis) and has a relatively high average molecular weight, e.g., at least about 40 wt. % of the material has an apparent molecular weight greater than 300,000 daltons.