Abstract: A system and method for creating a microenvironment within an ambient environment is disclosed. The first outlet is configured for expelling a gas at a first velocity sufficient for producing a gas curtain that separates the microenvironment from the ambient environment. The second outlet is configured for expelling the gas at a second velocity within the microenvironment. An inlet is spaced apart from the first outlet and the second outlet and is in fluid communication with a suction unit. The suction unit is positioned downstream of the inlet and configured for removing gas from the microenvironment through the inlet. The first velocity is greater than the second velocity.

Abstract: A process for cooking a food while minimizing acrylamide formation in the food is provided. A dry protein mixture, a dry alkaline protein mixture, an aqueous alkaline protein mixture or an aqueous acidic protein is added to a food prior to cooking. The dry protein mixture, dry alkaline protein mixture, aqueous alkaline protein mixture and aqueous acidic protein solution comprise myofibrillar proteins and sarcoplasmic proteins substantially free of myofibrils and sarcomeres.