Abstract: A method for the extraction of proanthocyanidins from plant material is disclosed. The method involves heating an aqueous mixture of solid plant material, optionally under increased pressure and reduced oxygen; various separation, filtration and adsorption steps, and the elution of adsorbed proanthocyanidins with polar solvent. Optionally, the polar solvent can be reconstituted and recycled into the elution phase of the method, resulting in decreased solvent consumption.

Abstract: It has been found that dried fruits can be prepared without resorting to sulfiting the fruits in order to prevent the discoloration of the fruit and to prevent microbiological deterioration of the fruit. It has been found that through the utilization of a combination of vacuum and particular infusion soaking solution containing a sugar having more than six carbon atoms, an acid, a microbiological agent and optionally a chelating agent that utilizing a particular sequence of treating steps, a dried fruit that is not discolored and which has good taste can be prepared and can undergo long term storage. That is, the packaged product will have a reasonably long shelf life and taste and appearance.

Abstract: A natural fruit flavor extract is produced by preparing an infusion solution and immersing a fruit in the solution for a period of time to infuse the fruit with the solution. The infusion solution is an aqueous solution containing a disaccharide, an edible acid to inhibit non-enzymatic and enzymatic browning, a reducing agent, an anti-microbial agent and a chelating agent to remove trace metal ions. During infusion, the components of the solution infuse the fruit and components from the fruit diffuse into the solution. After infusion, the solution contains comparatively small amounts of the disaccharide, acid and chelating agents and significant portions of the fruit sugars, colors, flavors and pectins from the fruit. The solution is recovered and used as a flavoring or a sweetener without additional treatment, concentrating or supplementing with additional sweeteners, flavors or colors.

Abstract: Food coating compositions, e.g., sauces, are disclosed which impart desirable brown color and crisp texture to the surface of microwave-cooked foods. These sauces comprise a substantially water-immiscible liquid having dispersed therein effective amounts of a coagulant, and foodstuff which is grindable and exhibits crispness when substantially dehydrated and which has a low affinity for said water-immiscible liquid.

Abstract: Fruits and vegetables can be vacuum dried to produce a crispy but yet tender puffed food products having a color and appearance of the original fruit or vegetable prior to processing. Enzymatic browning and reducing sugar browning is counteracted by the treatment of the fruit or vegetable in an infusion solution that contains at least one reducing acid and a proton donor to counteract enzymatic browning and a disaccharide to counteract reducing sugar browning. In addition the infusion solution can contain chelating agents and antimicrobial agents. In addition the fruit or vegetable can undergo a freeze-thaw tenderizing process which will also enhance the puffing of the fruit or vegetable. The product is a puffed and crisp but yet has a smooth texture when being consumed.

Abstract: A yellow coloring composition, useful in coloring foods, is prepared by extraction of effective amounts of coloring compounds from tomatoe peel. Tomato peels are ground before color extraction using polar extraction solvents having at 25.degree. C. a dielectric constant ranging from about 20 to 30.