Abstract: A method for treating fermented cocoa beans to produce acid-reduced, roasted, de-shelled cocoa possessing a decreased level of 2-methoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine (MIPP). The method involves the treatment of cocoa beans with steam at a temperature within the range of from about 100.degree. C. to about 140.degree. C. for a period of time of from about 10 minutes to about 120 minutes.

Abstract: In a process for deacidifying and improving the flavor of so called secondary extracts obtained in the production of instant coffees, the secondary extracts are pumped over alkaline molecular sieves and are therewith completely or partially liberated from acids and flavor-impeding organic compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing soluble coffee with an infusion quality similar to that of roast bean coffee, with which instant-typical off-flavour characters are no longer detectable, with which ground roast coffee of a particle size of at most approximately 1.

Abstract: The insert container (1) for freeze-drying plants comprises a plurality of vertical ribs (4) subdividing the insert container (1) into parallel compartments (7). Vapor-pervious tubes (5) extend transversely of and traverse the ribs (4) preferably at about one-third of their height. The tubes (5) communicate with the ambient atmosphere through one or more vapor discharge channels (6) extending parallel to the ribs (4). The water vapor can also be discharged through channels (12) formed between the side walls (3) of adjacent insert containers (1).

Abstract: A centrifuge has a basket centered on and rotatable in either rotational sense about an upright basket axis. An upright and rigid support tube movable axially in the basket and pivotal between a pair of end positions carries at its lower end a fill tube from which a suspension to be filtered may be sprayed onto the inner wall of a basket. This support tube also carries at its lower end extending diametrically opposite the fill tube an arm carrying at its outer end an unloading knife. In one end position the fill tube is directed at the inner wall of the basket, so that a suspension can be sprayed on the inner walls of the basket. In the other end position the fill tube is turned away from the inner wall of the basket and the knife is juxtaposed therewith while the basket is reverse-rotated to strip off and inwardly deflect the filter cake thereon.