Abstract: This invention relates to polymeric liquid crystals prepared from a polysaccharide and a solvent, preferably water, which are used to deliver nutrients, perfumes, flavors, drugs and other ingredients in foods, cosmetics, household soaps, health care products e.g. bar or liquid soaps, toothpaste, shampoos, creams, and lotions and other preparations. The encapsulated active vehicle comprises:(a) from about 0.001% to about 60% of an active; and(b) from about 40% to about 99.999% of a stable polymeric liquid crystal consisting essentially of:(1) from about 10% to about 90% of a solvent; and(2) from about 10% to about 90% of a polysaccharide having a molecular weight of from about 500 to about 1,000,000.

Abstract: Potato pieces, for example, potato slices, french fries, and potato cubes or potato skins are prepared with a lower fat content by frying the potato pieces in an oil comprising from about 0.5 to about 2% of a hydrophobic or a hydrophilic silica. The hydrophilic silicas are preferred for use in the frying fat because they are approved for food use. Alternatively, the potato pieces can be dipped in silica or water or oil containing silica.

Abstract: A process for the selective hydrolysis of triglycerides to mixtures of 1,3 or 2,3-diacyl glycerides and 2-acyl glycerides is disclosed. This process uses an alkyl alcohol selected from the group consisting of 2-methyl-2-propanol, 2-butanol and the primary, secondary or tertiary branched or straight chain alkyl alcohols having from 5 to 8 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof, an aqueous buffer system and a 1,3-lipase. The 2-acyl glycerides in the mixture are esterified to make stereospecific 1,2-diacyl glycerides or 2,3-diacyl glycerides with acid anhydrides and a lipase catalyst. Under the reaction conditions, there is little rearrangement of the diacyl glycerides in the mixture and less than 20% triglyceride is formed. Stereospecific 1,2,4-triglycerides can be made from these materials by standard esterification reactions under conditions which control rearrangement.

Abstract: A process for the selective hydrolysis of triglyderides to 2-acyl glycerides is disclosed. This process uses a primary lower alkyl alcohol selected from the group consisting of methanol, the primary butanols and the primary pentanols and 2-butanol, an aqueous buffer system and a 1,3-lipase. The 2-acylmonglycerides can be used to make stereospecific 1,2-diacyl glycerides or 2,3-diacyl glycerides through esterification with acid anhydrides and 1,3-lipase catalysis. Stereospecific 1,2,3-triglycerides can be made from these materials by standard esterification reactions under conditions which control rearrangement.

Abstract: Reduced calorie, fiber containing food products containing a fat substitute are disclosed. The fat substitute is made of a fat or oil and polymeric liquid crystal prepared from a polysaccharide and a solvent, preferably water. This fat substitute can be used to replace fat in a variety of food products.

Abstract: Potato pieces, for example, potato slices, french fries, and potato cubes or potato skins are prepared with a lower fat content by frying the potato pieces in an oil comprising from about 0.5 to about 2% of a hydrophobic silica. Alternatively, the potato pieces can be dipped in silica or water or oil containing silica.

Abstract: Microemulsions which are thermodynamically stable, clear, and homogeneous are made from a polar solvent, a specific polyglycerol mono, diester and a lipid. These microemulsions are edible, have good flavor and can be used to disperse water soluble nutrients, vitamins, flavor and flavor precursors in oils. The polyglycerol mono diester consists of a mixture of mono and diesters of branched or unsaturated fatty acids having from 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyglycerol mixture consisting of 0% to 10% monoglycerol and other polyglycerols, 30% or less diglycerol, 25% to 50% triglycerol, 15% to 50% tetraglycerol.