Abstract: The present invention includes a method and food product made by at least partially enclosing a food product with a water-permeable membrane; and contacting a brine or sugar solution with a water activity sufficiently high to draw water molecules across the water-permeable membrane and away from the food product to preserve the food.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and method for preserving a fish or seafood product comprising: contacting an emulsion with a meat product for a time sufficient to, wherein the emulsion comprises by weight: 10% to 50% water, 0.1 to 4.0% Quillaja, 0.1% to 8% meat flavoring, 60% to 85% high oleic sunflower oil, meat seasoning, 0-2.0% salt; salt, and optionally adding one or more stabilizers; a first pasteurizing step; vacuum packing the fish or seafood in a moisture and oxygen-impermeable packaging film; a second pasteurizing step.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and meat product made by contacting an emulsion with a meat product for a time sufficient to, wherein the emulsion comprises by weight: 10% to 50% water, 0.1 to 4.0% Quillaja, 0.1% to 8% meat flavoring, 60% to 85% high oleic sunflower oil, meat seasoning, 0-2.0% salt, and optionally one or more stabilizers.

Abstract: A method for preparing a shelf-stable, high-moisture food product is disclosed, including drying the pre-pasteurized food item to a water activity between 0.86 and 0.94; and vacuum packing the dried food item in an oxygen impermeable and water-impermeable membrane.

Abstract: The present invention includes meat chips and methods of making meat chips comprising: blending a meat product and a high oleic oil, and optionally a seasoning, into a meat batter; extruding the meat batter into a casing; cooking to the meat batter; slicing the meat batter into meat slices; and microwaving at a temperature not exceeding 200° F. the meat slices into a meat chip.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and meat product made by contacting an emulsion with a meat product for a time sufficient to, wherein the emulsion comprises by weight: 10% to 50% water, 0.1 to 4.0% Quillaja, 0.1% to 8% meat flavoring, 60% to 85% high oleic sunflower oil, meat seasoning, 0-2.0% salt, and optionally one or more stabilizers.

Abstract: A fruit or vegetable, such as a pome or root vegetable, may be at least partially infiltrated with an additive to help prevent discoloration of the fruit or vegetable. In some examples, the additive helps the fruit or vegetable retain its natural color upon being exposed to air. In some examples, the additive includes gluconic acid. By maintaining the color of the fruit or vegetable, the shelf life and salability of the fruit or vegetable may be increased as compared to an untreated fruit or vegetable.

Abstract: A firm and crisp fruit or vegetable, such as a pome or root vegetable, is at least partially infiltrated with an additive to help the fruit or vegetable retain its firmness during processing. In some examples, the additive helps the fruit or vegetable retain its firmness during and/or after cooking. In some examples, the additive includes at least one of a gluconate salt, a lactate salt, or a combination of a gluconate salt and a lactate salt. By maintaining the firmness of the fruit or vegetable during and/or after cooking, the fruit or vegetable can be cut, such as by shredding, or otherwise processed. By contrast, if the fruit or vegetable loses its firmness during processing, the fruit or vegetable may become limp or may disintegrate so that it is difficult to suitably cut or otherwise process the fruit or vegetable.

Abstract: A method for producing dehydrated potato slices, specifically suitable for making French fries and French fries produced therefrom, utilizes the application of microwave energy under selected vacuum conditions and a specific range of microwave energy application to produce dried potato slices having a water activity of no more than 0.85.

Abstract: A vacuum microwave dehydration process for drying fresh mango and pineapple fruit pieces at low temperatures which results in a product with a "fresh", uncooked flavor and a unique crunchy texture with little or no shrinkage which can not be achieved through conventional air drying.