Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying cellobiose which comprises the steps of (A) preparing a cellobiose-containing sugar solution; (B) increasing the rate of cellobiose present in the sugar solution relative to the total saccharides present therein up to at least 50% by mass; and (C) crystallizing cellobiose; and a method for preparing cellobiose having a high content of the ?-anomer thereof which comprises the step of drying a cellobiose-containing sugar solution having a rate of cellobiose of at least 90% by mass relative to the total saccharides present therein while maintaining the sugar solution at a temperature ranging from 80 to 95° C. These methods of the present invention permit the economical preparation of cellobiose having considerably improved purity and recovery rate, without using any complicated process. Moreover, the present invention also permits the preparation of cellobiose highly soluble in water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microwave radiating device which treats a radiated material by microwave irradiation; and further provides a method of producing a sugar ingredient from a plant material. The microwave radiating device of the present invention is equipped with an irradiating means which has a microwave radiating source, and containers which accept radiated material inside. Further, the container of the device has supply means which provides radiated material to the container, and discharge means which discharges radiated material from the container, and a microwave receiving section which makes microwaves that irradiate from radiating means, penetrate into the container through the medium of dielectric material. Further, there is provided at least one layer that is composed of non-dielectric material, between the atmosphere of the inner side and the outer side of the container. Yet, irradiating means and the above container are connected in a removable mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying cellobiose which comprises the steps of (A) preparing a cellobiose-containing sugar solution; (B) increasing the rate of cellobiose present in the sugar solution relative to the total saccharides present therein up to at least 50% by mass; and (C) crystallizing cellobiose; and a method for preparing cellobiose having a high content of the ?-anomer thereof which comprises the step of drying a cellobiose-containing sugar solution having a rate of cellobiose of at least 90% by mass relative to the total saccharides present therein while maintaining the sugar solution at a temperature ranging from 80 to 95° C. These methods of the present invention permit the economical preparation of cellobiose having considerably improved purity and recovery rate, without using any complicated process. Moreover, the present invention also permits the preparation of cellobiose highly soluble in water.