Abstract: The present invention provides for improved pork products for human consumption and methods of producing such pork products by incorporating healthy lipids containing stearidonic acid into swine feed products. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for producing said products. In one embodiment of the invention, an animal may be fed feed comprising a transgenic plant product. In other embodiments of the invention, pork meat products for human consumption, such meat products comprising SDA, EPA, and DHA are disclosed. In further embodiments of the invention, pork products comprising novel fatty acid profiles are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particulate composition in the form of a large spherical glassy bead having a cross-sectional diameter greater than 5 mm. The bead includes an encapsulating carrier composition essentially made of fibrous materials, which are both sugarless and non-cariogenic and an encapsulant, such as a flavour material.

Abstract: The invention relates to nisin-resistant lactobacilli and their use for preparing food products with reduced post-acidification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing cheese, comprising the steps of: providing a first raw material liquid; providing a second raw material liquid; treating the first raw material liquid with a protein crosslinking enzyme to provide an enzyme-treated raw material liquid; mixing the enzyme-treated raw material liquid with the second raw material liquid to provide cheese milk; processing the cheese milk into cheese. The process produces cheese in improved yields while retaining the organoleptic properties of cheese unchanged. The invention further relates to cheese treated with a protein crosslinking enzyme, having the moisture on a fat-free basis of 67% or less and a protein profile of cheese has proteins of molecular weight of less than 66 kDa.

Abstract: A method for producing a beer-taste beverage characterized in that the method includes adding a hop selected based on hop plant age; and a method for adjusting aroma and taste of a beer-taste beverage, characterized by the use of a hop selected based on hop plant age. According to the present invention, characteristics of aroma and taste attributable from different hops can be made into different ones by using hops of different plant age. In addition, crops of different hop plant age having their own characteristics are properly blended, whereby a beer-taste beverage having preferred characteristics and intensities of aromas, and taste can be provided.

Abstract: Ferulate esterase producing bacterial strains or functional mutants thereof and methods of using ferulate esterase producing bacterial strains as forage additives are disclosed.

Abstract: Liquid activated infusion packet(s)/system: promoting hydration, containing active and/or inactive ingredients and/or a support member(s). Infusion Packet(s)/System is one or more individual compartments, and/or group(s), whereby the enveloping material(s) may be totally or partially dissolvable, edible, transparent, opaque, decorated, etc. Further, including of one or more: color(s), flavor(s), aroma(s), pharmaceutical(s), nutraceutical(s), dietary supplement(s), enzyme(s), pre/probiotic(s), amino-acid(s), soluble-fiber(s), diagnostic agent(s) etc. regardless of form, +/?effervescence, +/?uniform/controlled-release encapsulations into liquid for humans and/or animals. Enveloping material may be in whole and/or in combination; nonsynthetic/porous, and/or synthetic porous/non-porous with deliberate perforations. Infusion Packet(s)/System +/?tag, support member for assistance, consumer compliance: promotion, advertising, education, entertainment, (toy/game), etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cold infusion process for fortifying coffee beans with one or more vitamin, non-vitamin, mineral, non-mineral, botanical, hormone, herb, neutraceutical, lipid, carbohydrate, amino acid, acid, salt, prebiotic, or probiotic functional additives. This invention also discloses an infused coffee bean produced by the process of infusing the coffee bean at a temperature of less than about 120° F. with a solution comprising water, a bridge initiator for acid salt bias, fortifying agent(s), and an acid in a quantity sufficient to reach a pH of about 3.65. Further, this invention provides a method for the infusion of a coffee bean with at least one fortifying agent at approximately room temperature.

Abstract: A crystal comestible product and method of making it are provided. The crystal comestible product is suitable for use as a food additive, a flavor additive, a nutritional additive, and decoration. The crystal comestible product includes a matrix of edible crystals surrounding air pockets and free spaces, providing a light crunchy crispy texture. The crystal comestible product may include ingredients that add flavor, color, nutritional value, texture, structure, or stability. Suitable ingredients include fresh herbs, fresh flowers, spices, natural and synthetic flavors, nuts, vitamins and minerals.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided that comprises a housing. The housing is configured to maintain a pouch within the housing. The cartridge comprises a top and a bottom. The cartridge comprises at least one top mating member at the top of the cartridge and at least one bottom mating member at the bottom of the cartridge. The at least one top mating member is asymmetric with the at least one bottom mating member. Each mating member is configured to match with a corresponding mating member of a cartridge frame or rack.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to improved packaging combinations for the snack industry in particular. One such packaging combination includes a first package in which is stored a food item, and a second package, in which is stored a wipe, where at least a first surface of the second package includes an advertisement which is the same as the advertisement on the first package, the second package being attached to the first package by glue. In an alternate embodiment, the packages are connected edge to edge via a perforated seal aimed to facilitate easy detachment. In one aspect, a key feature is the morphing of the second package which does not contain a food item into almost an exact replica of the main package which does contain a food item, and which therefore serves as a mini replica.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dough for producing a biscuit having a slowly-digestible-starch-over-total-available-starch ratio of at least 31%, the biscuit comprising at least 29 wt % cereal flour, 5 to 22 wt % fat and at most 30 wt % sugar relative to the total weight of the biscuit, the dough comprising: cereal flour, fat, sugar and added water; and wherein the added water is in an amount of at most 8 wt % relative to the weight of dough.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming an edible animal chew comprising the steps of (a) extruding an edible composition; followed by (b) contacting the extrudate with a plurality of post-form rollers, at least one of said post-form rollers exhibits an undulated surface and contacts the extrudate with said undulated surface, the undulated surface comprising a plurality of nodules for imparting undulations onto the extrudate surface, wherein at least some of the nodules have an elongate shape and are offset at an angle to the rotation direction of the post-form roller, said elongate shapes being oriented in two or more different directions.

Abstract: A chewy confectionery product comprised of pectin and having a low water content compared to that of traditional chewy confectionery products. The pectin of the present invention helps eliminate the need for traditional texturizing agents while maintaining the quality, texture and consistency of chewy confectionery products made with traditional texturizing agents. In fact, the chewy confectionery product of the current invention has a texture which consumers may find to be more desirable than that of traditional chewy confectionery products. The chewy product of the current invention also has reduced stickiness and cold-flow properties when compared to a traditional chewy confectionery product and also provides a cleaner-breaking bite.

Abstract: A capsule for making beverages comprising at least one powdered food substance which can be extracted using water to make a beverage, comprises a cup-shaped outer body (2) with a lower wall (3) and a first side wall (4), a lid (6), a filtering body (9) comprising a first basket-shaped rigid or semi-rigid skeleton (10) with a second side wall (11) and a bottom portion (12); the first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton (10) comprises openings (13) made at least through a part of the second side wall (11) which is distanced from the first side wall; the filtering body (9) also comprising at least one layer (26) of flexible filtering material applied to the rigid or semi-rigid skeleton (10) for in use intercepting the beverage which comes out of at least some openings (13) of the filtering body (9) and flows towards the bottom wall (3) and for filtering said beverage.

Abstract: A capsule for making beverages comprising at least one powdered food substance which can be extracted using water to make a beverage, comprises a cup-shaped outer body (2) with a lower wall (3) and a first side wall (4), a lid (6), a filtering body (9) comprising a first basket-shaped rigid or semi-rigid skeleton (10) with a second side wall (11) and a bottom portion (12); the first rigid or semi-rigid skeleton (10) comprises openings (13) made at least through a part of the second side wall (11) which is distanced from the first side wall; the capsule also comprises an additional filtering element (26) positioned in the chamber (7) between the filtering body (9) and the lower wall (3) for in use intercepting the beverage which comes out of the filtering body (9) and flows towards the bottom wall (3), the additional filtering element (26) comprising at least one layer (27) of flexible filtering material and being coupled to the inner part of the outer body (2).

Abstract: A sealed beverage preparation capsule includes a sealed hollow body having a top and a bottom, a beverage preparation ingredient inside the body and a layer of filter material at least about 2 mm thick located inside the body and abutting said bottom of said body. A kit is also provided for assembling a plurality of beverage preparation capsules. The capsules include a cup-shaped base having a bottom, and side walls extending from the base to an upper rim defining an open top of the base component, and a plurality of ingredient pods. Each ingredient pod includes a top, side walls and a bottom, each formed of sheet material, wherein the pod contains a beverage preparation ingredient. The ingredient pod is shaped and configured to be engaged with the base component to assemble a beverage making capsule, with the top of the pod forming a lid for the base component and the bottom of the ingredient pod spaced from the bottom of the base inside the base.

Abstract: There is provided a container, comprising: (a) a cover comprising at least one elastomeric layer; and (b) a food component contained within the container, wherein the food component is a liquid food component or a solid food component, and further wherein the solid food component is configured for producing a fluid food product upon contact with a liquid; and wherein the cover is configured for puncturing by at least one liquid transfer device for injection or extraction of the liquid food component or the fluid food product, and further wherein, upon withdrawal of the at least one liquid transfer device from the container, the cover is configured for resealing itself against leakage of any of the liquid, liquid food component, fluid food product, or combinations thereof. There is also provided a container comprising a plunger and spring. There are provided methods of using the aforementioned containers.

Abstract: A thermal processing and control system (300) includes a thermal processing station (312) for receiving food products (14) being carried on a conveyor system (316). A first scanning station (318) is located upstream from the thermal processing station (312) for scanning the food products being carried by the conveyor (316). An actuator (420) automatically connects temperature measuring devices (402) with selected food products (14). A diverter conveyor (324) diverts selected food products (14) from the conveyor (316) to a transverse conveyor (326) for either further processing or alternative processing, depending on how system (300) is configured. The temperature measuring devices (402) are automatically removed from the food products at station (329).

Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid consumer food products such as ice creams, whipped cream, yogurt and the like comprises a container for a basic product of the consumer food product, a feed and treatment circuit for the basic product, comprising a feed pump, dispensing means positioned at an outfeed end of the feed and treatment circuit, and a device for checking the bacterial load of the product during production/dispensing; an electronic control unit controlling and regulating the various steps for measuring the bacterial load.

Abstract: A method of developing a flavoured product comprises the steps of establishing a set of parameters in respect of a plurality of flavour components; selecting a platform for the product; selecting a group of flavour components based on objective requirements and the known established parameters; establishing for each of said flavour component relative to the selected platform at least two specific concentrations of the component in that platform relating to a human response in order to define a titration curve; measuring for a primary flavour component relative to that platform containing a predetermined concentration of each other flavour component the shift of said at least two specific concentrations; and utilising that shift information to restrict a number of measurements of the primary flavour component in the presence of additional flavour components in order to derive a range of concentrations for each component which lie between those specific concentrations.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for measuring and controlling temperatures of a cooking platen. In particular, according to the invention, a surface temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature on or proximate to a cooking surface of the platen and an internal temperature sensor is provided to measure an internal temperature of the platen, which may be proximate to the hottest location in the platen, i.e., the opposite surface of an insulated platen or the core of an uninsulated platen. The surface temperature sensor provides an accurate reading of the actual cooking surface temperature, while the internal temperature sensor provides a better indication of total heat energy stored in the platen, being less sensitive to surface fluctuations. A microprocessor controls the rate of heat energy addition to the platen based on information from both temperature sensors.

Abstract: A thermal processing and control system (10) includes a thermal processing station (12) for receiving food products (14) being carried on a conveyor system (16). A first scanning station (18) is located upstream from a similar processing station (12) for scanning the food products being carried by the conveyor (16). A second scanning station (20) is located downstream of the thermal processing station (12). A diverter conveyor (24) diverts selected food products (14) from the conveyor (16) to a transverse conveyor (26) which is capable of positioning the diverted food product onto a temperature measurement station (28), whereat the temperature of the food product is measured, either manually or automatically.

Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional products and nutritional bars having increased shelf life. The nutritional product or nutritional bar is manufactured utilizing high power ultrasound in combination with an extrusion process or slabbing process. It has been found that by utilizing high power ultrasound during the manufacturing process of nutritional products and nutritional bars, that the resulting product has increased shelf life and improved texture. In some embodiments, the nutritional bars include a solid crisp matrix.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for decaffeinating a liquid. The device comprises at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode which are spaced apart and which are immersed in the liquid; a power supply coupled to the at least one cathode electrode and the at least one anode electrode and configured to apply power thereto, wherein the at least one cathode electrode and the at least one anode electrode are configured to generate an electric field in the liquid upon application of the power to attract caffeine molecules in the liquid to the at least one cathode electrode; wherein the at least one cathode electrode is made of or coated with an absorbing material configured to absorb at least part of the caffeine molecules that are attracted to the at least one cathode electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a utensil, which is essentially a combination of a knife and a spoon with modifications. While the knife portion of the utensil includes a blade, the spoon portion includes a convex scoop. The scoop and the blade are structurally combined and share a single handle. The scoop is a half convex and it is aligned with the blade side by side. The bottom of the scoop is flat, on the same plane as the bottom side of the blade. The end of the half convex merges smoothly with the cutting end of the blade. The current utensil is particularly useful for spreading cream, butter, or cheese. For instance, after cutting the bread with the blade, the spoon portion may be used for obtaining and disposing the butter on the bread piece, and the blade and spoon portions, as combined, may be used for the spreading process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a utensil that can be used to manipulate batter. In one embodiment, the utensil is a slotted batter spatula that comprises: (i) an elongated handle comprising a front end and a back end; (ii) a fork-shaped head attached to the front end of the elongated handle, said fork-shaped head having at least two substantially parallel tines; and (iii) a slotted head cover mounted over the fork-shaped head so that a slot of the head cover extends between each of the substantially parallel tines of the fork-shaped head. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manipulating batter with the slotted batter spatula. This method involves using the slotted batter spatula to lift, spread, stir, scrape, move, and/or remove batter from one or more surface.

Abstract: A nutrient rich food-grade defatted corn germ flour derived from a dry-milled corn germ fraction is provided. The flour produced contains high levels of protein, dietary fiber, and amino acids and is low in fat. Furthermore, a method for preparing the flour by forming collets and removing oil from the dry-milled corn germ fraction is provided. The method includes: providing a dry-milled corn germ fraction; conditioning the fraction; flaking the fraction to increase surface area; adding water and steam to the flaked fraction; forming the flaked fraction into collets; removing oil from the collets by solvent-extraction; drying the collets; and processing the collets in a food-grade flourmill to obtain food-grade defatted corn germ flour with a desired consistency. The solvent-extraction process produces a miscella, a mixture of corn oil, hydrocarbon solvent, and water. The miscella may be processed through a distillation system to recover crude food-grade corn oil.

Abstract: A device for controlling the composition inside a shipping/storage container for produce, such as bananas, is disclosed. Such atmospheric control is particularly important when dealing with the ripening of respiring fruit. The device comprises a chamber surrounded by an outer wall, at least a portion of that wall made up of a selectively gas-permeable membrane which is in communication with the outside atmosphere. The chamber also includes at least two channels which are connected to the container: one which transmits gas form the chamber to the container, and one which transmits gas from the container to the chamber.

Abstract: A process for producing a frozen confectionery product is provided, the process comprising: supplying a frozen confection to a nozzle which has an orifice having a non-circular cross-section; dispensing a filling comprising sauce and/or inclusions into the frozen confection inside the nozzle; extruding the frozen confection and filling from the nozzle through the orifice until the extruded frozen confection makes contact with a receiving surface; wherein the longest axis of the product is parallel to the direction of extrusion; and then cutting the extruded frozen confection with an iris cutter.

Abstract: A system including a capsule is usable for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system includes a substantially rigid circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and lid of a flexible sheet-shaped perforate and/or porous material closing the circumferential wall at a second, open, end opposite the bottom. The circumferential wall, the bottom and the lid enclose an inner space include the extractable product, and the lid includes an impermeable outer circumferential area and an exit area being enclosed by said impermeable outer circumferential area such that, in use, the prepared beverage is drained from the capsule through the exit area. The invention further relates to a method for preparing said beverage using the above system.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing meat-based dried food that is to be reconstituted by pouring hot or cold water thereto before eating, comprising: a step of processing a meat raw material or meat-based food with superheated steam; a step of freezing the meat raw material or meat-based food processed with superheated steam; and a step of drying the frozen meat material or meat-based food under reduced pressure. It is possible to reconstitute the dried food produced by the production method in a short time of about 3 to 5 minutes even if the dried food is thick.

Abstract: A liquid product is dispensed via a membrane contactor. The contactor employs a plurality of gas-permeable hollow fibres. The contactor has a gas port communicating with the interior of the fibres and input and output ports for liquid communicating with space within the contactor surrounding the fibres. A gas comprising carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide is dissolved in the liquid in the contactor. The gas at a controlled pressure is supplied to the gas port. The liquid is supplied at a higher pressure than the gas to the input port for liquid from a supply of such liquid via a first valve having a first valve inlet port communicating with the supply of liquid and a first valve outlet port communicating with the inlet port for liquid. Liquid with the gas dissolved therein is dispensed from the outlet port for liquid via a dispense tap to ambient. The dispensing liquid step includes a start dispense step in which dispensing commences and a stop dispense step in which dispensing is stopped.

Abstract: Systems and methods of de-stemming produce are provided. An apparatus can process an item of produce having a first portion and a second portion attached to the first portion. The apparatus can include at least one first conveyor unit that can convey the first portion of the item of produce in a first direction. The apparatus can include at least one second conveyor unit that can convey the second portion of the item of produce in a second direction that differs from the first linear direction by between zero and 90 degrees to generate a separation force between the first portion of the item of produce and the second portion of the item of produce that separates the first portion from the second portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing produce are provided. A sizing unit can convey the produce in a first direction, and can release the produce into a produce receptacle of a receiving unit, which can convey the in a second direction. The produce receptacle can include a cavity to receive the produce subsequent to release from the sizing unit with a first portion of the produce at least partially disposed in the cavity and with a second portion of the produce at least partially protruding from the cavity. At least one conveyor unit can receive the produce from the produce receptacle, and can convey the produce in a third direction to separate a first portion of the produce from a second portion of the produce.

Abstract: A toaster comprises a housing, at least one spring-loaded bread tray, one or more heating elements, a bread tray retaining mechanism, a bread tray partial retaining mechanism, and a lifter arm slot. The bread tray is movable between an up position and a down position and is biased toward the up position. The bread tray retaining mechanism selectively retains the bread tray in the down position while the toasting operation is in progress and releases the bread tray from the down position when the toasting operation is complete. The bread tray partial retaining mechanism selectively retains the bread tray in a position between the down position and the up position after the bread tray is released by the bread tray retaining mechanism. In one embodiment, the lifter arm slot comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being wider than the upper portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing beverages by mixing a beverage concentrate powder (2) with a diluent in a receptacle (1), comprising the steps of successively: 1) delivering a dose of beverage concentrate powder in the receptacle, 2) introducing a dose of diluent in the receptacle,

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus/device that can be used inside certain existing open ovens to retrofit them for use of the novel method of cooking discovered by applicant. The present invention is also a new and improved open oven that enables the invented method of cooking disclosed herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods and systems that distribute an additive in solid carbon dioxide in an interior of food processing equipment. The additive may be injected into a flow of liquid carbon dioxide upstream of an expander at or adjacent to the interior. Injection of the additive into the interior may be alternated with directing a flow of expanded carbon dioxide into the interior. In some embodiments, the freezing point of the additive with or without a diluent composition and/or additive(s) is lower than a temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aromatic pulverulent composition having a melting point Tf, comprising: i) feeding at least two pulverulent elementary solids having organoleptic properties into a mixer, whose chamber has been preheated beforehand to a temperature T lower than Tf, such solids being separately fed into the mixer; ii) mixing the pulverulent elementary solids in the mixer, in the absence of any external liquid phase, at a temperature T lower than Tf, at least one of the pulverulent elementary solids being fed into the mixer at a temperature Ti, such that the mixing occurs under isothermal conditions at a temperature set at such temperature T; and iii) recovering the aromatic pulverulent composition. This method is particularly suitable for preparing a composition essentially including a vanillin and ethylvanillin compound.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides edible, non-hydrogenated fats with good oxidative stability despite elevated levels of very long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, e.g., EPA and DHA from a fish oil, and algal oil, or a vegetable oil.

Abstract: There is provided a beverage composition including a collagen peptide having a high concentration and having moderately acidic taste and excellent flavor in a pH range of the pH 4.0 or less. A beverage composition including 2,000 mg/10 mL or more of a low molecular collagen peptide having an average molecular weight of 3,000 or less and two or more kinds of acidifiers containing phosphoric acid, in which the pH is 4.0 or less.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved methods and compositions which more accurately replicate the characteristics that consumers value in the preparation and consumption of meat and which overcome the shortcomings and drawbacks of current meat substitutes.

Abstract: Crunchy granola clusters comprising flakes from at least one grain, crisps from at least one grain, at least one protein, cold water swelling, granular starch, and syrup, and optionally a long chain polysaccharide.

Abstract: A flavorless mustard paste without a noticeable flavor and a method of manufacturing the same, including a mustard seed and acidic liquid solvent, where the resultant paste has less than 100 mg/dl glucose and a substantially stable pH value of less than 5.5. The flavorless mustard paste according to this invention may retain the functional benefits of viscosity-building, texture-aiding, and emulsion-strengthening.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a tiger nut beverage are described. The systems and methods may include mixing a tiger nut extract in powder form with one or more additives; combining the mixed tiger nut extract in powder form and the one or more additives with water to create a tiger nut syrup; flash pasteurizing the tiger nut syrup; and mixing the tiger nut syrup with water to create a finished tiger nut beverage. A composition including tiger nut liquid subject to flash pasteurization is also described.

Abstract: The principles of the present invention provide novel compositions and methods for making a low-chloride salt blend, high-concentrate beverage syrup. The method includes combining a high-concentrate beverage syrup and a salt blend low in chlorides to maintain organoleptic properties while minimizing corrosion of metallic components in beverage dispensers.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an alcohol-free beer-taste sparkling beverage imparted with a fruity aroma and a reduced off-flavor; and an alcohol-free beer-taste sparkling beverage imparted with a fruity aroma and a reduced off-flavor produced by the aforesaid production method. “The method for producing an alcohol-free beer-taste sparkling beverage imparted with a fruity aroma and a reduced off-flavor” in the present invention is characterized by use of a hop or a hop component stored and aged in the state of being in contact with air as a hop or a hop component used during a raw material liquid-boiling step, or adjustment of the contents of myrcene, linalool, and nerol in the beer-taste sparkling beverage so as to satisfy five particular numerical ranges by boiling the hop or the hop component in a raw material liquid.

Abstract: Provided is a fat or oil composition, comprising 50 mass % or more of diacylglycerols whose constituent fatty acids comprise 12 mass % or more of fatty acids having 20 or more carbon atoms and 5 mass % or less of a total content of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, and having an iodine value of a fat or oil of 120 or less.

Abstract: Provided is a fat or oil composition, comprising 50 mass % or more of diacylglycerols satisfying the following (1) to (4): (1) 3 to 40 mass % of a disaturated diacylglycerol (SS) in the diacylglycerols; (2) 21 to 48 mass % of a monosaturated-monounsaturated diacylglycerol (SU) in the diacylglycerols; (3) 0.5 to 3.8 as a ratio (mass ratio) [(SU)/(SS)] of a content of the monosaturated-monounsaturated diacylglycerol (SU) in the diacylglycerols relative to a content of the disaturated diacylglycerol (SS) in the diacylglycerols; and (4) 9.7 or less as amass ratio [(P)/(S)] of a content of a saturated fatty acid having 16 carbon atoms (P) relative to a content of a saturated fatty acid having 18 carbon atoms (S), in constituent fatty acids of the diacylglycerols.