Abstract: The present application relates to a plant-soaked solution comprising sugars containing tagatose and to a method for producing same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a protective coating on a plant tissue following the consecutives steps of: (a) providing a plant having an external surface, wherein a portion of the external surface includes an exposed surface; (b) applying a first aqueous solution that contains a crosslinking agent to the external surface of the plant; and (c) applying to the external surface of the plant a second aqueous solution that contains a polysaccharide which is susceptible to crosslinking by the crosslinking agent, thereby forming a protective coating on the exposed surface of the plant. Further provided is a postharvest plant matter that includes a first segment covered by natural skin, and a second segment having an exposed surface that is coated by a protective coating that contains a polysaccharide with the first segment being essentially free of the protective coating.

Abstract: The current invention concerns a method for sprout removal treatment of tubers, especially potatoes, preferably by fogging a highly concentrated limonene composition. The invention also concerns limonene treated tubers obtainable by said method. The invention further provides limonene compositions suitable for sprout removal by fogging. The invention is advantageous as it provides a renewable and natural sprout removal agent. It allows the removal of sprouts from tubers destined for the fresh produce market, where practically no pesticide residues are allowed.

Abstract: A method for producing a fruit or vegetable product, wherein the method consists essentially of (a) infusing a whole or sliced fruit or vegetable with an infusible molecule to between 10 and 55° Brix; (b) pre-drying the whole or sliced fruit or vegetable at a temperature between 80° C. and 120° C. to produce a pre-dried fruit or vegetable; (c) exposing the pre-dried fruit or vegetable to freezing temperatures and to vacuum to a temperature between ?1° C. and ?40° C. and a pressure between 7.5 mmHg and 0.53 mmHg, thereby partially subliming the fruit or vegetable; (d) puffing the fruit or vegetable under vacuum between 0.1 mmHg and 600 mmHg at a temperature between 40° C. and 110° C.; (e) cooling the fruit or vegetable under vacuum to a temperature between 0° C. and 40° C., to thereby produce the fruit or vegetable product.

Abstract: The coating can have a low-sweetness perception. During manufacturing and processing, the coating maintains a flowability to allow a glaze state of the coating to be applied to a food. Upon cooling, the glaze state of the coating forms a glass state that provides a low-sweetness impact which facilitates application of savory taste perceptions.

Abstract: A topical high resolution image of edible ink and having a resolution of at least 100 dots per inch is applied to a top major surface of a length of food in the form of a thin fruit based paste or confection slurry by a digital imaging printer. The length of food is at a temperature of at least about 75° C. at the time of application. During application, the food is supported upon a moveable platform mounted by parallelogram links and which is moved parallel to the digital imaging printer according to a condition of the top major surface upon which the topical high resolution image is applied and detected by detecting provisions.

Abstract: A filling device comprises a modified vacuum-filling head that introduces a viscous filling, such as a gravy, into a loaf matrix in a retortable can so that the filling remains enclosed by the set loaf matrix after retorting. The filling can remain as a viscous gravy or can set as a gel, depending on the formulation of the filling. Preferably the viscous filling is distributed horizontally into the loaf matrix, for example through horizontally-facing apertures, during a pause in the descent of the can away from the filling device. The flow of the filling can be controlled by synchronized pneumatic valves.

Abstract: A roasting and grinding system (100) for preparing and delivering on demand roast and ground coffee, the system having: one or more raw containers (10, 10?, 10?, etc.) having green coffee beans of the same or of different types; a roasting unit (20) receiving green coffee beans from one or more of the raw containers (10, 10?, 10?, etc.) at the time, the roasting unit (20) adapting automatically the roasting parameters to the type of green coffee beans to roast; a conservation area (30) where the roasted coffee is stored at appropriate atmosphere until it is grinded; a grinding area (40) having one or more grinding units (41, 41?, 41?, etc.) one per type of coffee to be ground, adapting automatically the grinding parameters to the type of coffee or coffee mix to be ground. The invention further relates to a raw container (10, 10?, 10?, etc.

Abstract: A caramel is provided comprising a solid plant fat and an amount of water less than 10 wt %. The caramel exhibits a chewy texture when consumed but is yet depositable. The caramel is thus advantageously used in a confection. In addition to the caramel, the confection may comprise a crisp component. Methods of making the confection are also provided.

Abstract: A method for preparing a hemp leaf chew includes decarboxylating hemp and then mixing decarboxylated hemp with a syrup to create the hemp leaf chew. The hemp leaf chew is meant to be chewed by a user similar to chewing tobacco. The method may further include dosing the hemp leaf chew with THC.

Abstract: A shelf stable fried product and a process for creating a shelf stable fried product is disclosed. Aspects include a process for managing fat migration, moisture migration, and cell degrading of a food product during frying. Aspects further include a resulting shelf stable food product that includes a crispy and/or crunchy texture and a desirable fat distribution.

Abstract: Tapioca tortillas are formed from creating tortilla bases from a first supply of tapioca and then topping the tortilla bases with a second supply of tapioca in the form of granules. With this arrangement, a lower or bottom surface of the tapioca tortilla is generally smooth, while an upper or top surface is undulated or textured. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the tortilla base is made from about: 55.72% tapioca; 35.94% water; 3.34% glycerin; 1.45% fine salt; 0.89% monoglycerides; 2.23% xanthan gum; 0.28% ?-amylase; 0.10% potassium sorbate; and 0.05% citric acid, while the tapioca granules range in size, such as from 1 mm to less than 250 ?m.

Abstract: The pH sensing biofilms include anthocyanin and a cellulose nanostructure or a cellulose nanocomposite. The cellulose nanostructure can include cellulose nanofibrils. The cellulose nanocomposite can include a composite of cellulose nanofibrils and pectin or a composite of cellulose nanofibrils and alginate. The presence of the anthocyanin in the biofilm allows the biofilm to change color in response to pH changes, thereby allowing the biofilm to be used as an active visual indicator of decay.

Abstract: A shelf stable fried product and a process for creating a shelf stable fried product is disclosed. Aspects include a process for managing fat migration, moisture migration, and cell degrading of a food product during frying. Aspects further include a resulting shelf stable food product that includes a crispy and/or crunchy texture and a desirable fat distribution.

Abstract: Disclosed are antimicrobial emulsions, products comprising the emulsions, and methods of use.

Abstract: A shelf stable fried product and a process for creating a shelf stable fried product is disclosed. Aspects include a process for managing fat migration, moisture migration, and cell degrading of a food product during frying. Aspects further include a resulting shelf stable food product that includes a crispy and/or crunchy texture and a desirable fat distribution.

Abstract: A drying apparatus includes a furnace body; a conveyor belt configured to move in an interior space of the furnace body, with an object to be dried loaded thereon; and a plurality of infrared heaters arranged above the conveyor belt in the interior space of the furnace body. A division wall is provided, which divides the interior space of the furnace body into a space S1 including the conveyor belt and a space S2 including the infrared heaters. In the division wall, first portions located at positions corresponding to the respective infrared heaters in the longitudinal direction are made of a material that transmits infrared radiation, whereas second portions located at positions corresponding to respective spaces between adjacent infrared heaters in the longitudinal direction are made of a material that does not transmit infrared radiation.

Abstract: Methods of making reduced-fat or fat-free fried food products, and products made according to the methods, in which food pieces are coated with an aqueous adhesion mixture including a protein, and an oil absorption minimizing agent including an edible lipophilic material, where the coating is adhered to the food pieces, in order to provide for food products having the texture, flavor, and other characteristics of conventional full-fat fried food products. According to a preferred embodiment, the aqueous adhesion mixture includes from about 65 to about 95% by weight water, from about 4 to about 25% by weight protein, from 0 to about 2% by weight hydrocolloid, and from 0 to about 10% by weight protein stabilizing agent.

Abstract: A frozen, microwaveable, coated food product comprising: a core of cooked edible material having a weight equal to 15-95 wt. % of the food product; a fried coating that envelops the core of edible material and has a weight equal to 5-85 wt. % of the total weight of the food product, said coating comprising at least three coating layers, including an inner crumb layer, an outer crumb layer and a batter layer that separates the inner crumb layer from the outer crumb layer; wherein both the inner crumb layer and the outer crumb layer comprise a milled farinaceous dough extrudate containing 0.05-5 wt. % of added hydrocolloid.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing a feedstock for producing paper fiber from fruit of a plant may include providing a by-product source inclusive of fiber from the edible fruit after a process for removing a majority of the edible fruit is used to produce a food. One or more treatment processes to brighten the fruit by-product may be performed. The feedstock may be produced from the brightened fruit by-product.

Abstract: Methods for delaying the maturity, coloration and/or senescence of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, or non-food crops by applying phosphorous acid and/or its salts to the plants; or by applying mixtures of gibberellic acid and/or its salts and phosphorous acid and/or its salts to the plants. Applications may be made pre- or post-harvest at various temperatures and pH ranges. The unique combinations of phosphorous acid/salts with gibberellic acid/salts in embodiments of the present invention have been found to increase the effect of the gibberellic acid/salts on delaying maturation, coloration and senescence of plant tissues, thereby prolonging the shelf life of fruit, vegetables and/or non food crops in ways not previously realized.

Abstract: A fresh potato preservative and method of using the preservative for fresh cut potatoes that significantly extend the shelf life of fresh cut potatoes are provided. The fresh potato preservative preserves the texture, flavor, appearance, and color of the fresh potatoes, particularly exposed surfaces of the fresh potatoes that have been cut, in particular by reducing oxidation of the exposed cut surfaces of the potatoes. The preservative includes the ingredients of sodium chloride, citric acid, ascorbic acid, calcium chloride, sodium acid pyrophosphate, potassium sorbate and a protein-based composition.

Abstract: Minimally processed fruits and vegetables, such as peeled and cut produce, are preserved by a solution containing a combination of green tea extract catechins and an organic acid or salt thereof selected from any one or any combination of ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, and salts thereof. The preservative solution prevents residual self-staining properties commonly associated with green tea extract catechins. Processed fruits and vegetables are dipped in, sprayed with, or coated with the preservative solution. The produce preservative solution maintains the color, texture, flavor, appearance, and crispness of the treated produce.

Abstract: A product for cooking a food in oil and/or fat is provided. An adjusted pH protein suspension is produced in an aqueous or dry form and includes myofibrillar proteins and sarcoplasmic proteins substantially free of myofibrils and sarcomeres. The amount of oil and/or fat absorbed by the food during cooking is substantially reduced while the food retains its color and taste.

Abstract: Antibrowning compositions for food products, for example fresh produce, are disclosed herein. These antibrowning compositions can also, for example, be used to prevent growth of bacteria, yeasts and molds in the food products. Methods for using the antibrowning compositions are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Cold and ready to eat vegetable cakes, and with a variety of ingredient combinations are suitable for healthy consumption. The vegetable cakes are soft in texture and high in nutrition. People can save the time and energy of preparing and cooking of the food. Serving size can be a single serving, and a six pack of serving. Vegetable cakes are also created as vegetable egg cakes, vegetable plus salt source cakes, vegetable seafood cakes, vegetable meat cakes, vegetable bubbles, vegetables balls, vegetable patties, and vegetable sausages. They can be served as cold and hot food for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner. They can also be used as animal food, baby food, for children with less teeth, for old people, and for sick people. Cold and ready to eat vegetable cakes with ingredients offer the consumers an easy and convenient way to obtain an affordable, nutritious, and delicious meal.

Abstract: A food product is defined by a moist, fruit-paste matrix, having a water activity level in a range of 0.55 to 0.70, within which protein particulates are intermixed. The protein particulates include protein bits having a bulk density of about 0.4 g/cc and provided with a natural syrup coating. With the added protein bits, the protein level of the food product is at least 10 grams per serving or 10 grams/50-55 grams of the food product. The food product can be provided in the form of a snack product, such as a bite-sized snack product or a snack bar. The invention also sets forth a method of making the food product wherein provisions are taken to assure that the protein bits are properly coated, separated, sized and added to the fruit-paste matrix under time and other condition constraints to assure the integrity of the protein bits.

Abstract: Dried fruit has a coating of microcrystalline cellulose in an amount effective to prevent agglomeration of the dried fruit. Methods of preparing and using the coated dried fruit are also described. The dried fruit pieces of the present invention are less sticky and are readily separated from one another using ordinary gravity feed handling conditions.

Abstract: Dried fruit has a coating of microcrystalline cellulose in an amount effective to prevent agglomeration of the dried fruit Methods of preparing and using the coated dried fruit are also described. The dried fruit pieces of the present invention are less sticky and are readily separated from one another using ordinary gravity feed handling conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to olive processing, and includes methods for producing low-acid olives, as well as the olives produced thereby. In one aspect, the invention provides compositions directed towards packaged olive preparations having novel and beneficial characteristics, for example, olive preparations that are free of packing liquids such as brine solutions. In other aspects, the packaged olive preparations of the invention can have other beneficial properties, such as extended shelf life, have flavor infusions, and/or can be stuffed with various flavored stuffings.

Abstract: A snack-making process for manufacturing jujube snacks includes the following steps. Jujube fruit is harvested from a certain elevation above sea level. The fruit is air dried for between 30 and 120 days with substantially daily exposure to sunlight. The fruit is rinsed with water and air dried naturally between 30 and 60 minutes. The seeds are removed from the fruit and sliced into annular slices. The slices are baked for between 240 minutes to 360 minutes at a temperature of between 142 and 194 degrees F. The slices are cooled for between 30 minutes to 60 minutes at a temperature of between 50 and 60 degrees F. The slices are then cooled to below 15 degrees F. while maintaining the water content of the slices to less than 5%. The snack-making process may include the step of introducing a flavoring substance to the slices.

Abstract: Provided are oral products that provide engaging and flavorful experiences to a user. The oral product includes a plurality of capsules, a powdered component, a viscous component and a binder that create a matrix that is molded into a shape. In a preferred embodiment, the capsules provide functional and flavorful ingredients. In an embodiment, the matrix is enclosed in a porous material that forms a pouch.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides products and methods that provide for the stability of functional amino acids in food matrices. In a general embodiment, the products include either a source of beta-glucans or a source of protein low in reducing sugars, in combination with a functional amino acid in a binder having low amounts of or being substantially free of reducing sugars. Methods for improving the stability of functional amino acids in food matrices are also provided. The products and methods of the present disclosure provide several advantages including, for example, the reduction or avoidance of degradation and browning of months the products during processing and storage.

Abstract: The described pKa process creates a unique combination of active ingredients. The calcium carbonate carrier is impregnated with various proportions of active ingredients and the compounds are made more effective by the sheer and absorption action as they are combined in the described process. The calcium carrier is adjusted to incorporate small amounts of highly efficient/effective pH adjusters. No natural solution exists in Nature with a pH of 10.6 that is optimal for adjusting the pKa naturally in foods. The present invention effects a change in the pKa of most acids and therefore impacts pH which can positively affect flavor, color and taste. The reduced moisture process in combination with the invention solution applied as a treatment results in fruits and vegetables that exhibit cleaner flavors, better texture, enhanced color and lower microbial counts than is found in standard IQF vegetables currently available.

Abstract: A fresh fruit preservative and method of using the preservative for fresh cut fruit that significantly extend the shelf life of fresh cut fruit are provided. The fresh fruit preservative preserves the texture, flavor, appearance, and color of the fresh fruit, particularly exposed surfaces of the fresh fruit that have been cut, in particular by reducing oxidation of the exposed cut surfaces of the fruit. The preservative includes the ingredients of ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, carbohydrate, citric acid, calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium bicarbonate, malic acid and a protein-based composition.

Abstract: Described herein is an edible coating for preserving at least one organoleptic property of food products in which the coating comprises a polysaccharide solution and a cross-linking agent solution.

Abstract: A snack food having large food flakes whereby the food flakes are substantially adhered to the food substrate by an adhesive. The food substrate may be any savory shelf-stable food known in the art such as a chips, pretzels, crispy bread products, popcorn, or nuts. A blend of the food flakes and the adhesive in its liquid form is applied to a food substrate. The topped food substrate is then subjected to changed process conditions to harden the adhesive, forming a bond between the food flakes and the food substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a composition for use in forming films or coatings that prevent damage in foodstuffs, including plants, fruits, and vegetables. The disclosed compositions comprise a cellulose nanomaterial and can further comprise a nanoscale mineral compound and one or more additional components. Also disclosed are films or coatings made using the disclosed compositions, as well as methods for making the disclosed compositions and methods for using the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: A food product comprising a substrate of pieces of meat, poultry, fish, vegetable, fruit or dairy food and an aqueous composition coating the substrate provides improved performance, particularly for microwave cooking of reheating of the food product. The aqueous coating composition includes a mixture consisting of by dry weight: cellulose gum 15-35% modified starch 15-50% hydrocolloid ?20-30%, wherein the hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, carrageenan gum, guar gum and mixtures thereof, and proteinaceous component 10-20%; wherein the percentages of the ingredients are selected from the ranges quoted to total 100%; and wherein the aqueous coating composition does not contain any substantial amount of polydextrose.

Abstract: A food product having a substrate impregnated with a stabiliser composition and coated with an aqueous coating composition can be reheated using a microwave oven with good results.

Abstract: Refrigerated yogurt products of small size suitable for eating with the fingers are prepared by providing a frozen yogurt composition in individual serving portions and coating the frozen yogurt portions with a fat based coating that is a solid at 45° F., thereby completely enveloping the frozen yogurt portions. The coated frozen yogurt portion is allowed to thaw to form a refrigerated yogurt product and is stored at a temperature of from about 32° F. to about 45° F. The yogurt composition has a final viscosity of from about 35,000 to about 150,000 cP at 4° C., and has a total solids content of at least about 22% and/or exhibits a viscosity reduction at 45° F. of less than 10% after two freeze/thaw cycles. Methods and products are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of beverage supplements. Provided by aspects of the invention are compositions for and methods of enhancing the flavor of a beverage by suspending fruit particles in the beverage just prior to consumption. Suspended fruit particles enhance the consumer's drinking experience by refreshing the flavor of the beverage with each sip. Fruit particles can be distributed in a beverage at different levels by altering the physical properties and composition of the fruit pieces. In one embodiment, the fruit pieces can be dehydrated to different levels. Alternatively, or in addition, embodiments of the present invention provide dehydrated fruit matter, which can be coated or processed with edible material to provide fruit particles of different weights such that the particles suspend at different levels when added to a beverage. As the consumer drinks the beverage, a relatively even distribution of beverage bits will be consumed.

Abstract: A food product is within an aqueous solution. The solution includes: at least one edible acid; and at least one osmotic agent, wherein after the solution reaches equilibrium with the food product, the pH of the solution is between about 1 and 5.

Abstract: A snack-making process for manufacturing jujube snacks includes the following steps. Jujube fruit is harvested from a certain elevation above sea level. The fruit is air dried for between 30 and 120 days with substantially daily exposure to sunlight. The fruit is rinsed with water and air dried naturally between 30 and 60 minutes. The seeds are removed from the fruit and sliced into annular slices. The slices are baked for between 240 minutes to 360 minutes at a temperature of between 142 and 194 degrees F. The slices are cooled for between 30 minutes to 60 minutes at a temperature of between 50 and 60 degrees F. The slices are then cooled to below 15 degrees F. while maintaining the water content of the slices to less than 5%. The snack-making process may include the step of introducing a flavoring substance to the slices.

Abstract: A sandwich-sized shaped potato products adapted for presentation and use as either a hot garnish, such as suggestive of a pile of mashed french fries on a hamburger sandwich, or as a meat substitute in a sandwich, and the sandwiches made therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of candied fruit and vegetables without sucrose, by immersing the fruit and vegetables previously prepared in candied solutions containing sucrose substituent agents. The sucrose substituent agents may or may not have other functional properties in addition to their sweet flavor. The resulting candied products may be subject to further processing in order to reduce water content, thus resulting in dried fruit or vegetables without sucrose, with or without additional functional properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of coating fruit or vegetables, comprising the application of a composition comprising one or more abietic acid ester(s) or mixtures thereof, in combination with one or more terpene(s).

Abstract: Deep fried, seasoned, and ready to eat vegetables in small pieces to be served conveniently as an appetizer and/or snack food. The comestible produced provides people who eat at fast food restaurants the choice of deep fried vegetables as appetizers, and people shopping for food the convenience of getting processed vegetables as snack food.

Abstract: An Apium graveolens L. var dulce celery plant with a hollow petiole suitable for use as a straw for consuming beverages or as a food product where other food products are capable of being stuffed inside the hollow celery petiole. The edible, hollow petiole celery is mild in taste and resistant to rupture.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a foldable vegetable shred food sheet useful, for example, as a bread substitute and/or a food wrap. The food sheet comprises vegetable pieces and a gelling agent such as, potato shred and starch. The food sheet of the disclosure has the unique ability to be folded and used like a tortilla wrap. The disclosure also provides for a wrapped food product comprising a potato food wrap fully or partially wrapped around a filling and relates to a method for preparing a wrapped food product. The disclosure also relates to methods of forming a food wrap or pasta noodle.