Abstract: Textured, co-deposited, freeze-dried food products are provided, as well as methods of making same. In a general embodiment, the food products have a first component and a second component that are disposed adjacent one another. The first and second components may be the same or different materials and may have any number of distinguishable characteristics including, but not limited to, flavor, color, texture, optical properties, etc. The food products are subjected to a sublimation step during manufacturing to remove excess water in the food product to provide a freeze-dried food product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the process of obtaining reconstituted foods from natural raw materials and the products obtained following said process. It relates particularly to the process of producing a reconstituted product comprising two concentrically distributed portions such that the outer portion comprises reconstituted olive and the inner portion comprises reconstituted pepper.

Abstract: A process for coating food products, characterized in that the products are coated before they are cooked with an aqueous coating composition including a modified legume starch having an amylose content of less than 40%.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising one or more of a stilbenoid, stilbenoid derivative, stilbene, or stilbene derivative and a produce coating. The resulting compositions are coatings which promote the health of fruit, vegetables, and/or other plant parts, and/or mitigate decay of post-harvest fruit, vegetables, and/or other plant parts.

Abstract: A ready-to-eat food product includes a fruit core and a barrier coating covering the fruit core. The barrier coating can be a solid or semi-solid up to substantially 41 degrees Celsius. The ready-to-eat food product further includes an outer protective coating distributed around the barrier coating. The outer protective coating can include a plurality of dry particles separating an outer surface of the outer protective coating and an outer surface of the barrier coating.

Abstract: A sandwich-sized crispy chip garnish is provided with desired color, flavor and surface presentations for use in a crispy chip sandwich.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to monolayer, bilayer, and multilayer films made from fruit, vegetable or a combination thereof, which films have the thinness, strength, flexibility, and crispness to serve as alternates or substitutes for seaweed-based films such as nori, while providing the nutrition and flavor of fruits and vegetables. The films are useful for wrapping around a multiplicity of foods, and can be used to provide wrapped foods, including for example fruit and vegetable wrapped sushi and onigiri.

Abstract: A juice-filled fruit snack and a method of manufacturing thereof in which the fruit snack has a gelled shell and a liquid center with a water binder in an amount sufficient to bind the water content of the liquid center to prevent the liquid center from leaking out of the gelled shell, and the amount of the water binder is lower than an amount that otherwise causes the liquid center to substantially increase in thickness or viscosity. The water binder is between 0.05 to 0.4% xanthan gum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for coating food products comprising the application of an aqueous coating composition to the surface of the food product. A further subject is said coating composition and food products coated with said coating composition.

Abstract: The present invention is a grain product. The grain product includes a first fraction including bran. The first fraction is milled to a first particle size of less than 500 micrometers. The grain product also includes a second fraction including germ. The second fraction is milled to a second particle size of less than 500 micrometers. The grain product is at least one of: a food product, a nutritional supplement, a dietary supplement, a fiber supplement, a digestive supplement, a functional food, and a medical food.

Abstract: This application relates to compositions comprising whole-tissue potato products with enhanced resistant starch (RS) content and reduced estimated glycemic index values. Methods of preparing and using whole-tissue potato products with enhanced resistant starch (RS) content and glycemic index values are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a confectionery composition which is able to provide a new and improved flavour and texture experience for a consumer. The confectionery composition has interconnected pores therein which contain a fill material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to prepare a dried vegetable product comprising the steps of—subjecting a vegetable to a hypertonic heat shock by contacting (preferably submerging) the vegetable with (in) a hypertonic heat shock solution comprising at least one edible salt, at a temperature of 101 to 112 degrees C.;—coating the hypertonically heat shocked vegetable with a coating mix and—drying the coated hypertonically heat shocked vegetable.

Abstract: A pulp food product, process and method of manufacturing same is provided comprising at least one pulp material formed from at least one raw vegetable or fruit wherein juice is substantially removed therefrom leaving behind the pulp material. The pulp material is dried to contain no more than about 5% moisture after treatment by way of dehydration or freeze drying. In one embodiment the pulp food product comprises a base vegetable, between about 55-100% by weight, a color vegetable, between about 0-20% by weight, a flavor vegetable and/or fruit between about 0-20% by weight, and additional flavor ingredients between about 0-5% by weight. The process provides for processing raw fruits and/or vegetables through an extractor to substantially separate juice and pulp, mixing the pulp, shaping the pulp into structures, including granules, chips, sticks etc., and drying the shape pulp to no more than 5% by weight of moisture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a forming apparatus comprising (a) first and second forming rolls with forming pockets in corresponding alignment, wherein at least one roll has one or more continuous grooves extending around the circumference of the roll in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the roll and which intersects the forming pockets in the plane, wherein the first and second forming rolls rotate in directions counter to one another, and (b) one or more forming pins positioned between the counter rotating rolls and within the continuous groove of the roll.

Abstract: A process for mitigating acrylamide formation in fried potato products is disclosed. The acrylamide formation is mitigated while the color formation of the fried potato product is managed. The resulting fried potato product includes low acrylamide levels while exhibiting acceptable organoleptic properties such as taste, color and texture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a baked cheese product having two opposing pieces of exterior cheese having outer edges. An interior food product of a different type of cheese or a non-cheese product has dimensions less than the dimensions of the exterior cheese. The interior food product is positioned between the opposing slices of the exterior cheese such that outer edges of the opposing slices of the exterior cheese are placed together. The outer edges are bonded by heat to create a bond sufficient to prevent leakage of the interior food product.

Abstract: Non-perishable plant-derived decorative food items are described, as are methods for making such articles.

Abstract: A dough-enrobed foodstuff is provided that contains a filling and is coated with a coating composition that includes a dextrin where less than 50% of the dextrin is soluble in about 25° C. (77° F.) water and modified food starch having an amylose content of less than 50% based on the weight of the modified food starch. The coated foodstuff is thermally processed such that the coating becomes substantially clear. The coated thermally processed foodstuff is then frozen. On reheating, the coated foodstuff is crispier than an uncoated, frozen foodstuff after reheating and substantially prevents the filling from breaking the dough-enrobed foodstuff upon reconstitution by subsequent thermal processing.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a food product comprising the steps of: wholly or partially impregnating a substrate with a stabiliser composition wherein the substrate comprises pieces of meat, poultry or fish; wherein the stabiliser composition comprises an aqueous solution of: cellulose gum ?5-25% modified starch 16-50% thickener component 32-79% and optional further ingredients wherein the percentages of the ingredients are by dry weight and are selected from the ranges quoted to total 100%; and wherein the impregnated substrate is coated with an aqueous coating comprising 0.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filling a fleshy fruit or vegetable with a filler are described. Embodiments include tool having an expandable member that is expandable to an expanded position to make a cavity in the fruit and collapsible to a collapsed position for withdrawal from the fruit, with the expandable member in the expanded state comprising a cross-section that is larger than the maximum diameter of the tool in the collapsed position. A cavity may be created without substantially affecting the natural visual appearance of the fruit or vegetable. Fillers and filling methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making crispy pepper chips includes providing a pepper. The method also includes slicing the pepper to form pepper slices. The method also includes cooking and dehydrating without burning to form crispy pepper chips.

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 tube. The edible, hollow-celery is mild in taste and more resistant to rupturing than celeriac and leaf celery with hollow petioles. The present invention also includes methods for increasing the product quality of celery limb products including a unique method for sanitizing, cutting, and packaging Apium graveolens L. var. dulce celery limbs.

Abstract: A complex coacervate delivery system is provided which encapsulates water-insoluble flavorants. The complex coacervate delivery system provides a stable dispersion of water-insoluble flavorant in an aqueous system, and also protects the flavorant from degradation, e.g., by oxidation or hydrolysis. The complex coacervate delivery system upon ingestion is operative to release at least a substantial portion of the flavorant in the mouth in a pH-controlled manner. The complex coacervate delivery system may be included in a food or beverage product having a pH value within the range of about 1.5 to about 5.0.

Abstract: The present invention is in relation to an organoleptically improved dietary fiber composition from Trigonella foenum-graecum. In addition, the present invention provides a process to obtain an organoleptically improved dietary fiber composition comprising protein and galactomannans for treatment of diabetes.

Abstract: A process for preparing an energy food product comprising the steps of (a) processing at least one base energy food component at a temperature and shear sufficient to form a homogeneous base energy food matrix; and (b) subsequently mixing at least one process sensitive component with said homogeneous base energy food matrix at a temperature and shear that does not deleteriously effect said process sensitive component.

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: Composite food products comprising a first soft plastic nonfrangible major portion having a water activity of 0.5 or less and about 1% to 15% % of a second food portion of small direct expanded puffed particulates fabricated from a cooked cereal dough. The puffed pieces are formed by direct puffing or expansion into individual pieces rather than by grinding or size reducing larger cereal pieces. The puffed cereal particulates thus have a continuous unbroken skin or surface surrounding the particulates as a result of the direct expansion formation. The particulates have a size ranging from about 0.5 to 2 mm, a moisture content of less than 6%, and, a bulk density ranging from about 0.15 to 0.25 g/cc. The cooked cereal dough from which the particulates are fabricated comprises at least 45% rice flour. The products exhibit a crispy texture notwithstanding the softer texture of the major phase.

Abstract: A chitosan polymer is added to an acid and water solution in an amount sufficient to form an edible composition having a solids content greater than five percent (5%) and a liquid viscosity. The composition is applied to food products, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts, to provide an edible protective coating for the food products. An edible wax emulsion and/or a preservative such as sodium benzoate, and/or an adhesion additive such as zinc acetate, and/or a wetting agent, and/or one or more additives from the group consisting of virgin and/or modified carbohydrates, proteins, hydrocolloides, lipids, oils, gums and waxes, natural and/or synthetic, may be added to the composition before it is applied to the food product.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for fortifying a beverage with one or more citrus phytochemicals while concealing the bitter taste of these compounds in the beverage. These methods comprise microencapsulating the citrus phytochemicals and adding the microencapsulated citrus phytochemicals to beverages. Also disclosed are beverages fortified with one or more microencapsulated citrus phytochemicals but which do not have the bitter taste characteristics of these compounds.

Abstract: A reduced-step method of producing puffed fruit pieces is provided. The invention is a two-part drying process, where the fruit is oven baked and then popped. The crispy fruit pieces can be flavored using flavorings. From the novel infusion-free and reduced step process the fruit pieces contain nutrients of their fresh fruit essence, making them a healthful and desirable snack. The method includes drying fruit pieces in a wind oven until a specified moisture-content of the fruit pieces are reached, then storing the fruit pieces in a refrigerated environment. The chilled fruit pieces are flavored, and then dehydrated in a low-pressure dehydration chamber until the fruit pieces change from a first state to a second state, and immediately packaged in a nitrogen-filled hermetically sealed package.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for fortifying a beverage with one or more citrus phytochemicals while concealing the bitter taste of these compounds in the beverage. These methods comprise microencapsulating the citrus phytochemicals and adding the microencapsulated citrus phytochemicals to beverages. Also disclosed are beverages fortified with one or more microencapsulated citrus phytochemicals but which do not have the bitter taste characteristics of these compounds.

Abstract: A confectionery product comprises first and second confectionery mass layers arranged in contact with each other as a laminate. At least one of the inner surfaces of the first and second confectionery mass layers is provided with at least one depression, and preferably a plurality of depressions arranged in a regular two-dimensional array. The inner surfaces of the confectionery mass layers define at least one pocket in the confectionery product, the or each pocket being located in an area corresponding to a respective depression. The pockets may provide aeration on a macro scale, and they may be at least partially filled with a liquid, semi-solid or solid material.

Abstract: Center-filled confectionery products and methods of making center-filled confectionery products are provided. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a confectionery product comprising a hard confectionery shell surrounding a filling. The confectionery shell comprises a plurality of segments having different colors. The filling is selected from the group consisting of a liquid, a paste, a powder, a hard confectionery and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to value-added non-fried, crispy apple food products and a consumer-friendly process for manufacturing these products that does not use deep-frying in oil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing individually coated, baked, composite fruit core snack products is disclosed. Wet and dry ingredients are mixed and extruded to make a fruit paste rope. The fruit paste rope is divided into individual sections and formed into cores, each of which is substantially shaped into a sphere. The cores are then coated and baked to produce the coated composite fruit snack product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two phase beverage comprising an aqueous phase and encapsulated fruit pulp.

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: A non-sticky, free-flowing product comprises a candied or infused, internally-moist, solid comestible having a surface coating comprising as main ingredient a dry starch derivative selected from starch phosphate esters, hydroxyalkyl starches phosphate esters and mixtures thereof. Typically, the candied or infused, internally-moist solid comestible is selected from candied or infused ginger pieces, whole fruit or fruit pieces. The product may be used as a food ingredient, for instance in bakery products, cereal products, ice cream and dairy products.

Abstract: A low acrylamide French fry potato strip and related preparation process, wherein relatively low sugar-containing potatoes are cut into pieces such as elongated French fry strips, blanched in hot water or steam, and then dipped into an aqueous solution having at least one selected food grade color agent such as annatto. The thus-dipped potato pieces are then parfried in hot oil, following by freezing for storage and/or shipment. The parfried and frozen potato pieces are adapted for finish preparation by frying in hot oil to produce French fry potato pieces such as French fry strips having a set of desirable taste, texture and appearance characteristics, in combination with a relatively low acrylamide level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fresh food product in a 3-D form comprising a temperature-dependent jellified coating with a dairy product inside and to the process of manufacturing that food product. In particular the invention provides a fresh food product comprising a temperature-dependent external jellified coating and an internal filling comprising a dairy product which is completely enclosed in the external jellified coating, and the process for the manufacture of this product.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous composition for preparing an edible coating on a microwavable food, which composition comprises at least one prolamin and at least one hydrocolloid or gelling agent. The invention further relates to a microwavable food comprising an edible coating, which coating comprises at least one prolamin and at least one hydrocolloid or gelling agent.

Abstract: A non-sticky, free-flowing product comprises a candied or infused, internally-moist, solid comestible having a surface coating comprising as main ingredient a dry starch derivative selected from starch phosphate esters, hydroxyalkyl starches phosphate esters and mixtures thereof. Typically, the candied or infused, internally-moist solid comestible is selected from candied or infused ginger pieces, whole fruit or fruit pieces. The product may be used as a food ingredient, for instance in bakery products, cereal products, ice cream and dairy products.

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 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 food product is provided that is formed from dehydrated fruit to form a crust for pies, wraps, and the like in which the dehydrated fruit has a water activity level in the range of 0.4 to 0.9 Aw. The dehydrated fruit can be ground into particles that are extruded, compressed, rolled, or stamped into a sheet that is cut into top and bottom crusts. Dehydrated fruit particles having a water activity level of 0.1 to 0.2 Aw can be used to form a cracker-like crust. The fruit-based crust can be used to form an all-fruit pie or similar-type pastry.

Abstract: A method for making a food product that is suitable for human consumption, has a firm texture and is made from a mixture of protein-containing ingredients and vegetable. Finely ground vegetable is first dejuiced in a separating device, such as a decanter, a press or a centrifuge, and the dejuiced vegetable is then kneaded into the protein-containing ingredients without further processing. An ingredient for addition to food products suitable for human consumption, including dejuiced vegetable with a moisture content of at least 55%, is also contemplated. A dough or paste composed of protein, fat, starch, processing aids and vegetable, amongst other ingredients, whereby the vegetable is added in the form of a kneadable dejuiced vegetable, and also to products made from or with the dough or paste is further contemplated.

Abstract: Methods of making low-fat or fat free snack food products, and products made according to the methods, in which food pieces are subjected to enzyme and/or cation treatment and/or specific cooking and/or drying techniques, to provide for snack food products having the texture, flavor, and other characteristics of conventional full-fat products.

Abstract: A method for infusing fruits and vegetables with prebiotic soluble fibers in the form of either short chain fructooligosaccharides or dextrins. Fruits and vegetables are submerged in an infusion solution of prebiotic soluble fiber, and undergo both atmospheric and vacuum infusion processes. The infusion solution is maintained at a temperature of between about 45° F. to about 50° F. and at a Brix of about 30° to about 60°. Vacuum (low pressure) pulses are applied to the product to expedite solids infusion (mass transfer) and thereby decrease infusion time and the product is subsequently vacuum fried to attain a great-tasting, fiber-enriched and aesthetically-pleasing fruit or vegetable product with reduced sweetness, good texture, and an enhanced natural taste with less than 2% moisture by weight and a significantly long shelf-life of up to 12 months.