Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing tablets for hot beverage brewing includes a reservoir feeding infusible loose food products, a grinding system for the loose food products to obtain grounds of a given size, a moistening system moistening the grounds to a given moisture content, a mixing and homogenizing system for mixing and homogenizing the grounds to a homogeneous mixture, a weighing system of the homogeneous mixture to obtain a dose of predetermined weight, a forming system forming the dose into a tablet of predetermined volume, an irradiation system for electromagnetic irradiation of the tablet to overheat the particles to a partial baking and/or sintering for compactness and self-supporting ability without an enclosure, and a control system acting on the grinding, moistening, homogenizing, system, forming, and irradiating systems to control particle size, moisture content, homogeneity, weight, volume and compactness parameters of the tablet and change water permeability of the tablet accordingly.

Abstract: Provided is a porous molding which is capable of removing ions in water to be treated, in particular, phosphorus ions at a very high liquid-permeation rate of at least SV 120 hr?1, and which has a large adsorption capacity. The porous molding according to the present invention comprises an organic polymer resin and an inorganic ion adsorbent, and is characterized in that a total volume of pores having a pore diameter of 1-80 nm as measured by a nitrogen adsorption method is 0.05-0.7 cm3/g per unit mass of the inorganic ion adsorbent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing non-fried noodles having a reduced sodium content and excellent noodle making properties, texture, and flavor. Fresh noodles having excellent noodle making properties, texture, and flavor can be produced by adding 1 to 3% by weight of potassium lactate relative to a main raw material powder such as wheat flour even without adding salt. Further, non-fried noodles having a reduced sodium content and excellent texture and flavor can be produced by steaming the fresh noodles and then drying the noodles by hot air. Moreover, after drying, the non-fried noodles dried by hot air to have a moisture of 7 to 14% by weight is further subjected to a heating process with high-temperature hot air, a gas mixture of high-temperature hot air and water vapor, or superheated steam at 120 to 200° C. until the moisture of the non-fried noodles is reduced to 3 to 6% by weight, which can consequently reduce a harsh taste derived from potassium lactate.

Abstract: A filled gluten-free or low-gluten pasta product, such as ravioli, tortellini, agnolotti or the like, wherein said pasta incorporates a low-gluten or gluten free flour and xanthan gum and is produced by cold extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for three-dimensional microwave air-jet drying of persimmon slices, comprising steps of grading and cleaning, slicing, microwave heating, steam de-astringency, hot-air reverse primary drying, negative-pressure intermittent secondary drying, cooling and packaging. In the present invention, high-temperature (60-70° C.) high-pressure annularly sprayed citric acid and 40% alcohol vapor (rotating at 360°) are adopted to remove astringency of persimmons, wherein high temperature causes more intense Brownian motion of liquid molecules; high pressure improves permeation and diffusion speed of de-astringency liquid in the persimmon slices; citric acid plays a membrane breaking role on persimmon cell membranes; and 40% alcohol vapor is allowed to rapidly diffuse into cells, so that tannin is polymerized into insoluble gel from a soluble state, thereby achieving a uniform and rapid de-astringency effect.

Abstract: A method to produce cheese chips provides that cut cheese slices are frozen and then raised by means of rapid water evaporation due to the application of microwave and vacuum drying. The freezing step is preceded by drying and cooling, and the raised cheese chips containing cheese and flavourings are characterised in that their density does not exceed 0.46 g/cm3, the porosity does exceed 40%, and the crunchiness does exceed 4.

Abstract: A cooking tank 112 for a food fryer 100 includes a lower heating zone 154 for receiving a heating element of heat exchanger 120, and an upper product zone 152 in which a product transporting conveying system 122 is positioned. The lower heating zone of the tank 112 is narrower in width than the upper product zone 154 of the tank. Conveyor side bars 140 extend upwardly from shoulders 170 extending laterally from the narrower side walls at the heating zone of the tank to the wider side walls 168 at the product zone of the tank. Conveyor side bars 140 extend upwardly from the shoulders 170, inwardly of the side walls 168, to support the conveying system 122.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snack-type dry cheese or dairy foodstuff and to its process of manufacture.

Abstract: Here is provided a method of producing a starch gel-containing food, the method comprising the steps of: treating starch granules with an enzyme at a temperature of about 10° C. or higher and about 70° C. or lower to obtain an enzyme-treated starch; mixing a food material, the enzyme-treated starch and water to obtain a mixture; heating the mixture thereby gelatinizing the enzyme-treated starch in the mixture; and cooling the mixture containing the gelatinized enzyme-treated starch thereby gelling the starch to obtain a starch gel-containing food, wherein the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of amyloglucosidase, isoamylase, ?-glucosidase, ?-amylase having a characteristic capable of improving a gel forming ability of a starch, and cyclodextrin glucanotransferase.

Abstract: A gas purification agent includes an electronegative film-forming agent and a foaming agent. The electronegative film-forming agent accounts for 20-80 wt % of the gas purification agent, while the foaming agent accounts for 20-80 wt % of the gas purification agent. The gas purification agent of such a composition can be used as a haze removing agent to effectively remove fine dust particles such as PM10 and PM2.5 from the air. The gas purification agent includes 2.5-25 wt % of the electronegative film-forming agent, 2.5-25 wt % of the foaming agent, and 50-95 wt % of a desulfurizing agent. The gas purification agent of such a composition can be used as a desulfurizing agent to remove sulfur-containing compounds from industrial exhaust gases. A method for using the gas purification agent is also provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing a shelf-stable processed grain product includes a series of heating and cooling steps performed on a processed grain product having a water activity value of about 0.65 or less. A first heating step takes the grain pieces to a first elevated temperature, which is followed by a first cooling step. The grain pieces are passed to a second heating step to reach a second elevated temperature, followed by a second cooling step. The grain pieces are then passed to a third heating step, after which they are sufficiently soft and pliable for a final forming step such as flaking, bumping, puffing, or the like. This allows grain pieces that are suitable for long term storage, but too brittle for final forming, to be softened for final forming without raising the moisture content to a point that is conducive to mold formation or reduced product quality.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a drying or heating apparatus that is capable of independently controlling the temperature of the product being heated (e.g., to achieve a desired temperature profile) and the wavelength of the radiation (e.g., to maximize the heat transfer rate). To such ends, a drying apparatus can be provided with one or more heat sources that are movable relative to the product being heated in order to increase or decrease the gap or spacing between the heat source and the product. By adjusting the gap between the product and the heat source, it is possible to control the source temperature in such a manner that produces the desired product temperature and wavelength of radiation.

Abstract: A stabilized seed oil composition that includes oil extracted from pomegranate seeds. The extracted oil has at least about 65% punicic acid. The extracted oil has reduced levels of free fatty acids compared to cold pressed pomegranate seed oil, reduced peroxide values compared to said cold pressed pomegranate seed oil, and a lower yellow color value compared to said cold pressed pomegranate seed oil.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method of pet food are provided. The manufacturing apparatus comprises a material inlet through which a kneaded material is fed, the kneaded material being obtained through kneading a raw pet food material; an extrusion molding section configured to extrude the kneaded material through an extruding outlet; a cutter configured to cut the kneaded material extruded through the extruding outlet at desired intervals to form material grains; a reservoir disposed in a location to receive the material grains falling due to the cutting; an agitating section provided in the reservoir and configured to agitate the material grains; a heating section configured to heat the material grains while the material grains are agitated by the agitating section; and a drying section configured to dry the material grains within the reservoir after the heating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, composition and product by process of pomegranate seed oil. The present invention provides a novel method for the preparation of pomegranate seeds and the subsequent extraction, stabilization and deodorization of pomegranate seed oil. The process maintains key beneficial components of pomegranate seed oil. Effective processing parameters for separating, drying, cleaning, flaking, obtaining the oil from seeds, stabilizing through refining and bleaching and deodorizing the oil are described.

Abstract: Pet chew products and methods of manufacturing such products are disclosed. Some pet chew products may comprise puffed pieces of dry animal tissue, such as bully stick, or puffed pieces of hardened cheese, such as hardened yak cheese made for pet consumption. Some pet chew products may comprise hardened cheese, dry animal tissue such as a bully stick, and a sugar protein bond joining the hardened cheese and the dry animal tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for popping kernels, comprising a heating chamber configured to contain kernels, a microwave emitter configured to produce microwave energy within the heating chamber and heat the kernels, a single-mode resonant microwave applicator configured to generate a stable focused high intensity microwave region within the heating chamber, and an air blower configured to create airflow within the heating chamber sufficient to move the kernels within the heating chamber.

Abstract: A method for preparing and conditioning granular burdock through combined uniform drying by using radio frequency (RF) pretreatment and microwave pulse spouting is provided. The process of the present disclosure includes performing pretreatment on fresh burdock, protecting color, pre-drying by RF, drying through microwave pulse spouting, and packaging. The color and luster of a product are greatly improved after color protection, the RF pre-drying treatment may be performed for 20 minutes, and hot air drying treatments for removing moisture on the surface may be performed for 60 minutes. The method has a short drying time and high efficiency. The sectional microwave pulse spouting treatment needs 60 minutes totally, while the complete hot air drying treatment needs 400 minutes. Therefore the drying time of the method is greatly shortened, and the drying is uniform, and a sample after microwave pulse spouting drying has strong fragrance.

Abstract: Methods and systems of making a meat-based food product, the methods and systems including forming minced meat into a blended form. Methods may include forming minced meat into a blended form. Encasing the blended form, heating the blended form to at least approximately 145° F. to 160° F. Chilling the blended form to at least approximately 40° F. Slicing the chilled blended form into a plurality of slices that have first and second sides spaced apart by a thickness having a range from approximately 0.039 inches to approximately 0.187 inches. Finally, drying the slices in a drying stage by an approximate 1,500 W for approximately 90 seconds to approximately 105 seconds in a dryer to produce dried slices, and moving the dried slices from the dryer stage to a cooling stage, the cooling stage incorporates an ambient air medium passing through the dried slices.

Abstract: A crisp food product is prepared in a first phase from thin food pieces of raw fruit, vegetable or gelatinizable proteins, by blanching them (if necessary) and drying them. A second phase takes place in a vacuum chamber, where the dried thin food pieces are exposed to heat to expand them, are quickly removed from the heat source and are cooled, before being removed from the vaccuum.

Abstract: Nutritional compositions and methods of making and using the nutritional compositions are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides nutritional compositions having whey protein micelles and leucine. The nutritional compositions provide a sufficient amount of leucine to improve protein synthesis in humans, while also maintaining a low-viscosity fluid matrix and acceptable organoleptic properties.

Abstract: A method of preparing a shelf-stable processed grain product includes a series of heating and cooling steps performed on a processed grain product having a water activity value of about 0.65 or less. A first heating step takes the grain pieces to a first elevated temperature, which is followed by a first cooling step. The grain pieces are passed to a second heating step to reach a second elevated temperature, followed by a second cooling step. The grain pieces are then passed to a third heating step, after which they are sufficiently soft and pliable for a final forming step such as flaking, bumping, puffing, or the like. This allows grain pieces that are suitable for long term storage, but too brittle for final forming, to be softened for final forming without raising the moisture content to a point that is conducive to mold formation or reduced product quality.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel and improved processes designed for dehydrating natural products and creating a liquid infused with the dehydrated natural products. The process comprises the steps of selecting a natural product out of which to create the infusion. Once selected the natural product is then dehydrated to a moisture content of 10-25%. Following the dehydration step, the natural product is placed in a microwave vacuum device for additional dehydration under negative pressure and elevated temperature between 120-220 degrees Fahrenheit. Following the microwave vacuum step, the natural product is rapidly cooled to between 36-60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooled natural product is then granulated or ground to improve its suitability for infusion. To make the infusion, the ground or granulated natural product is exposed to a liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of popping kernels, comprising moving kernels within a heating chamber with airflow, and subjecting the kernels to focused microwave energy sufficient to cause the kernels to pop, resulting in popped flakes, wherein the method produces popped flakes with an average popping yield greater than 94%. The present invention also relates to a method for popping kernels, comprising generating in a single-mode resonant microwave applicator a standing microwave energy field comprising an array of one or more anti-node high intensity microwave regions, subjecting kernels to the microwave energy in the one or more high intensity microwave regions, sufficient for the kernels to achieve a uniform distribution of microwave energy heat to cause the kernels to pop, wherein the method produces popped flakes with an average popping yield greater than 94%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for popping kernels, comprising generating a standing microwave energy field in a single-mode resonant microwave applicator, wherein the standing microwave energy field comprises an array of one or more high intensity microwave region, providing a heating chamber encompassing the one or more hot zones, delivering kernels to the heating chamber and moving the kernels through the high intensity microwave region within the heating chamber, subjecting kernels to the microwave energy in the one or more high intensity microwave regions, sufficient to cause the kernels to pop and produce popped flakes, and selectively discharging popped flakes from the heating chamber by upward airflow.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the production of dough and bread products made at least in part of spent brewer's grain. The spent grain is removed from a brewing or distilling process, dried, frozen, and then further processed into a spent grain dough product. More specifically, the invention relates to the systems and methods for making frozen pizza dough balls composed at least in part of grain products that have been used in the process of brewing beer or distilling sprits such as whiskey.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method and a system for a multi-stage treatment of whole grain flour to reduce enzyme activity, and more specifically, for the rapid treatment of whole grain flour to reduce the lipase enzyme activity for increasing shelf-life using microwave energy for at least one of the stages.

Abstract: A roasting oven includes an enclosure coupled to a source of microwave RF energy, an operable door for sealing the enclosure for RF, the operable door having a viewing aperture which prevents the escape of RF from inside the chamber. A rotating support has an axis which is perpendicular to the viewing aperture such that the progress of roasting may be viewed through the viewing aperture and into a food container placed in the rotating support. The applied power of the microwave RF source and the rotational velocity of the rotating support are selected to provide uniform or wide spectrum roasting of the food item. A roasting profile may include a roasting interval during which the microwave RF source and rotating support are both energized, and subsequently a cool-down interval where the microwave RF source is disabled and the rotating support continues to rotate.

Abstract: A highly palatable pet food that is formulated using a blend of ingredients having good nutritional balance with the health of the pet in mind, and a manufacturing method for the pet food. The present invention provides a pet food manufacturing method that includes a step of granulating a mixture of ingredients to obtain food granules, and a step of baking the food granules, wherein the baking temperature is preferably a temperature that generates pyrazines in the food granules. Further, the pyrazine content within the food granules following baking is preferably at least 0.10 ppm higher than the pyrazine content within the food granules prior to baking. Examples of the pyrazines contained within the food granules include 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine and/or 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine. Furthermore, the baking is preferably performed using far infrared radiation.

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 high protein low fat snack products including crisps and to methods of producing them. The products are dried and expanded products. In one embodiment the product is a heat-expanded and dried crisp snack product based on milk proteins. Other products are in effect synthetic cheese snack products.

Abstract: A dehydrated avocado in pieces that is a semi-porous, rigid and fragile solid preserving the organoleptic properties of the fresh fruit and having a dry base weight chemical composition of 17.6 grams to 30.4 grams of carbohydrates, 6.8 grams to 8.4 grams of proteins, 61.2 grams to 69.2 grams of oil, 0.5 grams to 1.5 grams of water and 5.6 grams to 8.4 grams of fiber is produced selecting the avocado at a ripeness level higher than the climacteric maximum; pre-cooling; scalding; cutting the tip, wherein the tip is the section of the fruit immediately behind the petiole; removing the skin; slicing with the pit included; applying vacuum and microwave dehydration; and removing the pit sections from the slices.

Abstract: A process of preparing a sencha green tea, including the treatment of fresh tea leaves by steaming, cooling, rolling and drying to give an aracha, followed by roasting to give a sencha, characterized in that (a) prior to roasting, (i) the aracha is finely ground; (ii) water is added to the aracha to the extent of at least 10% by weight; (iii) the aracha is stored for at least 2 days at a maximum temperature of room temperature; and (b) the aracha is then roasted using only microwaves under vacuum conditions, until the beginning of burning of the leaves is observed. The resulting sencha has an especially desirable roasted-green flavor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preserving a plant material. The method comprises applying a composition comprising a microwave attractant to the plant material; and then drying the plant material while exposing the plant material to microwave energy, wherein the microwave energy heats the plant material to a temperature effective to inactivate the majority of any browning enzymes in the plant material, and wherein the microwave attractant results in the heating of the plant material occurring at a rate whereby browning of the plant material by the browning enzymes during heating is substantially prevented. Also disclosed are uses of the preserved plant material.

Abstract: A process of preparing a sencha green tea, comprising the treatment of fresh tea leaves by steaming, cooling, rolling and drying to give an aracha, followed by roasting to give a sencha, characterised in that (a) prior to roasting, (i) the aracha is finely ground; (ii) water is added to the aracha to the extent of at least 10% by weight; (iii) the aracha is stored for at least 2 days at a maximum temperature of room temperature; and (b) the aracha is then roasted using only microwaves under vacuum conditions, until the beginning of burning of the leaves is observed. The resulting sencha has an especially desirable roasted-green flavour.

Abstract: Nutritious granular materials of fine particle sizes agglomerated within versatile micropellets are useful for inserting significant amounts of nutritious properties into snack foods. Expandable micropellet-containing formulations provide for introduction of fine particle ingredients such as proteins, minerals and other components or desirable nutrients into food processing lines not typically amenable to the fine particle sizes. Micropellet-containing formulations may consist entirely of micropellets, or may contain an expandable starch such as, for example, corn meal, sheeted doughs, and expanded collet products onto which the micropellets may be basted.

Abstract: This invention pertains to making pet food; more specifically, it involves making pet chews or jerky from either one, or a combination of: poultry, meat, rabbit, fish, pork skin, beef skin, rabbit skin, or fish skin. The ingredients can then be cut into pieces or cubes, minced into paste, or molded into shapes; then frozen; followed by a process of vacuum microwave drying; sterilization; then packaging. The final product presents the same color and often a strong fragrance of the original ingredients. This process protects both the nutrition of the original ingredients and its appetizing characteristics. Among other things, it could be a meaty pet snack, or it could be used as a nutrition supplement for your pet after proper rehydration.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for agglomerating starch, to starch obtainable by said method, to a food product comprising said starch, and to the use of said starch. The method of the invention comprises the mixing of starch with an aqueous solution comprising a salt and drying the mixture.

Abstract: A pan for microwave preparation of a pet treat for a type of pet comprising a plastic pan consisting essentially of microwavable plastic material and defining at least one pocket for receiving a pet treat mixture, the pocket defining a shape corresponding to the type of pet to be given the pet treat, such that the mixture can be conformed to the shape of, and microwaved in, the pocket to produce a pet treat at home.

Abstract: A method and machine for coating confectionary product cores, whereby a mass of cores for coating is loaded into a chamber of a rotary drum and coated to form a shell on each core; forming the shell including at least one step of spraying the cores with sweet syrup, followed by at least one step of drying the syrup sprayed onto the cores; the drying step being performed by reducing the pressure in the chamber to less than ?0.2 bar, and heating the sprayed cores to a maximum of 35° C. using electromagnetic radiation, preferably microwaves.

Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly for preparing and presenting an edible composition designed to be puffed including a first portion defining a chamber for enabling the puffed composition to be presented, and a second portion defining a storage chamber designed to include at least one non-puffed composition, the second portion being arranged in the first portion. The invention also concerns a method for preparing a composition to be puffed using the assembly.

Abstract: Nutritional compositions and methods of making and using the nutritional compositions are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides nutritional compositions having whey protein micelles and leucine. The nutritional compositions provide a sufficient amount of leucine to improve protein synthesis in humans, while also maintaining a low-viscosity fluid matrix and acceptable organoleptic properties.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a puffed popcorn starch containing powder having a loose bulk density of less than 120 g/L and a particle size smaller than 1 mm, a non-aqueous liquid-loaded starch material comprising said powder and a process for preparing these. In addition the present invention relates to the use of said powder as a solid carrier material for non-aqueous liquid or gaseous components and the use of said non-aqueous liquid-loaded starch material in food and animal feed products, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, agrochemicals, and cosmetic or personal care products.

Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly for preparing and presenting an edible composition designed to be puffed including a first portion defining a chamber for enabling the puffed composition to be presented, and a second portion defining a storage chamber designed to include at least one non-puffed composition, the second portion being arranged in the first portion. The invention also concerns a method for preparing a composition to be puffed using the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method for making a healthy snack food having an appearance and taste similar to conventional fried snack products without the use of an oil-flying process. The method of the present invention includes the steps of providing food slices from a starch-based food or dough. The food slices can be blanched and a controlled amount of oil can be added to enhance final organoleptical properties. The food slices are then rapidly dehydrated to a much lower moisture content in a primary drying step that simulates conventional frying dehydration rates. A food snack, such as a corn or potato-based snack, produced by this method is a low-fat, ready-to-eat snack having the conventional texture and taste associated with fried snack products.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing a ready-to-eat farinaceous food product, said method comprising the successive steps of: a) preparing a farinaceous dough by mixing flour, water and optionally one or more other bakery ingredients; b) dividing the dough into one or more dough portions; c) shaping the one or more dough portions into one or more shaped dough pieces; d) proving the dough pieces; e) contacting 30-60% of the total surface area of the one or more shaped dough pieces with hot oil during a period of at least 10 seconds to produce one or more partially fried dough pieces comprising a fried surface area and a non-fried surface area; and f) baking said one or more partially fried dough pieces to produce one or more baked dough pieces; where in a layer of edible material is applied to 40-70% of the surface area of the shaped dough pieces, the partially fried dough pieces or the baked dough pieces and wherein the surface area of the final ready-to-eat product that is not covered by the layer of

Abstract: A method for using a bamboo leaf extract as an acrylamide inhibitor for heat processing food, includes adding to the bamboo leaf extract at least one selected from a group consisting of ginkgo extract, tea extract, rosemary extract, apple polyphenol extract, haw extract, onion extract, licorice extract, root of kudzuvine extract, grape seed extract and leech extract; and preparing a composition, in which the bamboo leaf extract takes up 34-95% of the total weight of the composition. The bamboo leaf extract used as the acrylamide inhibitor in food systems has an inhibiting rate to acrylamide formation of up to 15-98%.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flavour active composition obtainable by a multi-step reaction comprising a first reaction between an amino compound and a carbonyl compound to obtain a first intermediate reaction mixture, a second reaction with a second amino compound alone or in combination with a carbonyl compound to obtain a second intermediate reaction mixture, further separate reactions with another amino compound alone or in combination with a carbonyl compound to obtain further intermediate reaction mixture, further separate reactions with compounds from other chemical classes such as alcohols, phenolic compounds, epoxydes or organic acids and combinations thereof leading to suitable intermediates, a last reaction comprising a mixture of all the preceding intermediate mixtures alone or in combination with amino and/or carbonyl compounds to obtain the final flavour composition.

Abstract: A method and system for producing fried food slices with reduced oil content is disclosed. The raw food slices are optionally washed, precooked, fried in hot oil, and then drained at a reduced pressure.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of a crumbly, and expanded dairy product, comprising the steps of subjecting a hard cheese with a humidity content lower than or equal to 45% to a microwave treatment until a crumbly and expanded product with a humidity content lower than 15% is obtained, which is subjected to immediate cooling with dry air at 4-10° C., wherein the starting hard cheese is finely divided.