Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] The present invention provides a method for producing fried noodles having a reduced sodium content and excellent noodle making properties, texture, and flavor. [Solution] Fresh noodles having excellent noodle making properties, texture, and flavor can be produced not by adding salt but by adding 1 to 3% by weight of potassium lactate relative to a main raw material powder such as wheat flour. Further, fried noodles having a reduced sodium content and excellent texture and flavor can be produced by steaming the fresh noodles and fry drying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a porous red ginseng. The porous red ginseng according to the present invention forms a uniform porosity therein and thus obtains a crispy mouthfeel and an excellent flavor without an additional process such as an addition of fructose, etc., such that the resulting red ginseng may be not only directly eaten as an original form or slices of the red ginseng, but also have a very high content of ginsenoside and a low content of moisture therein, thus achieving a very excellent storage quality.

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: There is described a method of sterilizing surfaces using flavonoids, for example mixtures containing inter alia naringin and neohesperidin, by misting.

Abstract: A method for debittering olives is described. The method includes contacting olive flesh with a granular polymeric resin under conditions sufficient to remove one or more bittering compounds from the olive flesh, thereby debittering olives.

Abstract: A process for coloring treated and untreated green olives by using chlorophyll, chlorophyllin, and copper chlorophyllin salts is presented. The process includes soaking salt out of the green olives in sodium chloride of density from about 0% to about 7%. The process also includes sinking the green olives into a first fluid solution holding sodium hydroxide and other metal hydroxyl groups from about 0% to about 3.5%, chlorophyll chlorophyllin salts and copper chlorophyllin salts, in a ratio of olive liquid from about 0.45 to about 4. The process then includes leaving the green olives in the first fluid solution from about 1 hours to about 72 hours, removing the green olives from the first fluid solution, washing the green olives with water, and sinking the green olives into a second fluid solution holding an acid until a PH of the green olives becomes less than about 4.6.

Abstract: Process for making crunchy flavorful nut products comprising contacting raw nuts with a water source effective to moisten the nuts without immersing the nuts in the water source, and roasting the moistened nuts. The nut products are crunchy and retain nut flavor when processed in this manner.

Abstract: A method to stabilized and impart color to strawberries, which can be fresh, or optionally IQF treated. This method comprises several stages including cuticle removal, alkalinization of the fruit pulp, infusion of a soluble stabilizing agent by immersion in an alkaline media to give the necessary firmness and texture integrity, infusion of dyeing agents by immersion in an alkaline color solution, fixation of said color and stabilizing agents in an acidic solution that has been enriched with polyvalent cations, and ulterior processes to preserve and extend the shelf life.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibrowning agents containing the extracts of chrysanthemum indicum for preventing browning of fruits and vegetables, wherein the extracts of chrysanthemum having good effects on inhibition of polyphenol oxidase activity effectively prevent the browning of fruits and vegetables.

Abstract: The invention relates to acidified cocoa nibs, wherein the nibs comprise at least 20 mg/g of polyphenols, preferably more than 30 mg/g of polyphenols, most preferably from 40 to 60 mg/g of polyphenols, cocoa refiner or expeller flakes, liquor, cakes, and cocoa powder obtainable from the nibs and a process for producing cocoa-derived material, comprising the steps of: (i) treating cocoa nibs obtained from beans or seeds which have a higher polyphenol content than fermented cocoa beans with an acid; and (ii) optionally drying the nibs.

Abstract: An HPP method for preserving fruits may include the steps of: (a) placing a prepared fruit in a container having a capacity less than about two gallons; (b) filling the container with a pH modifying solution to establish a pH in the container in the range of about 2 to about 6, and preferably about 4; (c) deaeration; (d) adding a modifying medium such as a sweetener; (e) vacuum infusion of the solution into the prepared fruit; (f) sealing the container; and (g) applying pressure to the container in the range of about 2,000 to about 120,000 psi, preferably about 90,000 psi, for a time period in the range of about 1 to about 20 minutes, preferably about 5 minutes at a temperature in the range not lower than freezing and not greater than about 230° F.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing baked goods which is characterized in that a mixture of at least one baking raising agent and at least one substance selected from the group consisting of asparaginase, sulfites, bisulfites, metabisulfites and chlorides is used in the production of the baked goods dough. In addition, the present invention relates to a mixture of at least one baking raising agent and at least one substance selected from the group consisting of asparaginase, sulfites, bisulfites, metabisulfites and chlorides. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of sulfites and metabisulfites for decreasing acrylamide in foods.

Abstract: A method for de-soiling and disinfecting produce, the method including: treating the produce with a catholyte solution to yield a catholyte treated produce; sonicating the catholyte treated produce to yield a sonicated produce; and treating the sonicated produce with an anolyte solution.

Abstract: A citrus paper application sheet treated with natural preservatives for application to exposed or cut surfaces of fruit to prevent oxidation and browning. The sheet is designed to adhere and conform to the shape of the exposed portion of the fruit once dampened and dry retaining the conformed shape. The sheet is further designed to enable it to be dispensed in selected lengths and widths or particular dimensions depending upon the fruit application further enabling the sheets to be moistened and sculpted to a desirable shape to conform to that of the exposed fruit.

Abstract: This invention is a novel composition for preserving fresh cut apples comprising a mixture of ascorbic acid, and one or more of calcium chloride, calcium carbonate, magnesium chloride, calcium hydroxide, and optionally, citric acid or sodium citrate. This invention also relates to a method of preserving fresh cut apples by treating the cut apples with the novel composition dissolved in water and packaging the treated fresh cut apples in a modified atmosphere package.

Abstract: This invention provides an acid-resistant malt extract useful to add a clear or transparent color to acidic food and beverage having a pH value of not less than 2 and less than 4.6, without generating suspended or sedimented insoluble matter; and a manufacturing method therefor. The malt extract of the present invention is obtained by adjusting the particle diameter of insoluble particles contained in the malt extract to less than 0.9 ?m by way of, for example, filtering an untreated liquid malt extract or a treated liquid thereof using a filter having a pore diameter of 0.9 ?m or less.

Abstract: A process for preparing a flavourant comprises: (i) providing a composition comprising a fruit syrup and one or more components selected from the group consisting of hydrolysed protein, autolysed yeast and fermented soy and/or wheat; and (ii) heating the composition to promote a Maillard reaction.

Abstract: A process for producing sugar products from grapes includes treating a solution of liquid rectified concentrated must by chromatography, to separate at least one sugar contained in it. A plant for producing sugar products from grapes comprises a plurality of columns connected together in series, each column implementing in succession all steps of the chromatographic process, but implementing steps of the process which are different from the other columns. A recirculation step is provided in passing from one step to the next.

Abstract: This invention is a novel composition for preserving fresh cut apples comprising a mixture of ascorbic acid, and one or more of calcium chloride, calcium carbonate, magnesium chloride, calcium hydroxide, and optionally, citric acid or sodium citrate. This invention also relates to a method of preserving fresh cut apples by treating the cut apples with the novel composition dissolved in water and packaging the treated fresh cut apples in a modified atmosphere package.

Abstract: A food product based on dehydrated fruit or vegetable, and a method and equipment assembly for its production thereof, and use of said product as a tidbit or snack or as an additional or complementary ingredient in meals or in various food products such as cereals. The food product is comprised of substantially dry clusters of dehydrated and puffed fruit or vegetable pieces having an appealing shape and size, a crunchy texture and a palatable consistence. To produce the product, prepared fruit or vegetable pieces are dehydrated and puffed, the pieces are then homogeneously mixed with a liquid binder suitable for human or animal consumption and formed into clusters by compression-molding; then the clusters are dried to the desired end moisture contents. The main part of the equipment assembly for producing the product is a cluster forming device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible, non cellular pet chew comprising: a) 51-90 wt % based on the dry solid weight of the mixture of a (thermoplastic) cereal flour, wherein the cereal flour has a protein content below 10 wt. %, b) 5 to 30 wt. %, based on the dry solid weight of the mixture of a plasticizer, and c) 1 to 35 wt. %, based on the dry solid weight of the mixture of a fibrous material.

Abstract: A water-soluble dietary fiber-containing composition comprises a water-soluble dietary fiber material and a thickening polysaccharide in a mixing ratio, by mass, ranging from 95:5 to 80:20 and has a solubility, in water at 30° C., of not more than 80%. The composition may be prepared by a method comprising the steps of dissolving, in water, a water-soluble dietary fiber material and a thickening polysaccharide such that the mixing ratio of the former to the latter, by mass, ranges from 95:5 to 80:20 and then drying the resulting aqueous solution. The composition has a low solubility in water and therefore, can be incorporated into various foods, while maintaining desired excellent quality thereof without being accompanied by the reduction of the working characteristics of the raw materials for these foods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for eliminating unwanted accompanying substances, particularly fragrance, flavor, and colour components, from vegetable proteins. Said method encompasses the following steps: (i) a vegetable raw material is extracted using an extracting agent such that, a vegetable protein extract is obtained; (ii) an inorganic adsorber material is added to the vegetable protein extract, a process in which unwanted accompanying substances, especially fragrance, flavor, and/or colour components, are bonded to the inorganic adsorber material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soluble antioxidant dietary fiber obtained from pineapple and a method of processing pineapple pulp to provide a soluble antioxidant fiber.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods of preserving fresh produce with a produce preservative which extends the shelf life of fresh produce, particularly cut fresh produce. The produce preservative preserves the texture, flavor, appearance, crispness, and color of the fresh produce, particularly the exposed surface of the fresh produce. The method comprises the following steps: providing a solution of produce preservative comprising: water, magnesium ions or zinc ions or tin ions; and ascorbate ions, or erythorbate ions; wherein the magnesium ion or zinc ions or tin ions and ascorbate ions are present in a mole ratio of preferably from 0.2:1 to 8:1, more preferably from 0.75:1 to 8:1, more preferably from 1:1 to 4:1, most preferably 1.5:1 to 3:1, applying said produce preservative to the produce; applying said produce preservative to the produce.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carotenoids color preparation which itself has a high emulsion stability, so that there are no problems such as precipitation of an insoluble matter or neck ring formation even when this preparation is used in water-based products. The preparation is obtained by emulsifying a carotenoids color of natural origin, which has an acid value of 10 or less and an acetone-insoluble content of 5 wt % or less when adjusted so that the color value E10%1cm is 2550.

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 food development method to enrich a target food product recipe by the addition of ingredients made into dehydrated vegetable powders that when incorporated into a target food recipe replicates the taste, color, and texture of the target food product. The dehydrated vegetable powders are designed to minimize impact on color, taste, and texture when added to a target food product recipe.

Abstract: Food safety and longevity of still respiring fruit or vegetable pieces are enhanced reliant on a treatment process where the cut surfaces (preferably cleaned of cell debrit) are subjected to both UV light irradiation and heating so as, in concert, render the surfaces more sterile. The heating also has the effect of reducing ethylene production and at least depressing respiration. Such a process is preferably in addition to an anti-oxidant impregnation. The overall process in its preferred forms significantly extends the life and apparent freshness of, for example, apple slices when kept post treatment (eg; 25 days) over the temperature range of from 0° C. to 8° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to avocado powder and to the method of obtaining the same. Avocado powder is a novel product which enables the avocado to be preserved for an extended period of time at ambient temperature, such as to conserve the characteristic properties of the product, with the additional advantage of being 100% natural and occupying less physical storage space, thereby eliminating the post-processing cold chain. The method of obtaining avocado powder comprises a series of operations or steps that terminate in the pulverization and packing of the end product.

Abstract: A system and method of maintaining the integrity of freshly harvested, or freshly cut fruits and vegetables. Specifically, the invention focuses on a distinct series of processes which confer a lower total microbial count, delay browning, improve general organoleptic properties, and decrease the amount of chemical contaminants on the exposed surfaces without the use of preservatives. Examples of such process may be applying a first produce integrity maintenance process, a second produce integrity maintenance process, application of an antibrowning agent to the produce by a produce antibrown agent applicator, exposing the produce to ultraviolet light by an ultraviolet light system, and applying an ozone treatment by an ozone treatment system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shelf stable vegetable composition that includes a vegetable having a green color and a water-soluble compound in an amount sufficient to impart to the composition a water activity of 0.65 or less and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 at ambient conditions for preservation of the green color of the vegetable. Advantageously, the water-soluble compound is present in an amount to preserve the green color of the vegetable for at least 6 months, and to impart a water activity of 0.6 to 0.65. The invention also relates to a method for increasing shelf stability of a vegetable composition that includes a vegetable having a green color, by adding effective amounts of such water-soluble compounds thereto.

Abstract: Minimally processed fruits and vegetables are preserved by use of a flavonoid. Cut and peeled fruits or vegetables are sprayed or dipped in a solution containing a flavonoid and an anti-oxidant such as ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid or alpha lipoic acid. Juices are also preserved by the addition of a flavonoid and ascorbic acid if it is not already present.

Abstract: A process for producing burgundy colored olives including the steps of darkening the color of the olives (21); neutralizing the pH of the olives (23); while neutralized, soaking of the olives in an aqueous solution of Red Dye No. 3 at ambient temperatures for at least 12 hours (25); and packing the olives in an acidic brine solution for storage (27). In another aspect, the process includes flavoring the packing solution with a mother brine recovered from an olive fermentation process (29).

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture for reddening meat products, notably sausages cooked in water, which for each 1 kg of meat or sausage meat contains between 1×108 and 5×1010 germs of a nitrate-reducing microorganism suitable for use in food products, as well as between 10 and 2000 g, in relation to fresh weight, of a vegetable product with a nature nitrate content of between 100 and 500 mg/kg.

Abstract: A process for preserving fruit is disclosed which comprises covering the fruit with a mixture of apple cider, water, white sugar, brown sugar, and cornstarch, with optional flavoring or coloring agents such as vanilla extract or cinnamon.

Abstract: Preservative compositions using toxicologically acceptable ingredients, and employing a pH of 9.0 or above for at least part of the process, for reducing the initial population and controlling the growth of spoilage bacteria and human pathogens and for preventing unwanted color changes in fresh and processed produce, particularly mushrooms. Aqueous solutions of preservatives are prepared and applied in multiple stages to the mushrooms, by spraying or immersion. More specifically, disclosed is a method for preserving fresh and processed mushrooms, comprising the steps of: contacting the mushrooms with an antimicrobial solution having a pH of about 9.0 or above; and rinsing the mushrooms one or more times immediately after the contacting step with pH-neutralizing solutions having a pH sufficient to return the produce to its physiological pH.

Abstract: The present invention discloses: (i) a non-pathogenic probiotic microorganism and its probiotic/therapeutic uses; (ii) a formulation comprising an aqueous solution of a volatile fraction (VF) prepared from the extract of at least one plant derived material and its therapeutic uses; (iii) a process of manufacturing the formulation from the plant derived material; (iv) a probiotic composition comprising the non-pathogenic probiotic microorganism of the invention and/or other probiotic microorganism(s) and the formulation of the invention, and its probiotic/therapeutic uses; (v) a composition for industrial applications comprising the formulation of the invention and microorganism(s) of industrial applicability; and (vi) industrial processes and apparatuses in which the latter composition is used.

Abstract: A process for producing frozen avocados which will not easily disintegrate or discolor on and after thawing or defrosting. The process includes the steps of cutting avocados into a plurality of pieces and removing seeds from bodies of the pieces, heating the avocado pieces in a steam tank by application of steam, removing the avocado pieces from the steam tank, and freezing the avocado pieces quickly at an ultra-low temperature. Preferably, certain additives such as baking powder, vinegar, salt, wine and the like are provided to the avocado pieces before heating the avocados by the steam. Also, the heated avocado pieces should be cooled and dried prior to freezing.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a bactericide (and a fungicide) that is highly safe and has strong bactericidal power even when used in low concentration, and that can be used repeatedly in a sterilizing process. The object can be achieved by the bactericide (or the fungicide) comprising a polar solvent extract of leaves of eucalyptus plants and chitosan. The polar solvent is preferably chosen from the group consisting of lower alcohols and glycols.

Abstract: Disclosed are vegetable compositions having an improved green color comprising a processed green vegetable and at least one zinc salt of a fatty acid, wherein the salt has a low water solubility. The vegetable composition can also contain an enhancing agent which further improves the green color of the composition. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the vegetable composition and a food additive comprising the zinc salt of a fatty acid for use in preparing the vegetable composition. A vegetable composition having improved green color comprising a processed green vegetable and a water-soluble zinc salt with an enhancing agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing fruits of plants in the family Solanaceae, genus capsicum is provided. The process includes the step of boiling the fruits for a period of less than 300 seconds in a solution of a sweetener such as sugar in an acideous liquid such as vinegar.

Abstract: The present invention, provides natural-source compositions having consistent, effective antibrowning and antioxidant characteristics. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for making the antibrowning/antioxidant compositions of the present invention. More specifically, the present invention provides natural-source, browning and oxidizing inhibitor compositions comprising S-sinapyl-L-cysteine, N-L-&ggr;-glutamyl-S-sinapyl-L-cysteine, S-sinapyl glutathione, or various mixtures thereof. Methods for making such natural, antibrowning/antioxidant compositions from pineapple juice and/or from pineapple processing plant waste streams include efficient and effective separation of the present invention compositions from unwanted sugars, acids, phenolic compounds, and other undesirable compounds present in pineapple juice and/or pineapple processing plant waste streams.

Abstract: This invention relates to the in situ process for converting non-free-form xanthophylls to free xanthophylls in the biological material of the plant. The method, more particularly, relates to a method that would liberate xanthophylls by transesterification of acyl-xanthophylls in plant materials which is used as a natural food colorant.

Abstract: Disclosed are vegetable compositions having an improved green color comprising a processed green vegetable and at least one zinc salt of a fatty acid, wherein the salt has a low water solubility. The vegetable composition can also contain an enhancing agent which further improves the green color of the composition. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the vegetable composition and a food additive comprising the zinc salt of a fatty acid for use in preparing the vegetable composition. A vegetable composition having improved green color comprising a processed green vegetable and a water-soluble zinc salt with an enhancing agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of preventing wound-induced browning in lettuce by applying a short thermal stress induced by immersing the lettuce in water at approximately 40.degree. C. to approximately 60.degree. C. for approximately 360 seconds or less. Alternatively, forced-air heating could be used if the air was at a relative humidity of near 100% to prevent water loss. After heat-shocking the lettuce, the lettuce can be vacuum cooled to effectively cool and dry the lettuce. The heat-shock effect is so persistent that lettuce will not show any browning even after being held for approximately 15 days in the air at 5.degree. C. This treatment could eliminate the need to store fresh-cut lettuce in low oxygen, and or high carbon dioxide modified atmospheres to prevent browning during marketing. It would also allow the use of vacuum cooling to cool the processed lettuce. It would also prevent browning of cored, whole heads of lettuce.

Abstract: An improved process for preserving the product quality of lychee fruit, particularly the pericarp color comprising the following steps; (i) treating fresh lychee fruit with cold water; (ii) treating the lychee fruit with hot water; (iii) treating the lychee fruit with hydrochloric acid; (iv) drying the liquid on the fruit.

Abstract: Compositions and processes are disclosed for treating fresh-cut apple pieces by dipping cut apple pieces in an aqueous solution containing GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) substances that protect the cut apple pieces from deterioration due to increased enzymatic activity, oxidative reactions, water migration and microbial effects during the extended shelf life of the fresh-cut apples pieces. The composition consists principally of L-cysteine, sorbitol and calcium chloride. A chelator such as sodium hexametaphosphate can be added to enhance the affiance of the agent. A synergistic effect is observed when apple pieces are packaged in a film that will equilibrate to oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the range of 0.5-5.0% and 7.0-37.0%, respectively.

Abstract: Foods, food ingredients, and cooked foods are preserved by the application of pressure of at least 70 MPa (10,000 psi) for more than twelve hours. Some meat and seafood requires maintenance of pressure for the duration of storage and most can be held in good condition without spoiling for more than 1 month. For some fruits and vegetables ripening is stopped by the pressure treatment and packaged products can be stored without refrigeration for at least 6 months while other fruits and vegetables are preserved by 5 day pressure treatment at 175 Mpa (25,000 psi). Meat and seafood is preserved by pressure treatment in various marinades. Because no heat is used foods retain much of their firmness and texture.

Abstract: A water-insoluble plant powder obtained by preparing a dry powder of green plant juice squeezed from a fresh raw edible green plant (e.g., barley) and removing water-soluble components from the dry powder, and a green coloring material obtained by further extracting it with a polar organic solvent. They are useful in food products.