Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of forming a fiber mat, involving forming an aqueous solution of at least one protein, at least one polysaccharide, and optionally a plasticizer, and electrospinning the aqueous solution onto a collector to form a mat.

Abstract: A food composition or dough mixture and method. An alginate gel food composition or dough mixture is provided. In some embodiments, the composition includes water, alginate, and a polysaccharide textural modifier. In other embodiments, the composition further includes flour which may be present in reduced amounts compared to conventional dough-based food compositions. The composition is formed by mixing the components to form a dough mixture and contacting the dough mixture in a cation bath.

Abstract: An alcohol-containing food product made by combining: (a) a first aqueous solution that includes a multivalent salt, one or more liquid alcohol additives and a thickening agent; with (b) a second aqueous solution that includes an alginate bath. The combination forms spherical beads, less than about 20 mm in typical diameter, with a liquid alcohol center encapsulated in a gelled outer shell. The resulting end product should be collected and stored in a third aqueous solution that maintains similar properties to the first aqueous solution and one or more liquid alcohol additives.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a food product having a casing, the process comprising the step of applying a casing paste comprising alginate and a sparingly soluble calcium salt by co-extrusion to the exterior of a material to be cased to form a co-extruded product, and contacting the co-extruded product with a solution comprising calcium ions, thereby causing the alginate to gel.

Abstract: A fish feed comprises carvacrol and/or salvia extract (provided that where the fish feed comprises carvacrol and not salvia extract the lipid content of the fish feed is at least 15 wt %). The salvia extract may be selected from extract of Salvia officinalis and extract of Salvia lavandulifolia. The carvacrol may be synthetic or may be extracted from Origanum vulgare.

Abstract: A feed additive composition includes a protective agent, lecithin in an amount of 0.05 to 6% by weight relative to a total weight of the composition, a basic amino acid in an amount of at least 40% by weight and less than 65% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, and water. A method of producing a feed additive composition includes preparing a molten mixture of at least one protective agent, lecithin and at least one basic amino acid, and solidifying the molten mixture by immersing the molten mixture in water or an aqueous liquid. The protective agent includes hydrogenated vegetable oils and/or hydrogenated animal oils having melting points of greater than 50° C. and less than 90° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing co-extruded food products, comprising the processing steps of: A) co-extruding an elongate dough strand with an enclosing casing, B) bringing the encased elongate food strand into contact with a salt solution for a maximum of 5 seconds, and C) dividing the encased elongate food strand into separate products. The present invention also relates to a device for manufacturing co-extruded food products.

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: According to this method, the products are produced by continuously co-extruding a bead coated with a starting base comprising hydrocolloids so as to form a skin by calcium gelation when the sausage passes into the elongated gelation bath, said bead then being shared out into portions placed in trays. Many beads are co-extruded by parallel co-extrusion heads, transit into a common gelation bath, are brought side by side so as to then be placed into portions by given means acting on all said beads so as to form batches of identical products perfectly grouped and aligned so as to be loaded into their packaging tray.

Abstract: A frozen confection is provided, the confection comprising frozen particles having an average diameter of from 1 to 10 mm and comprising from 1 to 50 wt % of an oil-based core and from 50 to 99 wt % of a frozen aqueous shell. A process for preparing the frozen confection is also provided, the process comprising: providing a dispensing device having an inner nozzle and an outer nozzle which surrounds the inner nozzle; supplying an aqueous mix to the outer nozzle and an oil-based mix to the inner nozzle, thereby forming particles with a water-continuous shell and an oil-continuous core, and then dropping the particles into a refrigerant to freeze the water-continuous shell.

Abstract: The method of producing microcapsules 100 comprises a primary dispersion step in which a water-soluble substance and a fat-soluble substance are mixed to obtain a primary dispersion liquid having primary dispersion particles 10 composed of the water-soluble substance dispersed in the fat-soluble substance, a secondary dispersion step in which the primary dispersion liquid and a sodium alginate aqueous solution are mixed to obtain a secondary dispersion liquid having secondary dispersion particles 20 composed of the primary dispersion liquid dispersed in the sodium alginate aqueous solution, and a spraying step in which the secondary dispersion liquid is sprayed for contact with a calcium ion-containing solution 9 to form a calcium alginate gel 30 and to obtain microcapsules 100 having the secondary dispersion particles 20 dispersed in the calcium alginate gel 30.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microcapsules obtained by a coacervation process. The microcapsules encapsulate a heat-treated animal fat and surprisingly increase the mouthfeel properties and juiciness of food product such as meat, dog-food and animal feeds.

Abstract: According to this method, the products are produced by continuously co-extruding a bead (B) coated with a starting base comprising hydrocolloids so as to form a skin by calcium gelation when the sausage passes into the elongated gelation bath (2), said bead then being shared out into portions (P) placed in trays (C) Many beads (B) are co-extruded by parallel co-extrusion heads, (1) transit into a common gelation bath (2), are brought side by side so as to then be placed into portions by given means (3) acting on all said beads (B) so as to form batches of identical products perfectly grouped and aligned so as to be loaded into their packaging tray (C).

Abstract: A system and method for conditioning food product is disclosed. The method comprises providing a grill treatment to the food product; packaging the food product; and heating the packaged food product (e.g., partially or fully cooking the food product in its package). The system comprises an apparatus configured to apply a grill treatment to a food product that is being packaged and fully cooked in its package. The system may also comprise a co-extruder configured to extrude the a material layer and a collagen gel layer about the exterior surface of the base layer that is then at least partially coagulated before receiving the grill treatments.

Abstract: Capsules made of gellan gum and a polyvalent salt and having various flavors and colors are provided in a flexible gelatin and carragheenan gel, of which the appearance differs from that of ordinary gelatin, by suspending the capsules having various flavors and colors in a gel medium by adjusting the process variables and formulation to prevent color and flavor migration into the gel medium.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the production of capsules or particles of micro and nanometric size, for introduction into food, using stable electrified coaxial jets of two immiscible liquids with diameters in the micro and nanometric range. An aerosol of charged structured droplets forms when the jets dissociate by capillary instabilities. The structured droplets, which are mano-dispersed in size, contain a first liquid (generally the material desired to be added) that is surrounded by a second liquid. Generally the second liquid provides a barrier or protective coating which allows the addition of the first liquid to a food product without adversely affecting the organoleptic or other properties of the food product.

Abstract: A method for preparing beads containing at least one active ingredient, such as a flavor, fragrance, vitamin, and/or coloring material, to food or tobacco products, where the active ingredient is released at a controlled rate. Discrete droplets of the active ingredient and an acid polysaccharide are formed in an aqueous medium, then the droplets are converted to water insoluble gel beads by introducing the droplets into a solution containing multivalent cations, thereby building a suspension of gel beads. The beads may then be added to the food or tobacco product in an effective amount to flavor, perfume, vitamize, and/or color the product. The beads are heat and mechanically stable.

Abstract: This process involves feeding cellulose into an extruder with an acid solution. The extruder is comprised of a screw and a barrel. The screw is rotated so as to pressurize the cellulose, and the cellulose undergoes acid hydrolysis and forms microcrystalline cellulose. The invented process can be accomplished by using pure cellulose or a lignocellulosic material as the starting material. If a lignocellulosic material is used, then a basic solution is added to it and the lignocellulosic material is fed through an extruder so as to obtain a mixture comprising lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose. The lignin and hemicellulose are extracted and the remaining cellulose is processed, as discussed previously, to form microcrystalline cellulose.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming batter into casingless sausages and similar meat products in which an extrudable meat emulsion is simultaneously formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a cohesive surface from a denaturing solution at a temperature of from ambient temperature to 170° F. The cylindrically formed emulsion is then separated into segments having first and second ends and a defined length, and the formed segments are thereafter introduced to a cooking apparatus. The apparatus for forming the casingless sausages includes extrusion/denaturing application apparatus, cylindrically shaping, sizing, and skin forming apparatus, and an end clamp. Another embodiment includes a heat exchanger to further assist the formation of a skin like surface on the meat product and shorten the cooking time.

Abstract: A method for producing food products made from a basic alginate or pectin gel by means of gelatinization extrusion. A cylinder is extruded from an extrusion die with a predetermined section. The cylinder has a basic mixture, including a natural food ground product such as a fruit or vegetable, a gelatinizing agent: e.g. alginate or pectin and water. The cylinder is extruded directly from the extrusion outlet die into a vertically elongated receiving bath that contains free calcium ions which ensure the immediate gel setting of an outer wall of the extruded cylinder. The bath has a density such that the extruded cylinder remains free from any stress which might cause the cylinder to warp before the cylinder has sufficiently hardened.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for a high-volume, mass production process for extruding a gel wherein the gelled extrudate has a preselected shape and is produced without breaking apart and without loss of integrity of the gel. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for continuously forming a gelling mixture and conveying the gelling mixture into a plurality of extrusion dies in a manner such that shear forces that may be produced during conveyance through the extrusion dies are eliminated during the critical period when the gelling mixture forms a gel. The gelled extrudate may be produced, for example, in the form of onion rings comprised of a substantially homogeneous gel having a preselected shape. An improved method for cutting off the gelled extrudate to produce the onion rings is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a mozzarella (or mozzarella-like) cheese comprising the steps of a) pasteurizing cow's milk; b) acidifying the milk to convert it to a cheese milk; c) coagulating the cheese milk to obtain a coagulum comprised of curd and whey; d) cutting the coagulum and draining the whey therefrom, thereby leaving a cheese curd; e) heating, kneading, and stretching the cheese curd until it is a homogeneous, fibrous mass of heated, unripened cheese; f) forming the heated cheese into a shape; g) cooling the shaped cheese in cold brine; and h) removing the cooled cheese from the brine. The process is improved by mixing an emulsifier such as a sodium phosphate or citrate into the heated cheese after it has been heated, kneaded, and stretched, but before it has been formed into a shape.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for conveying a product. In accordance with the method aspects of the present invention, the steps comprise providing a flow channel having internal surfaces and introducing the product into the channel and causing the product to move through the channel for flow as a first phase through the channel. Pursuant to a feature of the present invention, a step of simultaneously applying a film of fluid over the internal surfaces is carried out during movement of the product through the channel to provide a second phase to surround the first phase and separate the first phase from the internal surfaces during conveyance of the product through the channel so that the first phase moves as a plug of material through the channel.

Abstract: Collagen beads prepared by adding spherical droplets of an aqueous liquid of collagen to an aqueous solution of tannin. The collagen beads show a uniform grain size and have either a two-layered structure consisting of an aqueous liquid sustained inside a solidified outer surface or a completely solidified form.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for conveying a product. In accordance with the method aspects of the present invention, the steps comprise providing a flow channel having internal surfaces and introducing the product into the channel and causing the product to move through the channel for flow as a first phase through the channel. Pursuant to a feature of the present invention, a step of simultaneously applying a film of fluid over the internal surfaces is carried out during movement of the product through the channel to provide a second phase to surround the first phase and separate the first phase from the internal surfaces during conveyance of the product through the channel so that the first phase moves as a plug of material through the channel.

Abstract: A whole egg analogue is disclosed wherein a yolk analogue is treated to form a membrane on its outer surface. The yolk analogue with its attendant membrane is combined with natural egg white, treated egg white or an egg white analogue to form the whole egg analogue.

Abstract: A process for making a pimento paste is disclosed. Here pimento paste is formed from ground pimento, water, sodium alginate and guar gum. Next the formed balls are dropped into a gelling bath which contains calcium chloride.

Abstract: A method of lubricating the passage of meat emulsion through the stuffing horn of a meat emulsion encasing machine is disclosed, involving forcing meat emulsion under a first magnitude of pressure through a passage into the inlet of a stuffing horn; then providing a first concentric ring of fluid under a second magnitude of pressure around the passage; and then providing a second tapered concentric ring of fluid around the passage with the tapered concentric ring having an outer perimeter of greater depth than its inner perimeter, and with the outer perimeter being in communication with the first concentric ring and its inner perimeter being in communication with the passage.

Abstract: A shark fin analog utilized as a food is produced by heating to dissolve a mixture of gelatin, alginic acid or na alginate or a mannan, and water to form a gelatin sol, extruding the sol through a spinneret onto a rotating roller which has a surface wetted with a coagulating solution of divalent or trivalent metal salt and functions to elongate and tear off pieces of the sol, each piece having the shape of a shark fin with a thin streamlined profile in cross section, and washing the pieces with water.

Abstract: A method for preparing fish-egg-like edible products like salmon roe consisting of capsules of thin gel membranes filled with an oil material and a viscous fluid separately contained therein comprising surrounding a viscous emulsion consisting of the viscous fluid and the oil material with calcium alginate membranes and separating the viscous emulsion into the viscous fluid and the oil material and the fish-egg-like edible product.

Abstract: A process for preparing a heat resistant milk protein having excellent processability which comprises subjecting an aqueous solution or dispersion containing casein and an acidic polysaccharide at pH of 7.5-10.5 and at a temperature of 70.degree. C. or higher for 5 minutes or more, forming the resultant into a desired shape, and soaking in an aqueous solution containing multivalent metallic compound in an amount of 10 mM or more as a multivalent metal.

Abstract: A process for preparing acidified meat chunks suitable for inclusion into a high acid liquid food product is described. A meat paste is extruded into discrete agglomerates which are dropped into a suitable coagulating bath. The agglomerates then are cooked and acidified by submersion in a hot acid bath.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to dairy whey protein-xanthan gum fibers and simulated meat products are disclosed.

Abstract: Fibrous proteinaceous material useful in the formation of shrimp or crabmeat analog products is prepared by extruding an aqueous solution containing both protein and alginate into a series of two gelling baths, in the first of which gelling baths a high gelling agent cation concentration is maintained which is adapted to readily form a stable surface film on the extrudate, and in the second of such gelling baths, a gelling agent cation concentration lower than that employed in the first gelling bath is employed and for a time sufficient to permit diffusion of the gelling agent cation throughout the extrudate, and recovering, freezing and thawing the extrudate.

Abstract: Fibrous proteinaceous material useful in the formation of shrimp or crabmeat analog products is prepared by extruding an aqueous solution containing both protein and alginate into a gelling bath wherein the extrudate is subject to boiling conditions in the gelling bath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of pasta based on starchy materials by gelatinization, extrusion and drying. A flour or semolina of a starchy material is mixed with soft water and an ionic gelling agent to obtain a dough containing from 35 to 55% of water, the dough is gelatinized by heating and kneading under pressure, is then cooled to a temperature below 100.degree. C., extruded in the form of pasta, and the pasta is brought into contact with water containing a cation which forms a gel with the ionic gelling agent, and is dried. The pasta produced may be based on rice or maize alone.

Abstract: Disclosed are simulated, puffed dried fruit pieces and methods for their preparation. The dried fruit pieces are useful for incorporation into ready-to-eat cereals of low water activity, e.g., A.sub.w of 0.1 to 0.3, such as puffed cereals. The dried fruit pieces are characterized by a low density ranging from 0.15 to 0.40 g./cc. due in part to a hollow center and thus do not settle during distribution and storage, and do not sink in milk. The dried fruit pieces are prepared by drying in prescribed manner pieces comprising encapsulated solutions containing hydrophilic colloids set with gelling agents.

Abstract: A process for preparing encapsulated foods and drinks filled with a desired edible liquid is described below by conducting the following steps in order:(a) The step of preparing a core liquid by adding calcium salt to sugar liquid and if necessary, adding other additives;(b) The step of forming membranes of mainly calcium alginate on the surface of the core liquid by dropping the core liquid into alginic acid salt liquid and surrounding the core liquid with these membranes to form capsules;(c) The step of exchanging the core liquid inside the capsules with water by soaking the capsules in the water;(d) The step of exchanging the core liquid in the capsules with the desired digestible liquid by immersing the capsules in the digestible liquid.

Abstract: Protein fibres are formed by extruding an emulsion of protein micellar mass (PMM) and vegetable oil through openings into hot water. The formation of the emulsion containing a vegetable oil permits oil-soluble flavors and colorants to be present in the fibres and adds a juicy mouthfeel to the fibres. The fibres are useful in a variety of food analog products.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making a relatively stable non-hygroscopic solid juice composition as well as a product of the process. The process comprises the steps of clarifying and concentrating a selected aqueous juice to a minimum concentration of about 85.degree. BRIX, separately mixing together a sugar and a starch hydrolysate having a maximum dextrose equivalent of about 20, heating the mixture to about its boiling point and blending the mixture and the aqueous juice in relative amounts to form a homogeneous melt. The melt is then extruded into a relatively cool liquid solvent, such as isopropanol, to convert the melt into an extruded solid. The extruded solids are then ground into particles, separated from excess solvent, combined with a selected anti-caking agent and dried to form the aqueous juice composition into a relatively stable particulate solid of superior amorphous quality.

Abstract: Smooth, elastic and even protein fibres are formed by extruding a mixture of protein micellar mass (PMM) and gellable starch into hot water. The starch may be present in an amount up to about 30 wt % of the PMM. A wide variety of properties can be achieved by varying the concentration of starch. An increase in fibre strength and elasticity is achieved at low concentrations of starch while softer fibres of increased moisture content result at higher concentrations of starch. The fibres are useful in a variety of food analog products.

Abstract: A fibrous food product is produced by the steps of: adding salt to fish and/or animal meat; kneading the resulting mixture to prepare a paste; and extruding the paste into an aqueous solution of a protein modifier through a nozzle having fine orifices to produce filaments. By varying the conditions of this process, the food filaments of various textures or mouth feeling can be produced. Further, the filaments can be aggregated in a variety of ways to further increase the variety of textures or mouth feeling and to produce various muscle-like fibrous food products.

Abstract: Novel unsymmetrical formamidine-sulfenylated carbamate compounds exhibit broad-spectrum insecticidal, miticidal and nematocidal activity.

Abstract: Methods for forming simulated, shaped, edible products suitable for human and/or animal consumption, or as a bait for marine creatures; and simulated, edible products produced thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing high nutritive fibres from fish proteins which comprises grinding whole fish or fish pieces in the presence of water and then adding alkali to the ground fish. The alkali/fish mixture is then heated and cooled and the cooled mixture is then passed through a colloid mill thereby eliminating solid particles to obtain a protein solution. The solution is then injected through a spinneret into an aqueous acid medium causing the coagulation of the proteins into fibres. The fibres are then washed, set by heating and then neutralized. The fibres obtained by this process are also described.

Abstract: Elastic and rubbery protein fibres are formed by injection of a protein micellar mass through a screen or die into hot water or other fluid medium having a pH of about 5.5 to about 7.5 and a temperature above about 90.degree. C. The protein fibres have characteristics rendering them useful in various food analogs.

Abstract: A process for preparing textured oil seed protein products is provided. The process enables the use of fat-containing oil seeds without the need for removing the fat prior to processing. According to the process, an aqueous dispersion of oil seed protein is concentrated under conditions effective to prevent any significant protein denaturation while allowing sufficient removal of water to obtain a viscous dispersion having a solids concentration of greater than 30% by weight, and is shaped by expressing the dispersion through a die and into an aqueous bath. According to a preferred embodiment, the oil seed material comprises full fat soybeans. Both fibers and films can be formed.

Abstract: Reconstituted pimiento material in ribbon form suitable for supplying to an automatic machine which pits olives, severs the ribbon into successive segments, folds each segment and stuffs the folded segment into the cavity of a pitted olive, such pimiento material comprising macerated pimiento flesh, an alginate (preferably predominating in mannuronic acid) and a starch and/or a gum (preferably both starch and a gum) and having a pH less than about 4.5, preferably not greater than about 4.0. The ribbon resulting from gelling and curing this material is dimensionally stable, has a good mouth feel, has a strength sufficient to allow storage, handling and folding 180.degree. and has a resilient quality which ensures secure retention in the cavities of stuffed olives.

Abstract: Filamentary edible proteins having fat globules uniformly dispersed therethrough are shaped, e.g., by wet spinning, from homogeneous protein/fat formulations, the diameters of the fat globules being from 1 to 60 microns and the fat having a degree of saponification of no greater than 5%. Such fibrous proteins are, for example, attractive meat substitutes.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the production of capsules or particles of micro and nanometric size, for introduction into food, using stable electrified coaxial jets of two immiscible liquids with diameters in the micro and nanometric range. An aerosol of charged structured droplets forms when the jets dissociate by capillary instabilities. The structured droplets, which are mano-dispersed in size, contain a first liquid (generally the material desired to be added) that is surrounded by a second liquid. Generally the second liquid provides a barrier or protective coating which allows the addition of the first liquid to a food product without adversely affecting the organoleptic or other properties of the food product.