Abstract: A method for producing dry sweetened, wafer-thin sliced fruit or vegetable products by exposing only one surface of the slices to an aqueous solution containing a carbohydrate, an anti-browning agent, and an acid and drying in monolayers. The acidity of the finished product may be adjusted so that products appealing to sweet-loving palates or tart-loving palates may be easily produced. The aqueous solution may advantageously be sprayed on the upper surface of the sliced fruit or vegetable, rather than by soaking or steeping the slices, so that the slices maintain their structural integrity and the application of the solution is not a rate-limiting factor.

Abstract: A method of preserving fodder masses for animal feeding by applying an acid catalyzed coating liquid to the surfaces of the fodder masses. The coating liquid comprises a thermosetting monomer and a nutritive cross-linking agent, which is catalytically polymerized and cross-linked by a mineral acid to form a water insoluble solid barrier to the penetration of moisture, air, and other elements which can cause degradation of stored fodder. Suitable thermosetting monomers include: urea-formaldehyde resins, furfuryl alcohol, and their mixtures. Liquid carbohydrates derived from vegetable sources, particularly molasses, starch, and fermentation by-products, are effective cross-linking agents. Mineral acids found to be effective for the polymerization and cross-linking include: phosphoric, sulfuric, and hydrochloric acids.

Abstract: Preservable granular particulate "tofu" (soybean curd), which is smooth and does not liberate water during storage and therefor is suited to an alternative for salad topping, tofu spread and scrambled egg, can be produced by coagulating soybean milk or soybean protein paste in heated oil at a temperature between above 75.degree. C. and below 140.degree. C. The soybean milk is of a higher concentration than that conventionally used for producing ordinary tofu. Hardening of the granular tofu which is caused with increased solid contents can be overcome by elevating the pH of the paste as compared with that used in production of ordinary tofu. A small amount of egg white is desirably added to coagulate the soybean milk smoothly in a shorter period of time in heated oil. The granular tofu thus prepared is preservable and does not liberate water during storage, because the coagulation is done at a higher temperature than in the case of ordinary tofu, and the surface of granule is covered with an oily film.

Abstract: A plantain impregnated with fruit juice, particularly orange juice, having a unique taste and texture. Plantains are selected with ripeness such that the sugar content is derived from at least 70% conversion of the starch to sugar, peeling the plantains and then apply a high vacuum to the plantains. The plantains are then immersed in a solution of fruit juice. After holding the vacuum for a time, the plantains are held immersed in the fruit juice under superatmospheric pressure for a sufficient dwell time to substantially completely impregnate the plantains which are then removed and frozen. The plantains prior to impregnation are desirably preserved from fungus attack by ripening the plantains in a low humidity of about a maximum of 40% relative humidity and/or contacting the plantains with a fungicide, such as that containing chlorine.

Abstract: A process for coating artificially colored real cherries in which they are contacted firstly with an aqueous solution of an edible calcium salt, then with a warm aqueous solution of a low-methoxy pectin and finally with another aqueous solution of an edible calcium salt.

Abstract: Material is provided for drying cut plants. The material includes a drying agent providing a basic pH in a solution of at least 11 and having properties of becoming at least partially insoluble at a pH no greater than approximately 13.4. The drying agent has properties of saponifying the wax on the stems as the plant dries and as the pH of the drying agent accordingly increases. The drying agent is selected from a group consisting of the carbonates, phosphates and silicates of at least one of sodium and potassium and a combination of the hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates of at least one of sodium and potassium. The drying agent may have a concentration of about 3 to 6 pounds per ton of dried cut plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of matter and their use in medicine, in agricultural applications, and in cosmetics. The compositions are based on a thixotropic aluminum hydroxide chloride which has an atomic ratio of aluminum to chlorine of from 5:1 to 6:1, and which is the chlorination product of pseudoboehmite which aluminum hydroxide chloride is in a concentration in water of from about 2 to about 20 weight percent.

Abstract: A method for protecting citrus fruit against resistant organisms by treating fruit with a combination of a soluble sorbate and at least one antifungal agent of the benzimidazole type, an alkali metal o-phenylphenol or sec.-butylamine.

Abstract: An intermediate moisture pet food is described which forms a gravy-like mixture upon the addition of a warm aqueous liquid. The pet food comprises a particulate mass of a proteinaceous - farinaceous mixture having a moisture content of between about 15-55% by weight which is coated with particles of a fat encapsulated gravy forming material. The fat encapsulated particles of gravy forming materials are resistant to moisture activation during storage but activate to produce a gravy-like mixture upon the addition of a warm aqueous liquid to the pet food.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the encapsulation of the artificial sweetener L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (APM) within a coating material including cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, certain vinyl polymers, gelatin and zein, in a ratio of coating material to APM to 1:1 or less. Shelf stability of products containing the encapsulated APM is nearly doubled. The presently stabilized APM is particularly suited for incorporation into chewing gum formulations.

Abstract: Solid carbonaceous fossil fuels such as coal, lignite and peat are treated with an aqueous medium containing a novel catalyst to remove undesirable constituents and produce valuable products. The catalyst is prepared by steps including admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of dissolved water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle-forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. Particles of the fossil fuel, or components thereof, are treated and solubilized in the aqueous catalyst suspension to produce a novel aqueous solution which has highly unusual and unexpected properties. The resultant solution has important applications in agriculture and animal husbandry.

Abstract: Preservation of fruits and vegetables with a protein precipitate obtained by treating a protein-containing liquid with an anionic surface active agent containing not less than 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Valuable products are obtained from Theobroma fruits by preferably removing the peels from said fruits, opening the fruits, separating the seeds from the preferably peeled parenchymatous part of the fruits, and immediately thereafter fermenting the seeds and processing said parenchymatous part. Preferably the fruits are pretreated, for instance, with an alkaline solution and, after peeling, are neutralized, or they are pretreated with a preserving agent. The parenchymatous part of the fruits is expressed to yield the fruit flesh juice containing a hydrocolloid which has proved to be a valuable emulsifying, thickening, stabilizing, suspending agent and protective colloid. The expressed Theobroma fruit flesh is converted into a nutritious animal feed, especially for small animals. Thus the Theobroma fruits are substantially completely utilized.

Abstract: A method of producing an extruded, microbiologically stable, intermediate moisture food product having a moisture content between about 25 and 35% by weight, a protein content between about 15 and 35% by weight, an antimycotic agent and a water activity (A.sub.w) between about 0.75 and 0.85, which has an extended shelf life when stored in moisture-proof packages and does not require hermetic packaging or refrigeration.

Abstract: A method for preserving live hard-shell crabs by immersion in a constantly agitated brine solution to freeze the crabs. The brine solution contains a chemical defoamer and is maintained at a temperature of from about -7.degree. to 10.degree. F. to rapidly freeze the crabs, the time of immersion being preferably from about 30 to 50 minutes.

Abstract: The improvement in taste and stability of cooked or smoked and cooked sausage wherein the cooked or smoked and cooked sausage is immersed in an aqueous acidic solution containing lactic acid as an essential component in amounts greater than 25% by weight alone or in combination with other edible acids up to a total acidity of 20% by weight.

Abstract: A method of making a stable, emulsified, liquid starch product which comprises from about 45% to about 85% edible liquid, and from about 15% to about 55% of a whole, non-starch isolated, starch bearing material emulsified with said edible liquid. The method comprises size reducing the starch material, slurrying the size reduced material with edible liquid, hydrothermally cooking the slurried mixture, and holding said hydrothermally cooked mixture at the temperature at which it exits from the hydrothermal cooker for from one to four minutes in order to significantly increase gelatinization and maltose values. It has also been found when this is done, lactic acid levels are increased which significantly improves the product. Finally, it has been found that the product can be used as an effective grain and silage sealer, which is also nutritional.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing spoilage of high moisture grain resulting from mold growth. The high moisture grain is treated on all surfaces with ethyl alcohol or an ethyl alcohol solution containing a microbial preservative. Spoilage as by mold growth is retarded for over a year while the products are stored at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A preservation coating composition primarily for meat containing lard, tallow and lecithin in specific ratios. The mixture is heated and applied in molten condition to the chilled food to be preserved. The coated food is cold stored.

Abstract: Harvested sugar beets are treated to reduce storage losses of recoverable sucrose by contacting the beets with propylene. The treatment may be effected by spraying an aqueous solution of propylene onto the beets, by dipping the beets into an aqueous solution of propylene, by contacting the beets with gaseous propylene, or by other suitable means. Propylene concentrations less than about 750 ppm, preferably in the range of about 10 to about 500 ppm, and more preferably about 20 to about 200 ppm, are effective to reduce storage loss of recoverable sucrose.

Abstract: Method for producing frozen raw battered food products by first applying a coating of the raw batter to the outside of the food product, and then depositing the coated product on a layer of carbon dioxide snow, in a relation causing the batter while still uncooked to set to a non-flowing condition by reduction in temperature of the batter while it is contacted and supported by the layer of carbon dioxide snow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning the surfaces of foods and fodder of plant and animal origin by manual or mechanical washing in water, the surfaces of said foods or fodder having adhering thereto contaminants and/or physiologically and toxicologically noxious substances, such as hydrophobic and hydrophilic pesticides, inorganic noxious elements, oily condensates of noxious substances, as well as other contaminants, and to certain agents and compositions which are added to the wash water; food and fooder refreshing is achieved.

Abstract: A method of prolonging the freshness of fresh meat by immersion of the meat in a mixture of glycerides containing a completely acetylated mixture of 35 to 75 weight percent fatty acid monoglyceride, 5 to 50 weight percent fatty acid diglyceride and 5 to 30 weight percent fatty acid triglyceride, the fatty acids having 12 to 22 carbon atoms and consisting of 70 to 100 mole percent unsaturated fatty acids at a temperature of from 1.degree. to 16.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for preventing greening due to chlorophyll formation in raw unpeeled cold-stored potato tubers exposed to light prior to and including retail sale which comprises spraying or dipping the tubers in an aqueous emulsion containing a single surfactant so as to form a thin continuous film in and on the surface of the tuber which is relatively impermeable to carbon dioxide thereby ensuring an atmosphere containing at least 15% CO.sub.2 within the film and in the tuber. The surfactant preferably contains long chain fatty acid moieties and polyoxyalkylene or polyhydroxy moieties, and has an HLB rating below about 15. A modified process involves the addition of an organic acid, selected from aliphatic mono- and polycarboxylic acids having from 2-6 carbon atoms and at least one hydroxy or oxo group, and lactones thereof, excepting those dicarboxylic acids which readily form internal anhydrides, to the surfactant mixture in order to "tighten" the surfactant film formed on the tubers under treatment.

Abstract: A pizza crust has a surface for receiving food ingredients such as sauce, cheese and the like. An aqueous dispersion containing water-soluble algin is applied to the food ingredient receiving surface. An aqueous gelling solution is applied to the algin-coated pizza crust for a period of time sufficient to form a substantially continuous edible algin-containing film along the food ingredient receiving surface. The film is sufficient to effectively retard the migration of material from food ingredients placed on the food ingredient receiving surface. A second algin-containing film is formed over the ingredients in the same manner as the first film was formed on the pizza crust. The algin-containing film used with the pizza is sufficient to retard dehydration from both the pizza crust and the food ingredients. The film is effective to reduce breaking and splitting of the pizza to improve the transportability thereof.

Abstract: The red color of fresh red meats is preserved by adding thereto a color preservative selected from the group consisting of sodium cyanate, acetylurea, sodium-5-acetylhydantoate, urethylane sodium carboxylate and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, these color preservatives are incorporated in a resinous polymeric film which is fibrillated to provide an open-celled, microporous structure having a large internal surface area. Such films can be used as an interleaf between layers of slices of freshly cut red meat and are effective for preserving the fresh color for several hours.

Abstract: In chilling freshly slaughtered hog carcasses the bleaching effect of a bactericidal spray is eliminated by the use of chlorine dioxide in a concentration sufficient to inhibit the protein synthesis mechanism of bacteria. The concentration required for this purpose, which may be in the range of 5 to 25 parts per million (ppm), is so small that it produces very little if any oxidation; hence the characteristic bleaching effect of chlorine dioxide is avoided. The skin color of carcasses so sprayed is unaffected by the process.

Abstract: Unfrozen cellular substances are conditioned by a reduced pressure environment for subsequent processing. Cellular liquid is vaporized from the unfrozen cellular substance by a combination of reduced pressure and temperature control at a rate which is not greater than the vapor transmission rate of the rupturable cell walls of said cellular substance in order to remove said vaporized cellular liquid while keeping the cell walls intact.

Abstract: Raw fruits and vegetables are treated with an aqueous solution having a pH between about 4 and 7.5 and containing a selected ascorbate ion concentration in order to maintain desirable color, texture, odor and flavor characteristics when the fruit and vegetables are stored at aerobic refrigeration conditions for extended periods.

Abstract: Jujubes are molded in suitable molds having a desired shape and are then dried and refrigerated immediately at a low temperature to give them a rigid consistency. They are then coated with a varnish having a thickness which is very noticeable and a weight which can be greater than the weight usually provided for confectionery products. Next, they are submitted to fresh air at a temperature lower than 20.degree. C to dry the varnish and they are then coated with sugar syrup which is dried thereon.

Abstract: Fresh fruits and vegetables are preserved by coating them with a waxy protective adhering film formed by spraying the fruits and vegetables with a volatile petroleum solvent solution of a waxy film-forming material and an alkyl aryl sulfonic acid solution of a fungicidal benzimidazole of the formulae ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or sec-butyl;R.sub.2 is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or alkenyl of 3 to 6 carbon atoms andR.sub.3 is alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms; ##STR2## wherein R is a five-membered heterocyclic ring containing nitrogen and sulfur andR.sub.1 is hydrogen, lower alkyl of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or lower alkenyl of 3 to 6 carbon atoms and ##STR3## and allowing the solvent to evaporate. Excellent protection against fungi is attained by using benomyl or thiabendazole as the benzimidazole fungicide.

Abstract: A process for preparing foods and drinks sweetened and protected against coloration, Strecker's reaction, and moisture absorption, by the addition of high purity maltose, the maltose being produced by action of alpha-1,6-glucosidase and beta-amylase to enzymatically liquefied starch which consists essentially of amylopectin thereby producing straight-chain amylose and then subjecting the resulting amylose to the action of beta-amylase to obtain high purity maltose.

Abstract: A composition comprising a dispersion prepared by dispersing in an aqueous solution of a water-soluble high polymer, such as polysaccharides, a hydrophobic substance selected from the group consisting of hydrophobic solids and hydrophobic and non-volatile liquids, such as natural waxes, is applied as a coating to cover the outer surface of an agricultural product to form a coating membrane upon drying, which membrane has fine continuous microvoids by which the respiration of the agricultural product can be controllably suppressed thereby to effectively preserve the product over a long period.

Abstract: A method of cold sterilizing a perishable food product during shipment and storage. Liquid dimethyl dicarbonate is applied to the outer surface of the food product and the product is chilled to solidify the coating. The coating acts to protect the food product from microbiological contamination during shipment and storage and can be washed from the product prior to usage.

Abstract: An improved sugar coated ready-to-eat breakfast cereal flake composed principally of oat and soy flour has enhanced crispness retention and sweetness impact by impregnation of the flake surface with a dilute sweetening syrup which is crystallized thereon so as not to be grossly visible.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a stable hydrophilic food product such as a fruit piece. The process comprises preparing a liquid shortening by heating the shortening to a temperature above the melting point thereof, heating fruit pieces above the temperature of the melting point of the shortening, admixing the fruit pieces and shortening until the shortening completely coats the fruit pieces, and cooling the coated fruit pieces.

Abstract: Butylated hydroxy anisole functions as an antimicrobial agent in hydrous material capable of supporting microbial growth when used in excess of about 0.02 percent by weight of the hydrous material.

Abstract: In the coating of food wherein a food article is immersed in a tank containing a solution of a coating agent in a solvent, removed from the solution, allowed to drain, and removed from the tank, the improvement which comprises removing the solution from the tank while leaving the food article therein, maintaining a substantially liquid-free solvent vapor-laden atmosphere within said tank containing said coated food article while said food article drains, drawing off solvent vapors from said tank and thereafter removing said coated article from said tank, draining of said article in said solvent vapor-laden atmosphere within said tank resulting in formation of a level coating prior to setting of said coating upon removal of the solvent therefrom. The food article may be subjected to a flow of warm air prior to coating so as to remove moisture therefrom and permit better adhesion of the coating.

Abstract: A granular composition is comprised of primary carrier particles that are mixed with a liquid containing an active ingredient which saturates, by adsorption, the surface of each particle. A second carrier material is then mixed in so that secondary carrier particles adhere to the surface of each primary particle to form an agglomerate. The secondary carrier adsorbs additional liquid in the composition so that the composition may be handled as a granular mass.

Abstract: A method for preventing or inhibiting scald on apples which method comprises applying to said apples an effective amount of a composition comprising as active ingredient a compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds of the formula (I), ##SPC1##wherein R is methyl or ethyl, and salts thereof; and an inert carrier material therefore.