Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for cooking French fries without cooking oil. The apparatus relies on high pressure inert gas at high temperature as the cooking medium. The inert gas acts both as a heat transfer medium to cook the potatoes, and as a protective atmosphere to prevent charring and oxidation of the potatoes.

Abstract: A plant has a line to convey trays and a processing chamber under modified atmospheric conditions that has a regulating chamber with gates at an entrance and a regulating chamber (9) with gates at an exit to introduce and extract trays with foodstuff. Before the input regulating chamber there is a stacking device for stacking trays, after the exit of the input regulating chamber (4) and inside the processing chamber there is an unstacking device, and transfer device are arranged to introduce stacks of trays in the processing chamber through the regulating chamber in order to provide sufficient time to regulate the atmospheric conditions in the regulating chamber without lowering the advance rate of the trays in the line.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing novel spread and edible oil having excellent characteristics as a spread or an edible oil. An edible oil and a suitable emulsifier, in a water-in-oil type emulsion is filled with a suitable gas propellant into an aerosol container, and the emulsion is discharged as mousse form at the time of jetting.

Abstract: Volatile components are obtained by steam extraction of tasty materials. Coffee beans following roasting or tea leaves following tea manufacturing are used as tasty materials. Steam extraction includes of processing in which steam is contacted with a tasty material followed by recovery of the steam after that contact. Saturated water vapor or super heated steam is used for the steam, while super heated steam is used preferably. The coffee beans are preferably those that have been obtained by roasting raw coffee beans using super heated steam. The food or drink contains the aromatic components, and preferably contains the volatile components as well as an aqueous extract of the tasty material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing frozen dough which can be directly transferred from freezer to oven without a proofing or thawing step. The process comprises mixing the dough ingredients, forming gas nucleation sites, exercising the dough by subjecting to cycles of pressure differentials and freezing the dough. The frozen product can be transferred directly from the freezer to an oven for baking.

Abstract: Aspects of a method for preparing a chicken thigh product are provided. In this regard, a chicken thigh product may be prepared by seasoning and smoking a skinless bone-in oyster-cut chicken thigh, where the skinless bone-in oyster-cut chicken thigh comprises a thigh bone, thigh meat, and oyster meat. Preparing the chicken thigh product may comprise separating an uncooked chicken leg from an uncooked chicken carcass such that the oyster meat is separated from the pelvis of the uncooked chicken carcass and remains attached to the uncooked chicken leg. The skinless bone-in oyster-cut chicken thigh may be smoked until a texture of the skinless bone-in oyster-cut chicken thigh is substantially similar to the texture of cooked pork ribs.

Abstract: A gas mixture containing from about 5% by volume to about 40% by volume of sulphur dioxide with the balance, except for incidental constituents not adversely affecting the basic properties of the gas mixture, being a carrier gas. Also disclosed is a method for dosing a volume of liquid with sulphur dioxide, the method including introducing the gas mixture into a volume of liquid at a flow rate and for a period of time sufficient to add a dosage amount of sulphur dioxide to a volume of liquid.

Abstract: Prior to cooling, an air knife is used to remove bubbles from confectionery-filled chocolates, preferably center-filled chocolates, deposited in a mold tray, preferably using a one-shot depositor. Using the method and apparatus, it is possible to manufacture novel confectionery products, including one-shot deposited caramel-filled dark chocolates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for washing eggs with a wash mixture of water and composite particles that comprise a mixture of microbial nutrients bound together by a solid fatty acid material. The shells of eggs are contacted with the wash mixture and organic material is removed from the egg shells into the wash mixture. The composite particles in the wash mixture foster microbial degradation of the organic material within the wash mixture. The wash mixture leaves the egg shells whiter than enzyme solutions and maintains the cleaning action for a longer period of time.

Abstract: One or more meat products are positioned in a meat chilling enclosure in which cooled air is added to cool the contents of the enclosure. A water spray including a desired carbon monoxide content in solution is introduced into the meat chilling enclosure. The desired carbon monoxide content may comprise no more than approximately the maximum carbon monoxide content that is held in solution in the spray water at approximately the temperature at which the spray water is introduced into the meat chilling enclosure. Alternatively, carbon monoxide held in solution in the spray water may be limited to approximately the maximum carbon monoxide content that is held in solution in the spray water at a maximum temperature maintained in the meat chilling enclosure. A pH increasing material such as ammonia gas or ammonium hydroxide solution may also be added to the meat chilling enclosure to produce and maintain a desired ammonia gas content in the enclosure atmosphere.

Abstract: A procedure to control pests in fruits without damaging the quality of the fruit by exposing the fruit to a high phosphine concentration at low temperature during an extended period of time.

Abstract: In a method for extracting products of value from animal or vegetable starting material, a solution is to be created, with which extraction is improved, with regard to both the yield and separation of natural products to be extracted, and management of the method. This is achieved in that soluble constituents are extracted from the starting material in a first extraction step, using CO2, and subsequently, in a second extraction step, other constituents are extracted with compressed hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A stable foam of a liquid matrix, gas bubbles and a structuring agent that forms a lamellar or vesicular cage structure without generating a gel imparting a rubbery texture to the foam. The lamellar cage structure entraps at least a substantial portion of the gas bubbles and liquid matrix therein to retain and stabilize the gas bubbles and liquid in a sufficiently compact structure that substantially prevents drainage of the liquid matrix as well as coalescence and creaming of the gas bubbles to maintain stability of the foam even when the foam is subjected to multiple heat shocks.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention includes three parts. Uppermost is a mesh tray on which to rest the food items being cooked. Under the mesh tray is a tray having openings formed therein. Under the tray with openings formed therein is a solid tray. Materials which emit a scent when heated which will permeate the food items being cooked are placed between the bottom of the tray with openings formed therein and the top of the solid tray.

Abstract: A hypotonic performance beverage features the use of a polyglucoside having a molecular weight within a range from about 3140 to about 3760, said beverage having a pH within a range from about 3.2 to about 3.5. Such acidity measurement is conventially made using a glass electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed are low caloric density aerated grained confections. The confections essentially comprise tagatose as their primary carbohydrate or principle ingredient, about 0.5-30% of a structuring agent and moisture. Up to 60% of the tagatose can be substituted with nutritive carbohydrate ingredients, fiber and whipping or foaming agents or combinations thereof. Optionally, additional nutritional fortifying ingredients and conventional optional ingredients such as colors and flavors can be added. The confection compositions have densities of 0.10-1 g/cc. The products are additionally characterized by a size count of 0.2-6/g. Preparation methods for the pieces are also disclosed. The confectionery food products find particular suitability for use as ingredients for reduced calorie children's RTE cereals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of dehydrating a comminuted food product containing at least 30 wt. % of water, the method comprising: (i) comminuting a food product to form a slurry; (ii) contacting the obtained slurry with a pressurised gas to reduce the water content of said slurry by at least 50%, said pressurised gas having a pressure of at least 0.5xPc and a temperature of at least Tc-60° C., wherein Pc represents the critical pressure and Tc represents the critical temperature of the gas, whereby the pressurised gas is dried by removal of water contained therein and the dried pressurised gas thus obtained is recirculated to the slurry, wherein at least 80 wt. %, preferably at least 90 wt. % of the matter removed by the pressurised gas is water, and (iii) separating the pressurised gas from the dehydrated slurry.

Abstract: A syrup for a frozen carbonated beverage has a freezing point suppressant, which can be a sugar or sugar substitute mixed with sucralose. The syrup contains a gelling agent, a foaming agent and an acidic agent that facilitate forming a slushy frozen beverage suitable of being dispensed from a mechanical beverage dispenser having a mixing and chilling chamber after being mixed with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A direct-burning grill smoking composition for imparting the flavor of a selected hardwood to a grilled food product contains a quantity of particles of the selected hardwood distributed in a solid matrix formed by partially dehydrating a slurry containing the hardwood particles and a binder dispersed in water. Following ignition, the grill smoking composition continues to smolder without the need for application of further heat until the grill smoking composition is reduced to ashes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and methods for contacting gas and solids in the manufacture of edibles, and particularly in connection with coating edible particulate solids. A drum is positioned around an inner tube so that an annular space is defined between the drum and the tube. A rotatable spiral element defines a gas pathway in the annular space, such that rotation of the spiral pushes particulate solids through the drum while the solids are contacted with gas in the annular space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of kneading dough in order to produce bread or similar products. According to the invention, the dough ingredients are introduced into a chamber and all of said ingredients are subsequently kneaded. The inventive method is characterised in that it comprises: a vacuum phase during which a vacuum is applied in the chamber; and one or more phases involving the introduction of gas, during which a gas containing oxygen is introduced into the chamber. The aforementioned vacuum phase continues more or less throughout the entire kneading phase, with at least one part of each introduction phase taking place simultaneously with the kneading phase. The invention also relates to a device that is used to carry out said method.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for sanitizing perishable goods by mixing the goods with sanitizing liquor for a suitable period of time followed by separating the liquor and substantially neutralizing any residual sanitizing agent left in the goods. In one instance, the sanitizing agent includes ozone and water; therefore, separation of the ozonated water advantageously proceeds with a squeezing effect to more adequately remove the ozonated water from the goods.

Abstract: Methods for reducing external and internal contamination of shell eggs by utilizing gaseous ozone applied under mild pressure, alone or in combination with UV radiation for external contaminants and gaseous ozone under mild pressure, a mix of carbon dioxide and ozone, heat, vacuum, or combinations thereof for internal contaminants.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous process for removing organic solvents from a marc including the steps of: continuously introducing the marc into a desolventiser; introducing an inert, gaseous stripping medium into the desolventiser; removing the organic solvents from the marc by maintaining a sub-atmospheric pressure inside the desolventiser, thus providing an organic solvent-desolventised material; and continuously extracting the organic solvent-desolventised material from the desolventiser; wherein step (a) and (d) comprise compacting the marc and the organic solvent-desolventised material into a first and second plastic, substantially gas-impermeable mass respectively and extruding the first and second plastic mass through an annular gap, the opening of which is controlled by the rate of supply of the first and second plastic mass. The invention also provides a device for compacting a moist organic material into a first plastic gas-impermeable mass which is useful for implementing this process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conditioning liquid, neutral products which are intended for consumption or for processing into foods. In particular, the invention concerns a method for controlling the gas composition in such products at any time or during the complete treatment process. Further, the invention relates to the products obtained and obtainable from this method, which products possess improved properties and especially an improved microbiological quality.

Abstract: An acidified edible oil in water emulsion with a pH from 3.5 to 6, comprising protein and from 1 to 40 wt % of a fat wherein the fat comprises 20 to 100 wt % of a vegetable fat composition on total fat, and wherein the composition comprises from 4 to 15 volume % of a gas, wherein the average diameter of the gas bubbles is in the range of from 50 to 500 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for washing and sterilising food products, particularly vegetables, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: (a) treatment of said food products by ultrasounds, ultraviolet rays and micro filtering; (b) treatment of said food products under ozone atmosphere, ultraviolet rays and micro filtering; (c) treatment of said food products by ultraviolet rays; (d) dewatering and drying said food products under controlled atmosphere. The present invention further relates to an apparatus (1) for carrying out the above process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for mixing a gas and a liquid to produce a gaseous vapor of the liquid that is substantially free of droplets. Gas, e.g., carbon dioxide, is divided into first and second streams. The first stream is combined in an atomization zone with the liquid, e.g., acetic acid, to form an atomized mixture of the gas and liquid. This atomized mixture is then contacted with the second gas stream in a mixing zone within a mixing/separation chamber in which the second gas stream vaporizes substantially all of the atomized liquid, and the resulting mixture of gas, vaporized liquid and residual droplets moves to the separation zone of the mixing/separation chamber. In the separation zone, the residual droplets gravitationally separate from the vaporized mixture, and the vaporized mixture free of a substantial amount of residual droplets is removed from the chamber.

Abstract: A nutrition bar which incorporates protein in the form of nuggets having high levels of selected proteins. By use of the nuggets of the invention, nutrition bars are formulated to have elevated levels of protein, yet good taste and other organoleptic properties. The nuggets according to the invention include greater than 50 wt % of a non-soy protein selected from the group consisting of milk protein, rice protein and pea protein, especially between 51 wt % and 99 wt %, more preferably between 52 wt % and 95 wt %, most preferably 55 wt % or above. The milk protein is preferably whey protein. The nuggets of the invention are preferably made using an extrusion process wherein the extrusion temperature is moderated so as to avoid damage to the whey proteins and concomitant off-taste. In this preferred process according to the invention, extrusion is conducted at temperatures of from 60 to 140° C., after which the protein is dried using a belt/conveyor drier or a fluid bed drier.

Abstract: Method for the control of a controlled atmosphere for the storage of plant products in at least one storage- or transport space, where a) the concentration of at least one trace gas that is produced by the plant products and has a share of less than 1% of the controlled atmosphere is measured at least twice at different times; b) the degree of change in the concentration of the trace gas is derived from at least two measuring values as the measure of the production rate of the plant product for said trace gas; c) the control variables for the composition in the controlled atmosphere are determined depending on the degree of change in the concentration of the trace gas, and d) the composition of the controlled atmosphere is adjusted according to the control variables.

Abstract: Common allergenic foods are made hypoallergenic by treatment with super critical fluid or critical liquid gas such as super critical carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen. The treatment of foods with liquid nitrogen or super critical carbon dioxide also enhances the functionality of fat, so that the total fat in the food can be reduced while retaining the good taste of the food. Compositions and methods for the oral delivery of a medicament or vitamin are also provided.

Abstract: A method for treating grain comprising circulating concentrated ozone through an evenly distributed column of grain to maintain a concentration of between 50 and 100 ppm.

Abstract: A method of inerting a vat including an upper wall and containing a consumable liquid and an overhead gas, comprising the steps of injecting an inerting gas heavier than air at a velocity into the overhead gas above a free surface of the liquid and substantially below the upper wall of the vat and, during this injection, removing excess gas through a purge orifice of the vat.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide is injected into the interior of the meat product along with other materials to produce a desired carbon monoxide saturation level. The amount of carbon monoxide in the added fluid is controlled to produce a desired carbon monoxide saturation level distributed substantially evenly throughout the volume of the meat product. This desired saturation level may vary depending upon the nature of the meat product being treated, however, the saturation level will generally remain at less than 100% or complete saturation for most meat products. The liquid added to meat product may be added simultaneously with the carbon monoxide or may be added as a pre-treatment before application of carbon monoxide or as a post-treatment after the application of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A process for preparing fresh uncooked crustaceans such as crawfish, lobster, crab, and shrimp for shipment to consumers in a frozen state. The process includes a washing process, by submerging the crustaceans in a few inches of clean running water, treating with ozone introduction of a preservative and bactericide while under a vacuum, spray coating a seasoning, thereon and quick freezing, and then packaging in bulk or individualized cook and serve containers.

Abstract: The aroma-improving agent is present with the aroma-containing component, such as chocolate, cocoa, tea or coffee, in an amount effective to chemically interact with aroma compounds to form an improved aroma-containing component which (a) enhance a significant portion of one or more of the desirable flavor or sensory characteristics of the aroma in the aroma-containing component, or (b) reduces one or more non-desirable flavor and sensory characteristics. The aroma-improving agent preferably is a nucleophile that contains sulfur or nitrogen, such as sulfur dioxide, sulfites, substances that contain or generate sulfite, thiols, amines or amino acids.

Abstract: A process for stabilizing an aroma-providing component such as coffee aroma against loss or degradation of its flavor or sensory characteristics by associating the aroma-providing component with a stabilizing agent in an amount effective to reduce or prevent the loss or degradation of the flavor or sensory characteristics of the component and form a stabilized aroma-providing component followed by removing the stabilizing agent from the stabilized coffee aroma prior to packaging for storage or prior to adding the stabilized coffee aroma to a food or beverage product. The resulting stabilized aroma-providing component is essentially free of the stabilizing agent and may be incorporated into a food or beverage product with the initial flavor or sensory characteristics of the stabilized component being retained for a time period of at least two months during storage of the food or beverage product.

Abstract: A process for stabilizing an aroma-providing component such as coffee aroma against loss or degradation of desirable flavor or sensory characteristics of its aroma during storage. The aroma-providing component is associated with a stabilizing agent in an amount effective to chemically interact with undesirable compounds to form a stabilized aroma-providing component which (a) retains a significant portion of one or more of the desirable flavor or sensory characteristics of the aroma in the aroma-containing component during storage, or (b) reduces off flavor generation during storage of the aroma-providing component. The stabilizing agent preferably is a nucleophile that contains sulfur or nitrogen, such as sulfur dioxide, sulfites, compounds that contain or generate thiols, amines or amino acids, cysteine, gluathione or an enzyme. The stabilized aroma-providing component retains the desirable flavor and sensory characteristics of the aroma for a time period of at least six months to one year or longer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing treatment by impingement to a continuous supply of food product includes a treatment zone at an ambient pressure, a fluid delivery zone at an elevated pressure, and a circulation assembly. Impingement plates containing apertures separate the zones. When treatment fluid is drawn through the impingement apertures, jets of treatment fluid are produced and impinge upon food product traveling through the treatment zone. The apparatus can employ a conveyor mechanism to accommodate food product from a continuous supply, as opposed to batches.

Abstract: Stabilized aroma-providing components such as chocolate, tea or coffee aromas that are stabilized against loss or degradation of desirable flavor or sensory characteristics of its aroma during storage. The stabilizing agent is present with the aroma-providing component in an amount effective to chemically interact with compounds in the aroma-providing component to (a) provide increased amounts of desirable compounds that impart desirable flavor or sensory characteristics to the aroma or (b) reduce the amount of undesirable compounds that suppress desirable flavor characteristics or that contribute to or generate undesirable flavor or sensory characteristics in the aroma. The stabilizing agent preferably is a nucleophile that contains sulfur or nitrogen, such as sulfur dioxide, sulfites, compounds or substances that contain or generate sulfites, thiols, amines or amino acids, cysteine, gluathione or an enzyme.

Abstract: A method for fixing a first fluid within a second fluid which includes the steps of mixing the first and second fluids together and subjecting the first and second fluids to an electric field and a high voltage corona like electric discharge. The method can be used, for example, to increase the oxygen content of water. It can also be used for the treatment of waste effluent. An apparatus for carrying out the process includes a fluid passageway defined between inner and outer elongated conduits with a preferably spirally configurated baffle means in the passageway and a plurality of electrode needles extending into the passageway.

Abstract: An aerated flaked fat product is provided and a process for production of aerated flaked fat products is provided, the process allows the incorporation of gas into the aerated flake fat product and the aerated flake product permits the incorporated of addition air spaces into baked pastry and dough products while allowing a reduction in the amount of flaked fat product incorporated into the dough mix.

Abstract: Aroma generating apparatus and method is provided in a cooking apparatus having a main body formed with a cooking compartment and a cooker driver to cook a food within the cooking compartment. The aroma generating apparatus includes an aroma diffuser diffusing at least one food aroma corresponding to a cooking menu or an aroma to remove the food aroma, a keyboard providing a selection of the cooking menu, and a control part controlling the aroma generator so as to produce the food aroma or the deodorizer corresponding to the cooking menu selected by a user and release the food aroma or the deodorizer inside or outside the cooking apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of introducing a nutraceutical to a beverage comprising treating a beverage with a primary sterilizing agent, such as ozonation, filling a container with said beverage, adding an amount of a nutraceutical and sealing said container. The present invention allows for the production of a suitably sterile beverage without a substantial loss in the activity, or change in the structure, of a nutraceutical.

Abstract: Sodium ortho-phenylphenate is admixed with water to produce a process water for treating produce. Potassium carbonate is admixed with the process water in an amount necessary to necessary to raise the specific gravity of the process water to a level whereat it will float fruits and vegetables that would otherwise tend to sink in the process water. When a chlorine-based biocide is used in the process water potassium bicarbonate is used to provide the desired specific gravity of the process water. Over time, used process water is cleaned by settling, by use of a filter, or by use of some other mechanical separating equipment, and the cleaned process water is recycled.

Abstract: A method has been found for the manufacture of a spread which is characterized by the presence of a substantial amount of olive oil polyphenols and the absence of olive oil odour. The deodorized olive oil to be used for the preparation is obtained by a mild refining process which spares the olive oil's minor components.

Abstract: Methods for reducing external and internal contamination of shell eggs by utilizing gaseous ozone applied under mild pressure, alone or in combination with UV-light for external contaminants and gaseous ozone under mild pressure, a mix of carbon dioxide and gaseous ozone, heat, vacuum, or combinations thereof for internal contaminants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing meat is provided. According to the method, a meat product is positioned within an interior volume of a decompression chamber. A pressure differential is created across a gas output in communication with the interior volume of the decompression chamber. The decompression chamber is then rapidly decompressed by transferring gas from the interior volume of the decompression chamber through the gas output. The pressure differential and the rate of the rapid decompression are selected to be suitable for processing the meat product positioned within the interior volume of the decompression chamber. Typically, the pressure differential and the rate of rapid decompression are selected to be suitable for tenderizing the meat product, killing microorganisms in the meat product, or both.

Abstract: The present invention includes a ready-to-use dough article that provides an expanded baked product, such as a roll, pizza dough or scone. The dough article comprises a substantially gas-impermeable container. The dough article also comprises a dough having a cellular network that is substantially free of an active leavening agent. The dough is disposed within the container. The dough article also comprises an inert gas that is disposed within the container.

Abstract: A method for reducing the rate of deterioration of perishable horticultural produce by causing the horticultural produce to be treated post harvest with nitric oxide in an amount and for a period of time sufficient to reduce the rate of deterioration of the horticultural produce.