Abstract: A process for producing a roux-like binding agent for foodstuffs. Fine particles of farinaceous material are transported into an enclosed particle coating zone where a molten, high-melting point fat is sprayed, in the form of fine droplets, onto the particles to coat them. At the same time, the coated particles are cooled to a temperature below the melting point of the fat using chilled gas. The coated particles are flowable and disperse readily in hot water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a package which contains a food product and an aromatized headspace. The headspace includes an aromatised food-acceptable inert gas and food-acceptable protective gas. The invention also relates to a process and an apparatus for introducing an aroma into the headspace of a package containing a food product during the gas packing of the food product by introducing a modified atmosphere into the headspace, and introducing a food-acceptable aroma dissolved in or mixed with a gaseous food-acceptable inert gas into the headspace of the package.

Abstract: A pH increasing gas is placed under an operating pressure and in contact with the surface of a meat product to be treated. Keeping the pressurized pH increasing gas in contact with the meat product for an operating period increases the pH of the meat product at its surface. The increased pH reduces bacterial activity and helps maintain the quality of the meat product during storage. The method may also include placing a pH lowering gas at a neutralizing pressure in contact with the surface of the meat product and holding the pH lowering gas in contact with the meat product at the neutralizing pressure for a neutralizing period sufficient to bring the pH of the meat product back to a normal level. The method may further include the step of removing the treatment gas and any reaction materials either after releasing the pH increasing gas or after treating with the pH lowering gas if that step is employed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oil-in-water emulsion spread that has a low fat content and good spreading properties at all temperatures from 4.degree. C. to 25.degree. C. The present whipped spread comprises a continuous aqueous phase comprising (A) from about 10% to about 45% fat, wherein at least a portion of the fat is vegetable oil; (B) an effective amount of an emulsifier; and (C) an effective amount of an emulsion stabilizing agent. The whipped spread has a whipping overrun of at least about 200%.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for germinating dehulled brown rice comprising the steps of selecting fully matured rice having strong germination force among rice having peeled-off chaffs immersed in salty water, pounding the selected fully matured rice into dehulled brown rice, germinating primarily the dehulled brown rice in the water for 6 to 10 hours at a temperature of 12.degree. to 18.degree. C. and thereafter remaining in the water for 1 to 8 hours at a moderate increased temperature of 20.degree. to 32.degree. C. germinating the primary germinating dehulled brown rice which is located at approximately 1 cm above a water level at ambient temperature for 2 to 5 hours, and next the free of water dehulled brown rice being immersed in the salty water or mud-deposited water for 8 to 24 hours at a temperature of 20.degree. C.

Abstract: Materials, for example, plant-based food products, are subjected to heat and pressure in a processing enclosure, wherein the pressure is greater than the pressure of the atmosphere. The heated, pressurized materials are then subjected to a pressure-reduction phase during which the pressure in the processing enclosure is reduced at a rate greater than 500 millibars per second and by an amplitude greater than 1 bar. The rapid pressure-reduction phase of the invention contributes to the production of processed materials having a slightly spongy structure that is due to the presence of micro-cavities that promote the recapture of subsequent moisture.

Abstract: Flavorants are obtained by collecting differing volatile fractions evolved over differing periods of time from at least one fatty acid into which oxygen is introduced while being heated to a temperature of from 150.degree. C. to 475.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food processor with a mixing vessel and a drive mechanism for an agitator in the mixing vessel, the lower region of which can be heated. As a simple way of improving a food processor of this type, it is proposed that a top unit for the mixing vessel should have a perforated base to allow food to be steam-cooked. The perforations are formed in a support plate in the base of the top unit and condensation and moisture are led back into the mixing vessel.

Abstract: A method is described for preserving tissues and organs, in particular of tissues and organs for transplantation, in which the tissue or organ to be treated is temporarily stored in a well-cooled state, in particular at a temperature in the range from -3.degree. C. to 3.degree. C., for a predeterminable time in an oxygen atmosphere, in a space which can be closed off in air tight manner, wherein the oxygen atmosphere is built up in the space which can be sealed off in air tight manner with a pressure which lies above the atmospheric pressure, and wherein the pressure in the closed space is kept at a pressure lying above the atmospheric pressure for the whole or the further period of intermediate storage.

Abstract: A method of treating poultry carcasses to reduce the population of contaminating organisms in preparation for consumption includes treating the poultry carcasses with a disinfectant. Suitable disinfectants include ozone and ozone disssolved in water.

Abstract: An agglomerated powder is produced in an apparatus where the product is agglomerated in two stages. First, a liquid concentrated feed of the product is atomized by an atomizer in a drying chamber. The fine particles are transferred to a separating device to be split up in a first and second fraction. The first of these is led to the atomizer in the drying chamber to perform a first agglomeration and the resulting agglomerates are accommodated in an external fluid be in the drying chamber and from this transferred to an external fluid bed. Also the second fraction is transferred to the external fluid bed where water by a second atomizer is atomized over a fluidized layer of agglomerates to perform a second agglomeration of product.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated product comprises a mixer which has a first inlet for receiving a fluid, a second inlet for receiving a gas, and an outlet. A relatively long continuous turbulence passage of relatively small cross section has one end positioned to receive the effluent from the mixer outlet and its other end spaced from the mixer outlet so that the effluent is subjected to confined turbulent mixing in the turbulence passage until the fluid product is discharged from the passage other end. If that product is to be cooled, the turbulence passage leads to a cooling area which cools and at least partially freezes the fluid product issuing from that passage. A method of producing the product is also disclosed. The invention has particular application to the making and dispensing of frozen yogurt and ice cream and allows for the service of individualized fresh portions in a variety of flavors and with little required cleaning.

Abstract: A process for preparing prepackaged pasteurized meat parts in which the parts are pasteurized at a low temperature for an extended period of time so as to enable thorough and even heating of the parts to eliminate bacterial contamination within the parts. After the parts have been pasteurized, the pasteurized parts are cooled and then frozen. The frozen parts are then packaged for shipment and sale.

Abstract: A process for preparing roasted nuts is presented. The process includes exposing raw nuts to a brine solution under conditions effective to provide a coating of salt on the nuts; applying to the nuts a coating of fine salt having a particle size such that at least about 80% of the salt passes through a 125 micron mesh and at least about 40% of the salt passes through a 44 micron mesh; and roasting the nuts under conditions effective to impart a roasted nut color, flavor and aroma to the nuts.

Abstract: An antioxidant composition and a process of recovering the same from a gelatinous retentate of spent ground coffee oil, comprising from 20 to 60% wt of complex lipids and from 10 to 75% wt of carboxylic acids 5-hydroxytryptamides, in which the 5-HT are for example those of behenic, arachidic and/or lignoceric acids, and the complex lipids are phospholipids and glycolipids. This composition may be advantageously used in food products.

Abstract: Dehulled brown unmilled rice is exposed to ozone gas in an ozone and air gas mixture. The exposed brown rice is stored for at least a day to sufficiently affect the bran before subjecting the exposed rice to a typical milling process. The milling of the exposed brown rice results in reduced breakage and thus increased head rice yield to economically attractive levels.

Abstract: A method of storing and aging a meat which comprises the steps of containing said meat in a controllable environment under a mechanical compression, substantially separating a majority of a surface of said meat from direct contact with a gas present in the controllable environment, controlling said gas in said controllable environment by reducing free oxygen gas in said controllable environment and controlling gas pressure in said controllable environment while protecting a majority of the surface of said meat from the effects of a pressure variation, and holding said meat under said controllable environment for a period of time within a predetermined temperature range; provided that said meat is held under the mechanical compression during the controlling of said gas in said controllable environment.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating meat products with ultrasonic energy in an ozonated water environment to eradicate harmful pathopens from the surface of the meat products.

Abstract: A method for uniformly controlling the ripening of bananas and other perishable products from harvest to delivery, wherein a combination shipping and ripening container having an internal volume capable of receiving and maintaining a controlled atmosphere is provided. Freshly harvested, unripened perishable products are loaded into the container and cooled to a holding temperature in a range of from about 57.degree. to about 70.degree. F. Once the products are stabilized at the desired holding temperature, a controlled atmosphere including ethylene is preferably substantially immediately provided to the internal volume to uniformly initiate ripening of all of the loaded products. Once ripening has been initiated, the ethylene is reduced within the internal volume by displacement with a low oxygen controlled atmosphere, which is maintained within the container during storage, transportation, and delivery procedures.

Abstract: A useful method for shifting the flavour balance of edible oils comprises sparging nitrogen through the oil at a temperature of 20.degree.-65.degree. C. Olive oil is preferably treated at 30.degree.-40.degree. C. The treatment may be combined with usual purification steps as are washing and filtration over a filter aid.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of obtaining oil from grain materials such as rice bran, wheat mill feed, rapeseed, amaranth, and similar grains.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of fat- and cholesterol-reduced powdered products based on eggs with a high content of phospholipids by extraction with compressed gases, wherein the powdered starting material is extracted with a solvent mixture consisting of propane and carbon dioxide with a mixing ratio of 95/5 to 5/95% by weight at a pressure of <300 bar and at s temperature of <70.degree. C.

Abstract: Foodstuff pellets are puffed by radiantly heating the pellets in a chamber to cause a rapid rise in the chamber temperature to a temperature sufficient for puffing, and once this temperature has been reached, a fluidizing flow of air is created and maintained within the chamber to agitate, move and suspend the pellets within the chamber while maintaining the puffing temperature causing uniform puffing of the pellets. After puffing of the pellets, the radiant heating is discontinued while the fluidizing flow of air continues to cool the puffed pellets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of substantially non-alcoholic beer by a continuous yeast treatment at a low temperature. In the process, wort which has been clarified and possibly treated by evaporating and/or with an adsorbing agent is passed through a packed column reactor containing immobilized yeast at a temperature ranging between the freezing point of wort and 10.degree. C. The yeast is reactivated at 2.degree. to 15.degree. C. for 10-30 hours. If required, the reactor can be regenerated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the baking properties of flour, which comprises treating the flour with an acylating reagent. This makes the flour particularly suitable for use in the baking of high-ratio cakes.

Abstract: A process for making a half-product used in forming puffed food products, the apparatus having two rollers, with at least one of them being a cutter roller having cutting teeth, rotating against each other. Product flows between the two rollers in the form of dough strips and an air nozzle is disposed between them to provide air flow causing deformation of the product and forming an air pocket. The teeth may be on both rollers and in meshing contact with one another. The teeth also have a V-shape with a rounded radius at the cutting end so that it rolls into the dough product and back out thereof to form a large sealing surface between the two pieces of dough and forming an improved seal so that when the food product is fried the sealed area does not split open from increased pressure inside the hollow food product.

Abstract: The microorganism population of a flour-containing semifinished product (such as dough) is reduced by forming a suspension of flour with a liquid (particularly water, milk and/or the flowable ingredients of eggs), and subjecting the suspension to the action of an inert gas (such as carbon dioxide gas) for a period of between approximately 5 and 240 minutes at a pressure of between approximately 2 and 100 bars. The thus obtained semifinished product can be stored for extended periods of time in a standard refrigerator rather than only in a freezer. The method can further comprise the step or steps of stirring the suspension for the purposes of homogenization and/or abruptly reducing the pressure of gas upon elapse of the interval of 5-240 minutes and/or repeatedly varying the pressure of gas and/or adding to the suspension an animal and/or vegetable fat and/or adding to the suspension salt, sugar, an aromatic substance and/or another additive.

Abstract: The invention herein pertains to a process for improvement of stored fresh market fruits such as peaches, plums and nectarines by retarding mealiness, dryness and internal breakdown. Peaches in particular are routinely stored at 0.degree. C. to prevent softening. Unfortunately, "chilling injury" occurs in peaches, plums and nectarines stored by this conventional technique which can result in insurance claims, litigation and general consumer dissatisfaction. The invention comprises five steps for the transshipment thereof that results in enhanced fruit quality. This process is particularly suitable for imported fruits from overseas where transshipment by boat is required. The process can also be used to improve the quality of domestic fruits held for late-season "market window" sales.

Abstract: A method for uniformly controlling the ripening of bananas and other perishable products from harvest to delivery, wherein a combination shipping and ripening container having an internal volume capable of receiving and maintaining a controlled atmosphere is provided. Freshly harvested, unripened perishable products are loaded into the container and cooled to a holding temperature in a range of from about 57.degree. to about 70.degree. F. Once the products are stabilized at the desired holding temperature, a controlled atmosphere including ethylene is preferably substantially immediately provided to the internal volume to uniformly initiate ripening of all of the loaded products. Once ripening has been initiated, the ethylene is reduced within the internal volume by displacement with a low oxygen controlled atmosphere, which is maintained within the container during storage, transportation, and delivery procedures.

Abstract: A method of obtaining oil from grain materials such as rice bran, wheat mill feed, rapeseed, amaranth, and similar grains, by stabilizing the oil contained in the grain material (when necessary) while increasing the porosity of such grain material; extracting oil from the grain material by contact with a solvent in vapor form; and, separating extracted oil/solvent compositions into fractions containing various amounts of saturated and unsaturated oils. A solvent in vapor form is also used to remove oils from: previously-extracted oil seeds, which were extracted using a less efficient extraction method; flaked or crushed vegetable matter; and grain-based food products such as chips, crackers and noodles.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated product comprises a mixer which has a first inlet for receiving a fluid, a second inlet for receiving a gas, and an outlet. A relatively long continuous turbulence passage of relatively small cross section has one end positioned to receive the effluent from the mixer outlet and its other end spaced from the mixer outlet so that the effluent is subjected to confined turbulent mixing in the turbulence passage until the fluid product is discharged from the passage other end. If that product is to be cooled, the turbulence passage leads to a cooling area which cools and at least partially freezes the fluid product issuing from that passage. A method of producing the product is also disclosed. The invention has particular application to the making and dispensing of frozen yogurt and ice cream and allows for the service of individualized fresh portions in a variety of flavors and with little required cleaning.

Abstract: Methods of treating liquid, semiliquid and solid foods to make them safer to eat and/or to improve the keeping quality of the product. Among the steps that can be employed are: the use of a biocidally active form of oxygen to reduce the population of indigenous microbes, the removal from the food of indigenous gases which may cause spoilage, the replacement of gases removed from the product with gases which are chemically inert or biologically sterile or both, and the asceptic packaging of the treated product. The selected process steps are carried out for a time and at a temperature sufficient to facilitate production of substantially more natural and safer foods than can be obtained if traditional methods of pasteurization are employed.

Abstract: A method for producing a coffee aroma component is disclosed, which comprises the steps of feeding an aqueous solution containing from 10 to 80% by weight of ethanol and an inert gas into roasted and milled coffee beans heated to 80.degree. to 20.degree. C., contacting the mixture with the coffee beans, and then condensing and collecting a volatile aroma component evolving from the coffee beans. According to the present invention, the preferable aroma of fresh milled coffee beans after roasted can be perfectly collected. Further, the method of the present invention requires neither any complicated apparatus nor any special conditions. Namely, this method can be easily and inexpensively embodied. Further, it is an advantageous method from an industrial viewpoint. The coffee aroma component obtained by the method of the present invention suffers from little change in aroma during the processing and over prolonged storage.

Abstract: A food-grade antioxidant and a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere environment are provided in combination in a cooking container and a food is cooked in the presence of the antioxidant and the non-oxidizing gas atmosphere for preventing or reducing oxidation of lipids and vitamins in the food. As a result, rancidity from cooking lipid-containing food, and the resultant off-odors and flavors associated therewith, as well as color changes and loss of nutritional quality of the food, can be reduced or avoided.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of chocolate confectionery by entrapping a fatty cream with fine gas bubbles. The confectionery is manufactured by preparing a shell chocolate with open end in a mold, feeding under pressure a fine gas bubble entrapping fatty cream base into the shell chocolate through the opening to fill the shell, scraping off excessively charged fatty cream, solidifying the fatty cream in the shell, pouring a chocolate base on the solidified fatty cream to close the opening of the shell chocolate, scraping off excessively charged chocolate base, solidifying the chocolate base, and demolding the product. A stencil plate can be used, when the gas bubble entrapping fatty cream is charged into the shell of shell chocolate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conditioning the atmosphere in a storage chamber for organic harvested produce, characterized in that the storage chamber is allowed to form part of a system composed of the relevant storage chamber (1), at least two, and preferably three, gas separation modules (2), (3) and (4), which are located downstream of one another and are provided with N.sub.2 /O.sub.2 separation membranes, at least one compressor (5) and at least one control valve (6),the compressor drawing in three streams (F1), (F2) and (F3),the first separation module yielding a permeate, which is removed from the system as stream (F4), and a retentate, which is fed to the second separation module,the second separation module yielding a retentate, which is fed to the third separation module, and a permeate, which is fed together with the permeate from the third separation module as stream to the compressor, andthe retentate from the third separation module is fed via the control valve to the storage cheer.

Abstract: A method for preventing refined edible oils and fats from deteriorating during transportation and/or storage thereof over a prolonged period of time, wherein the refined edible oils and fats are stored and/or transported at all times under an atmosphere rich in nitrogen gas. This nitrogen-enriched atmosphere contains nitrogen in a concentration not lower than 99.5%.

Abstract: An extraction process comprising contracting a material to be extracted with an extracting fluid at elevated pressure within a defined space, and separating the extracted fluid and extract as a mass, from the extracted material while reducing the volume of the defined space and while maintaining the elevated pressure within the defined space. Apparatus for carrying out the process is adapted to separate the extracting fluid and the extract, as a mass, from the extracted material, while maintaining elevated pressure and reducing the volume as the point of separation.

Abstract: A blended yolk composition is disclosed comprised of a fat, an emulsifier and an aqueous component, at least one of the fat and the aqueous component containing a chicken-type flavoring. The yolk composition can be used in baking or combined with egg white, a modified egg white or a simulated egg white to produce a simulated blended whole poultry egg composition.Alternatively the yolk composition may utilize a modified yolk, such as decholesterolized yolk. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the compositions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for killing microorganisms on the surface of raw meat. The microorganisms are killed by exposing the meat to controlled applications of a biocidal treatment gas in a vacuum/pressure regulated environment. The meat is first exposed to a vacuum, the surface then flushed with an air-free treatment gas, then full treated with the air-free treatment gas, and then reexposed to a vacuum. The method and apparatus successfully kills microorganisms on the surface and pores of raw meat without causing significant deleterious changes to the meat.

Abstract: A method for preserving fruits characterized by juice sacs and rag. The fruits are placed in a holding tank and submerged in a liquid having a freezing point higher than that of the fruits. The liquid may either be maintained just above its freezing point or frozen such that the temperature of the liquid is maintained above the freezing point of the fruits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a flavour concentrate, involving the steps of:(a) mildly oxidising triglyceride fat, and(b) hydrolysing the triglyceride fat to a degree of hydrolysis exceeding 10%.It was found that flavour concentrates of improved quality are obtained if prior to or simultaneously with the hydrolysis of triglyceride fat, said fat is mildly oxidised.

Abstract: Black tea leaves are oxidized to provide treated leaves from which aqueous tea extracts which have minimal turbidity, particularly when cooled, may be obtained. The oxidation reaction is performed on black tea leaves which contain moisture only in an amount such that the oxidation reaction occurs at localized sites on and within the tea leaf structure.

Abstract: A method for sanitizing food products that utilizes ozone containing bubbles. The food product is immersed in a liquid bath that has a plurality of ozone containing bubbles streaming therethrough. Enough ozone containing bubbles are provided such that a continuous stream of bubbles are always present within the liquid bath. The ozone containing bubbles are typically an ozone air mixture and can be introduced into the liquid bath directly as a bubble gas stream or can be mixed with the liquid of the liquid bath prior to their introduction into the bath itself. When the food product is immersed in the bath containing the ozone containing bubbles, the ozone in the bubbles contacts the surfaces of the food product and has a sanitizing effect thereon.

Abstract: Flavorings, seasonings, fragrances, skin texturizers, deodorants, and the like, and methods of making such are disclosed. The method includes melting a water soluble carrier material and dispersing an additive within the melt. The dispersed melt is then sprayed into a chilled gas and the resulting powder is recovered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method of treating nuts with a compressed carbon dioxide gas so as to make them oxidation-resistant. For carrying out the method, a device is used, which can contain a compressed carbon dioxide gas and which is equipped with (i) (a) door(s) or (a) gate(s) to put nuts into and take them out of itself, (ii) (a) heater(s) to heat nuts in itself, (iii) (a) chiller(s) to chill nuts in itself, and (iv) (a) valve(s) to introduce a carbon dioxide gas into itself and release the gas out of itself. Nuts as treated by the novel method with the illustrated device are to be satisfactorily oxidation-resistant when they are stored.

Abstract: Flavorants are obtained by collecting at least one of differing volatile fractions evolved over differing periods of time from a liquid pool of at least one fat or one oil and mixtures thereof into which oxygen is introduced while being heated to a temperature of from 300.degree. C. to 475.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the removal of sterols and/or lipid components (e.g., cholesterol and fats) from lipid containing food (e.g., meat) using sub or supercritical fluids (e.g., CO.sub.2) involves initial processing of the food to produce an intermediate moisture product in which substantially all of the "free water" but not all of the "bound water" is removed. Different moisture removal techniques may be used. Where freeze drying of food flakes is adopted the moisture level is preferable reduced to 30-55% w/w. The intermediate moisture product is treated with supercritical CO.sub.2 to remove the lipids therefrom. Optionally the cholesterol can be separated from the fat component by use of an adsorbent to selectively remove the cholesterol from the supercritical CO.sub.2. The product can be reconstituted with water and fat to provide a reconstituted meat product suitable for hamburgers.

Abstract: Green and Oolong tea leaves are oxidized to alter the organoleptic and aesthetic characteristics of aqueous extracts obtained therefrom and to provide extracts which have minimal turbidity, particularly when cooled. The oxidation reaction is performed on leaves which contain moisture only in an amount such that the oxidation reaction occurs at localized sites on and within the tea leaf structure.

Abstract: Black tea leaves are oxidized to provide treated leaves from which aqueous tea extracts which have minimal turbidity, particularly when cooled, may be obtained. The oxidation reaction is performed on black tea leaves which contain moisture only in an amount such that the oxidation reaction occurs at localized sites on and within the tea leaf structure.