Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preservation of hay and other forages for animals and is characterized by distributing to the forages in finely dispersed form and in active amounts to block the growth of fungi and any other biological activity an agent with the ability to achieve a high osmotic pressure in the humidity of the forage. The so treated forage is then brought to storage.The agent according to the invention is a concentrated water solution of an electrolyte with high water solubility stable at actual working temperature, which does not contain elements harmful for animals or humans.

Abstract: A food preservative composition comprising alum and citric acid and a method for using same. The composition retards deterioration of fruits, vegetables and meats, without substantially changing the flavor, appearance, odor or texture of the food.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing both molecular and free-radical oxygen from foodstuff materials capable of being degraded by oxidation. The invention is accomplished by the incorporation into foodstuff materials of an enzyme composition containing an oxidase and its substrate, catalase and superoxide dismutase.

Abstract: A method of extending the shelf life and of enhancing the keeping quality of fruits which comprises contacting said fruits with amines selected from the group consisting of naturally occurring monoamines, diamines, polyamines related amino acids and their non-toxic salts; esters of naturally occurring related amino acids; naturally occurring precursors of monoamines, diamines, polyamines and their non-toxic salts; naturally occurring metabolites of monoamines, diamines, polyamines and their non-toxic salts; and synthetic analogues of the naturally occurring monoamines, diamines, polyamines and their non-toxic salts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new inhibitor for Bacillus cereus which has been designated officially as a pathogen of food poisoning, which comprises a protamine or its salt as an essential component.

Abstract: The oxidative stability of esters of unsaturated fatty acids and polyols having from 4-8 hydroxyl groups, preferably of sugars or sugar alcohols, more preferably of sucrose, is improved if the esters contain an effective amount of the trans-unsaturated fatty acid chains.If more than 50% of the hydroxyl groups of the polyols are esterified, the esters can be used as low-calorie fat replacers, which in the case of sucrose with at least 4 hydroxyl groups esterified are called SPE (sucrose polyesters). If only 1-3 hydroxyl groups are esterified, the esters can act as emulsifiers.The ratio of cis:trans double bonds preferably ranges from (20:80) to (40:60), more preferably from (30:70) to (35:65). The trans-unsaturated fatty acid esters of polyols can be used in an amount of 0.5-99% of an edible composition, either as an emulsifier or as a fat replacer.

Abstract: Fruits and vegetables can be vacuum dried to produce a crispy but yet tender puffed food products having a color and appearance of the original fruit or vegetable prior to processing. Enzymatic browning and reducing sugar browning is counteracted by the treatment of the fruit or vegetable in an infusion solution that contains at least one reducing acid and a proton donor to counteract enzymatic browning and a disaccharide to counteract reducing sugar browning. In addition the infusion solution can contain chelating agents and antimicrobial agents. In addition the fruit or vegetable can undergo a freeze-thaw tenderizing process which will also enhance the puffing of the fruit or vegetable. The product is a puffed and crisp but yet has a smooth texture when being consumed.

Abstract: To prepare instant food products having a long storage life, such as soups or sauces incorporating a garnishing, including vegetables having intermediate moisture content which are stabilized microbiologically and organoleptically without the aid of humectants such as polyols and sugars and which, when prepared in the soups or sauces, resemble freshly prepared products, the vegetables are blanched or cooked, partially dehydrated and dry mixed with salt. Glutamate and anti-mycotic agents may be added and the vegetables may be compacted to further enhance their stability.

Abstract: A novel process for preparing a gas absorbent, comprising the steps of adding sodium bromate to a mixture of sulfuric acid aqueous solution and active carbon, reacting them, separating solids from the reaction mixture, and drying said solids. The gas absorbent can be utilized as a reagent for preserving the freshness (inhibiting agent) of fruits, an inhibitor of flower withering, an inhibitor of bulb germinating and root sprouting, an inhibitor of plant withering, leaf falling or fruit falling, a reagent for controlling the growth and specialization of plants, a deodorant or an absorbent of organic compounds having double bonding or triple bonding.

Abstract: A food preservation composition comprising a combination of safe chemicals is effective in low concentrations and imparts no off-color taste to the foods with which it is used, yet effectively prevents the discoloration of vegetables such as potatoes. Citric acid and cysteine, combined in the ratio of about 1 part cysteine to about 25 to 30 parts citric acid, may effectively prevent the blackening of potatoes when applied in solutions of about 0.5 to 0.7 percent by weight in water. A water solution of cysteine and citric acid in which the citric acid does not exceed 1 percent by weight, and the cysteine does not exceed 0.05 percent by weight of the solution, effectively prevents such blackening. Citric acid/cysteine compositions are rendered even more effective in the presence of very low concentrations of ascorbic acid; for example, about 0.1 percent to about 0.3 percent by weight in the water solution.

Abstract: Fish fillets, particularly those from high fat fish, can be storage stabilized and yield stabilized by means of a composition containing an alkali metal tripolyphosphate hydrated with lemon juice solids, an alkali metal acid pyrophosphate and an alkali metal sorbate at sorbate levels significantly less than required by prior art and without citric acid.

Abstract: Chewing gum containing gum base, xylitol and flavor, but which is free of added water and hygroscopic ingredients, is environmentally stable, i.e., does not absorb significant amounts of water from the atmosphere to soften with age, or give off significant amounts of water to the atmosphere to harden or stiffen with age.

Abstract: The reduced tartness preservation system disclosed herein at least two edible acids as complete replacement for conventional acid stabilizing systems (such as 100% acetic or latic acid) at standard or high total levels of acid. The edible acids are buffered to an increased pH using one or more edible salts to reduce tartness. Such amounts of sugar may be used to enhance the tartness reduction effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of fruit for use in packaged dry foods, such as mixes and ready to eat cereal. A method of infusing high levels of liquid humectant into fruits such as raisins, without generating a stream of waste humectant, is disclosed. The method comprises applying a relatively high level of liquid humectant as a surface coating, and allowing the raisins to stand for enough time for most of the humectant to be absorbed into the fruit, before admixing the resulting fruit the dry food for packaging.For dry foods having very low Water Activity levels, e.g. 0.30 and below, special means are disclosed for increasing the liquid humectant carrying capacity of the fruit, in order to accommodate very high levels of liquid humectant as a topical application, for infusion during a period of time in which the raisins are standing, e.g. during storage or shipment.

Abstract: Disclosed are food products, especially stable emulsions such as salad dressings, which contain non-hydrogenated fish oil yet which exhibit enhanced stability of the fish oil against flavor degradation. The improved food products are stabilized by the incorporation of the food product such that the weight ratio of fructose to fish oil is at least about 0.05:1. Surprisingly, incorporation of modest amounts of fructose in food products within the indicated range provides a stabilizing effect of the highly unstable fish oil. The present invention finds particular suitability for use in connection with fish oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Abstract: A low cholesterol vegetable omelette mix is prepared by blending a biologically-stable vegetable sauce with a low calorie liquid egg product. The vegetable sauce is prepared by a process comprising the following steps: mixing a starch and water to form a starch slurry; cooking the strach slurry; adding a food grade acidulent to form a sauce; adding chopped vegetables to produce a vegetable sauce with a pH of no more than 4.6; heating the vegetable sauce; cooling the vegetable sauce; and aseptically packaging the vegetable sauce. After processing the vegetables in this manner, the vegetable sauce can be blended with a low cholesterol liquid egg product without microbiological contamination of the egg product. The resulting vegetable omelette mix can then be packaged for subsequent omelette preparation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brine for conserving cucumber in bulk making fermentation unnecessary. The brine according to the invention is an aqueous solution containing per liter of the solution: at least 0.15 kg sodium chloride, 0.01-0.05 kg. acetic or lactic acid or a non-toxic salt thereof, at least 1 g each of sodium benzoate, calcium chloride, and potassium sorbate and at least 50 mg each of ascorbic acid and citric acid. The taste and crispiness of a product processed from cucumbers stored in this brine for an extended period are equal to that of fresh packed cucumbers.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for easily recovering nearly white starch and protein having a high commercial value by depressing darkening of crushed slurry and juice in producing starch and protein of a subterranean stem.The above-mentioned process is characterized by adding at least one member selected from the group consisting of sodium thiosulfate, potassium thiosulfate, sodium hydrogen sulfite, sodium sulfite and potassium sulfite at the time of crushing the subterranean stem.

Abstract: A sheetable, thermostable filling composition capable of being baked to a crisp texture is produced by a method which comprises: dispersing gelatin and maltodextrin in water at a temperature of at least 140.degree. F.; and adding a pregelled starch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for the treatment of fruits and vegetables by thermal fogging. The composition comprises from 2% to 25% by weight of at least one active protective and/or preserving substance, in solution or in dispersion in an aqueous medium containing a mixture of at least two emulsifiers having each an HLB value of 3 to 20, this mixture having an average HLB value of 8 to 15, and the active substance, when it is solid and does not give a true solution in said medium, being in the form of particles smaller than 1 micron.

Abstract: A method for preventing staling of a starch-containing composition for foods and non-foods, which comprises adding an anhydrosugar and/or an anhydrosugar derivative to the composition. The method effectively and safely prevents or retards staling of the starch-containing composition due to retrogradation of gelatinized starch during long-term preservation.

Abstract: A method for sanitizing poultry carcasses utilizing ozonated water applicable to a mass poultry processing facility. Ozonated water is produced to a concentration of at least 0.5 parts per million ozone in water and introduced into a trough through which partially processed poultry carcasses can be fully immersed. The trough is equipped with rows of nozzles along the bottom that are directed into the trough to stream jets of ozonated water into the inner body cavity of a poultry carcass and at the back side of the carcass as it moves through the trough. The trough is filled with ozonated water, at a temperature of about 33.degree. F., in addition to the jets of ozonated water from the nozzles. The carcasses are immersed into the trough at a downstream location and move through the trough upstream against the flowing ozonated water. The carcass is placed on a rack that holds the carcass upright while moving through the trough.

Abstract: A method of preserving agricultural products or materials such as hay and silage is disclosed. The method comprises the utilization of a composition for coating the material in order to form a water-repellent protective coating thereon. Preferably the coating includes a preserving agent, having substantial antimicrobial acitivity. Further, in some instances the coating may include an adhesive forming constituent, enabling outer layers of material to become tightly bound in the stack, bale or pile of material being treated. When the latter adhesive compositions are utilized, the treated material tends to retain its physical integrity, against loose portions becoming detached therefrom. Also disclosed are preferred compositions for achieving the methods of treatment, and also preferred methods for preparing certain of the preferred compositions.

Abstract: The compound ancymidol, a known potent plant growth retardant and weak fungicide, has now been found to inhibit biosynthesis of trichothecene toxins on substrates susceptible to growth of trichothecene-producing fungi. These fungi are known to contaminate cereal grains, forage crops, and potatoes. The effective level of ancymidol addition for toxin inbibition is substantially less than that required for control of fungal growth.

Abstract: A process of inhibiting enzymatic browning in mechanically injured, raw fruit and vegetable products, including juices, comprising treating the products with ascorbic acid-2-phosphate esters and ascorbyl-6-fatty acid esters, individually or in combination. The treatments may be applied in an aqueous carrier and may further comprise other browning inhibitors, polyphenol oxidase inhibitors, emulsifying agents, dispersing agents and complexing agents. Treatments tend to delay or prevent the onset of enzymatic browning or, once browning has begun, to limit the extent of enzymatic browning. Also disclosed are novel browning.

Abstract: The present invention teaches of process for reducing the microbial population, in particular the pathogens, on the surface of food materials such as fruits and vegetables consisting of contacting the food material with a first aqueous medium having an acidic pH followed by transferring the food material to a second aqueous medium having a basic pH and washing the food material in tap water to remove the base residue on the surface of the food material.

Abstract: A detergent composition harmless to human body and animals. More particularly, the present invention discloses a detergent composition comprising form 15 to 30 weight percent of sodium chloride, form 10 to 35 weight percent of organic alcohol, from 8 to 25 weight percent of coconut oil and the balance essentially water. The detergent composition of the present invention is effective in removing pollutants such as residual toxicity, bacteria and fungi from the surface of foods such as vegetables and fruit. The detergent composition of the present invention is also effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Abstract: Low acid heat-sensitive foodstuffs, such as low acid heat-sensitive vegetables and cereal grain products, are thermally processed in the presence of a mixture of an acid and its lactones, preferably an aldonic acid with its lactones, the acid of which makes possible a considerably reduced commercial sterilizing parameter whereby more of the flavor, color, or texture of the foodstuff is retained, and is closer to that of the freshly harvested home-cooked product, compared to the foodstuff processed at a more severe parameter when the acid is not employed. The type and level of the acid employed and its presence with its lactones results in a thermally processed foodstuff which does not have an objectionable acid taste. The preferred mixture is gluconic acid with its lactones, glucono-delta lactone and glucono-gamma lactone, provided to the foodstuff by combining it with a precursor of gluconic acid, preferably glucono-delta lactone.

Abstract: Food piece slices serially formed by the blade of a slicer are captured with a moving stream of liquid and carried in the moving stream of liquid during free-fall of the liquid under the influence of gravity to a moving conveyor belt where the slices are monolayered.

Abstract: A storage-stable ready-to-spread cake frosting contains: (a) about 40 to 85 weight percent sugar, at least about 20 weight percent of which comprises fructose; (b) about 1 to 12 weight percent of a granular starch having a cold-water-solubility of greater than 50 weight percent and a fat content of less than 0.25 weight percent; (c) about 5 to 30 weight percent fat; and (d) about 10 to 30 weight percent water.

Abstract: The present invention deals with the stabilization of aspartame, by the formation of an inclusion complex of aspartame and cyclodextrin. The inclusion complex is formed by combining the aspartame with the cyclodextrin in a medium suitable for formation of the inclusion complex before a substantial degree of hydrolysis of the aspartame can occur. Upon drying a dry inclusion complex is formed.

Abstract: A method for preventing deterioration of a food is disclosed wherein an oosaccharide originating from agar or carrageenan or both agar and carrageenan are added to the food. The method is effective to prevent deterioration of foods attributed to retrogradation of gelatinized starch.

Abstract: A process for treating fruit and vegetable materials to inhibit the formation of a reddish colouration during heat processing which comprises adding an effective amount of a protein to the fruit or vegetable material.

Abstract: Low acid heat-sensitive foodstuffs, such as low acid heat-sensitive vegetables and cereal grain products, are thermally processed in the presence of a mixture of an acid and its lactones, preferably an aldonic acid with its lactones, the acid of which makes possible a considerably reduced commercial sterilizing parameter whereby more of the flavor, color, or texture of the foodstuff is retained, and is closer to that of the freshly harvested home-cooked product, compared to the foodstuff processed at a more severe parameter when the acid is not employed. The type and level of the acid employed and its presence with its lactones results in a thermally processed foodstuff which does not have an objectionable acid taste. The preferred mixture is gluconic acid with its lactones, glucono-delta lactone and glucono-gamma lactone, provided to the foodstuff by combining it with a precursor of gluconic acid, preferably glucono-delta lactone.

Abstract: The crowns of mature pineapples ready for harvest are treated with an aqueous medium containing sufficient amounts of a gibberellin to retard withering and senescense of the crowns. The medium is preferably applied to the crowns soon after the pineapples have been harvested. The pineapples treated in accordance with this invention retain a freshly harvested appearance for an extended period of time and make them ideally suited for sale in the fresh fruit market.

Abstract: A water-base sugar confection having a caramel flavor and texture and formed of a total carbohydrate content equal to or greater than fifty percent by weight, dry basis wherein the carbohydrate ingredient consists essentially of a blend of dextrose and fructose in which the ratio of fructose to dextrose is from 30:70 to 90:10, the moisture content is an amount within the range of from about 4% to about 10% and the water activity (Aw) is an amount within the range of from about 0.20 Aw to about 0.50 Aw.

Abstract: A thermostable edible creme having low water activity comprises a cooked dispersion of a modified starch and a hydrocolloid in a low-moisture solvent system which contains corn syrup.

Abstract: This invention encompasses a heat stabilized composition of aspartame, its salts or metal complexes and a partially hydrogenated vegetable oil melting at about 120.degree. F. or above. This composition is particularly useful in baking applications for aspartame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preventing the retrogradation of foodstuffs containing starchy material, wherein waxy barley starch is used as part of the starchy material. Optionally, a polysaccharide is added to the starchy material.

Abstract: A blend of a hydrophillic lecithin having an HLB value of at least about 8 and at least one of a monoglyceride, lactic acid esterified monoglyceride, succinic acid esterified monoglyceride, maleic acid esterified monoglyceride or edible salts of stearyl lactylic acid is disclosed. The blend synergistically improves both staling inhibition of a baked food product and also dough conditioning when added to a formulation for a baked food product prior to baking.

Abstract: Material for drying cut plants includes a drying agent providing a basic pH of at least 11 and becoming at least partially insoluble at a pH no greater than approximately 13.4. Such agent saponifies the wax on the stems as the plant dries and as the pH of the drying agent accordingly increases. Such agent is selected from a group consisting of the carbonates, phosphates and silicates, 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. The material also includes a mold inhibiting agent having properties of remaining inactive until the occurrence in the plant of conditions inducing molding and of then reacting with the moisture to inhibit mold formation. Such agent may be selected from a group consisting of acids and acid salts of at least one of propionic, acetic, sorbic, carboxylic and other fatty acids.

Abstract: A method for reducing excessive browning in a baked good containing reducing sugars is described. The method comprises adding to the dough of the baked good about 0.15% to about 0.65% baking soda and about 0.10% to about 0.65% fatty acid monoglyceride esters of polycarboxylic acids and their derivatives. This combination of ingredients minimizes browning while avoiding off-flavor often associated with the addition of leavening agents to control browning. The invention is particularly useful with dual-textured cookies wherein a chewy region is made from a dough containing reducing sugars or crystallization-resistant sugars, and wherein a crisp region is made from a dough containing sucrose or readily crystallizable sugars. Browning is minimized in the reducing sugar-containing inner dough so that if the inner dough shows on the cookie surface it does not create an unattractive appearance.

Abstract: A frozen cauliflower product containing a concentration of sodium acid pyrophosphate (hereinafter refered to as "SAPP") of at least about 0.07% by weight, the primary purpose of which is to prevent discoloration but with the additional advantage of stabilizing the texture and also the taste properties of the frozen cauliflower pieces during frozen storage. The method for treating the cauliflower includes adding the SAPP during the preparation of the cauliflower for the freezing step of the process.

Abstract: The crowns of mature pineapples ready for harvest are treated with an aqueous medium containing sufficient amounts of a gibberellin to retard withering and senescense of the crowns. The medium is preferably applied to the crowns soon after the pineapples have been harvested. The pineapples treated in accordance with this invention retain a freshly harvested appearance for an extended period of time and make them ideally suited for sale in the fresh fruit market.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preservation of moist forage crops, high moisture grains, silages and haylages, brewer's wet and spent grains, distillers wet and spent grains and similar byproducts of fermentation used for animal feeding, and hays made from forage crops. In particular, this invention relates to the process by which these materials may be treated so as to prevent nutrient loss through excessive oxidative degradation and the concurrent heating therefrom.This invention relates to solid and emulsified compositions containing preferably 6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline, Ethoxyquin, the addition of sorbic acid or alkali metal sorbate and optionally a mix of an alkali metal propionate and an alkaline earth metal propionate, such as calcium propionate, and an alkali metal propionate, such as sodium propionate, and method for preparation of solid and emulsified compositions embodying the above.

Abstract: An edible sterilized herb composition is provided which is in the form of a puree or paste and is stabilized to retain fresh flavor and color even after prolonged periods of storage and includes one or more herbs, less than about 7.5% by weight salt to stabilize the composition, edible acid to control pH, preferably ascorbic acid tominimize color oxidation, and an edible oil as a lubricant. A method for preparing the above-described shelf-stable herb composition is also provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a processed foodstuff from an alga as a material, which comprises heating the alga in water or a flavoring liquid in the presence of a metal in order to carry out the fixation of a color of the metal, and then adding various additives to the alga in compliance with a use of the processed foodstuff.

Abstract: A solid composition containing a monosaccharide or/and a disaccharide and an amino acid is stabilized by incorporating therein at least 40%, based on said amino acid, of a polysaccharide with a water content of not more than 3%.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for preparing shelf stable fruit pieces. The process comprises the steps of (a) providing fresh fruit pieces; (b) deactivating or retarding enzymatic browning; (c) cooking in an acidified sugars syrup; optionally (d) cooling and draining; (e) sulfiting; and (f) dehydrating. The fruit pieces so prepared are soft in texture, even when dried to low A.sub.w 's, and can be used in R-T-E cereals or as snack items per se.

Abstract: A pet food product containing at least one amylaceous ingredient maintains or improves its soft texture during storage when the enzyme .alpha.-amylase is added thereto and processed using heat.