Abstract: A process for storing produce for extended periods of time prior to further processing by canning or the like, which comprises the steps of immersing the produce in a substantially isotonic aqueous storage solution, wherein the solutes content of the storage solution is adjusted such that the osmotic pressures of the produce and the storage solution are substantially equal. The storage solution preferably comprises an edible sugar, an edible organic acid, and an edible oxygen scavenger. The produce is than stored in the solution at a temperature below about 40.degree. F. and subsequently canned and sterilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container containing broiled fish in which the generation of drips from the fish and softening of the tissues thereof are prevented during a heat sterilizing treatment, and which has excellent qualities with respect to appearance and taste. The invention provides a container containing broiled fish, which comprises hermetically packaging in a container broiled fish which is obtained by broiling dried fish, then subjecting the container to a heat sterilizing treatment.

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: 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: An al dente pasta product having storage stability is produced by partially cooking freshly extruded pasta with steam or boiling water. Measured amounts of the partially cooked pasta are sealed in a container with measured amounts of water sufficient to complete hydration to 65% to 75% moisture and measured amounts of a food grade acid sufficient to reduce the pH to 4.6 or less. The sealed containers may be commercially sterilized under moderate thermal processing conditions. In a specific embodiment, the containers contain pasta in a carbon dioxide atmosphere.

Abstract: Pasta containing products are formulated and produced under conditions which enable the product, when packed in sealed containers, to be thermally processed under conditions which render the product commercially sterile, but do not adversely affect the texture, taste or appearance of the product. The pasta and each of the other components of the product, such as meat and sauce, are formulated and/or processed to have an equilibrium pH of less than 4.6, and are hot filled into containers, which after sealing do not require retorting, but are heat processed under conditions to provide a sterilizing value equivalent to about 10 minutes at 200.degree. F. to render the product commercially sterile. Pasta containing products such as spaghetti with meat sauce, beef ravioli with meat sauce, and the like, produced in accordance with the present invention, have a firmness and texture superior to conventionally retorted pasta products.

Abstract: Food products containing high levels of meat or textured vegetable protein meat analog are sterilized without development of off-flavors in the meat or meat analog by a process including: (1) adjusting the pH to below about 4.6; (2) maintaining organic acid levels between about 0.4% and about 0.75% (expressed as anhydrous citric acid); (3) high temperature, short time processing of the food products; and (4) hot-fill-and-hold packing of the product in containers.

Abstract: A process for improving the organoleptic properties of canned green vegetables wherein vegetables blanched with a highly alkaline solution are suspended in a brine having an alkalinity adjusted to between about 25 to about 75 milliequivalents of hydroxyl ion in a hermetically sealed container internally coated with an organic coating filled with an alkaline earth compound such as MgO, the vegetables being sterilized at 250.degree.-300.degree. F. to an F.sub.o value of at least 6 whereby the original color and flavor of the vegetables are retained.

Abstract: Ready-to-eat baked goods which contain a substantial portion of non-gelatinized starch, and are shelf stable for up to one year, are disclosed. They are prepared from a flour containing base-batter mix, water, and at least 5% by weight of the product of an edible, liquid polyhydric alcohol. The water activity level of the baked good is equal to or less than 0.85, the ratio of total water to edible liquid, polyhydric alcohol is equal to or less than 4.8 and the ratio of flour to edible, liquid polyhydric alcohol is equal to or less than 5.6.

Abstract: Freshly picked washed mushrooms are subject to a modified atmosphere and infused with a suspension containing a particulate microscopic heat stable material. Upon blanching in boiling water the weight loss experienced is reduced from a normal 24% to 33% loss to between a 2% loss and a 5% or more weight gain.

Abstract: A process and a composition used in preparing canned tuna fish which results in the canned tuna having improved product characteristics. Casein is treated with alkali metal hydroxide and a quantity of water. The treated casein is placed in a sealable container with a quantity of untreated tuna fish flesh. After sealing the container the container is heat treated at a temperature to react the treated casein with the tuna flesh and to prevent spoilage of the flesh, the temperature of treatment being governed by that required to prevent spoilage of the flesh. The sealed container, upon cooling, can be stored and the tuna fish utilized in a normal manner upon opening the container.

Abstract: Loss of texture in vegetable and fruit material caused by heating such material in connection with the preservation thereof can be minimized by contacting the fresh vegetable and fruit material with certain organic compounds for a short period of time and then removing the organic compound by rinsing the material with water or a water-based medium prior to heating the vegetable and fruit material.

Abstract: The cooked mushroom made by the process for treating cultivated mushrooms including the steps of introducing washed and peeled mushrooms into an enclosure and subjecting the mushrooms to a vacuum for predetermined period of time. A treatment liquid containing a colloidal substance is then introduced into the enclosure. The mushrooms are permitted to remain in the treatment liquid for a period of time and then the treatment liquid is removed. The mushrooms are then washed and blanched to coagulate the colloidal substance within the interior of the mushrooms.

Abstract: Canned clam food products suitable for human consumption are prepared from the previously under-utilized ocean quahog clam. The products, which have an improved color, odor and flavor are prepared by contacting an ocean quahog clam product with a treating agent which provides the SO.sub.2 -moiety in the presence of water. Preferred treating agents are SO.sub.2 gas, sulfurous acid, sodium bisulfite and sodium metabisulfite. The treating agents may be contacted with the clams at any stage in the processing from catch to can.

Abstract: A method of producing a meat emulsion product which is uniformly acidified throughout to an equilibrium pH value of 4.6 or below under conditions which prevent acid denaturation of the protein matrix of the emulsion prior to cooking of the emulsion, to thereby prevent breaking of the emulsion and separation of fat in the product. An edible acidogen is incorporated in the emulsified meat mix in an amount sufficient to reduce the pH of the emulsion to 4.6 or below by the time cooking of the emulsion is completed. Denaturation of the protein in the meat emulsion prior to cooking of the emulsion is prevented by incorporating in the emulsion a water soluble hydrocolloid with the acidogen or by the addition of an acidogen which is encapsulated with a material which delays formation of acid until cooking of the emulsion. After cooking, the acidified, set emulsion is combined with other foods having an equilibrium pH of 4.

Abstract: The process and apparatus for treating cultivated mushrooms including the steps of introducing washed and peeled mushrooms into an enclosure and subjecting the mushrooms to a vacuum for predetermined period of time. A treatment liquid containing a colloidal substance is then introduced into the enclosure. The mushrooms are permitted to remain in the treatment liquid for a period of time and then the treatment liquid is removed. The mushrooms are then washed and blanched to coagulate the colloidal substance within the interior of the mushrooms.

Abstract: The process and apparatus for treating cultivated mushrooms including the steps of introducing washed and peeled mushrooms into an enclosure and subjecting the mushrooms to a vacuum for predetermined period of time. A treatment liquid containing a colloidal substance is then introduced into the enclosure. The mushrooms are permitted to remain in the treatment liquid for a period of time and then the treatment liquid is removed. The mushrooms are then washed and blanched to coagulate the colloidal substance within the interior of the mushrooms.

Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of raw white potatoes previously stored at low temperatures (about 40.degree. to 45.degree. F for periods up to 10 months) to render them suitable for thermal sterilization at about 250.degree. F and for long-term storage in flexible plastic or plastic-aluminum foil laminated containers such as pouches without added liquid. The process comprises; (a) immersion of potatoes, either whole, sliced, diced or in any other convenient form, in an aqueous solution comprising citrate in combination with sulfur dioxide; followed by (b) immersion in an aqueous solution of an alkali metal pyrophosphate and optionally a reducing saccharide; followed by (c) immersion in an aqueous solution of an alkaline earth metal salt and optionally an alkali metal chloride. The so-treated potato product is then packaged in a flexible container and thermally sterilized.

Abstract: The storage life of fresh meat normally subject to deterioration is extended by wrapping the meat in a first film which is permeable to a sterilizing agent but impermeable to bacteria, injecting a sterilizing agent through said first film for killing at least a substantial proportion of the bacteria on the surface of the meat, and then enclosing the sterilized meat in a second film which is substantially impermeable to oxygen for retarding aerobic bacterial growth.