Abstract: Methods of manufacturing products from material comprising oilcake, compositions produced from materials comprising processed oilcake, and systems for processing oilcake are provided herein. The method comprises de-solubilizing protein in a material comprising oilcake to produce a processed material comprising an insoluble protein fraction. The processed material is hydrolyzed to produce a mixture comprising the insoluble protein fraction and a hydrolyzed fraction. The insoluble protein fraction is separated from the hydrolyzed fraction. The insoluble protein fraction is processed into a product.

Abstract: A dough forming apparatus for flatbread products, the apparatus having: a loading station; a pressing station; a discharge station; and a conveyor belt passing through the loading station, the pressing station and the discharge station; wherein the discharge station further comprises a heated discharge platen.

Abstract: A method for producing a high density compact livestock feed from a loose granular material may include feeding distiller grain into a loading zone and passing the distiller grain into a heating zoned comprising one or more heaters and a rotating screw. The method further includes rotating the screw to transfer the treated material through the heating zone while increasing the compressive force applied to the treated material. The method may further include pressing the treated material through a compression enclosure that simultaneously applies a transverse force and a parallel force onto the treated material to form a high density compact body. The method may then include a cooling process and an extraction process.

Abstract: The Present Invention relies upon a physical process for preparing reduced fat, high fiber, high protein, low calorie roasted snack nuts. The process of the Present Invention exhibits significantly lower process times and higher yields than the prior art processes. The process comprises expelling the oil from nutmeat kernels (defatting) using a novel pressing process that takes less than a minute. The defatting process deforms the nuts. The nuts are reformed to their original shape using water. Then the reformed nuts are annealed using cold water to produce hardened nuts. The nuts are then dried and post-processed with coatings and roasting using state-of-the-art technology. The yield of snack nuts produced by this process is generally greater than eighty percent.

Abstract: The present invention discloses formulations and methods for making an infused nut snack. Ingredient formula ranges and processing steps are disclosed that provide improved flavor, texture and appearance with the use of an aqueous flavoring solution applied to the nuts under vacuum conditions. The infused nuts are oil or dry roasted and then minimally topically flavored.

Abstract: A method of producing a cereal bar is provided in which the cereal comprises a cereal mixture including ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal pieces joined together with a binder, where the cereal and binder together form a cereal matrix which is heated for a time and temperature to reduce the water activity of the external portion thereof while maintaining an internal portion of the cereal matrix at a higher second water activity. The method provides cereal bars requiring less compressive force to be formed into a cohesive self-supporting structure in providing a chewy reduced-density cereal bar with improved shelf life.

Abstract: Dehydrated potato flakes prepared from potato slices, slivers and/or nubbins suitable for use in dough compositions used to make fabricated products. The dehydrated flakes are prepared such that the physical properties in the flake are controlled during processing. The resulting flakes can be used to prepare a more cohesive, non-adhesive, machineable dough.

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: A method is disclosed for producing a baked snack chip made from a raw potato slice. The snack chip has a light, crispy, expanded texture similar to the texture of a fried potato chip. It is formed by compressing and heating a partially dried potato slice and then expanding the potato slice. Alternatively, the expanded potato slice is compressed again.

Abstract: Machine and process for roasting of coffee beans is disclosed. The process includes the step of rapidly depressurizing the beans. The machine includes at least one hermetically sealable receptacle for coffee beans. The receptacle is heated so that the pressure inside increased. The receptacle is then abruptly exposed to a substantially atmospheric pressure, thereby rapidly depressurizing the beans.

Abstract: A textured whey protein product for use as a meat extender, meat analog, or snack food is prepared by thermoplastic extrusion of a composition containing whey protein and optionally an edible polysaccharide, such as cornstarch. Whey protein can also be mixed with other edible proteins in certain embodiments of the invention. Puffing of the extruded product results in an expanded snack food product. Methods of making the meat extender product and the snack food product are also shown.

Abstract: A toaster including a housing with a toasting compartment, a heater located in the housing, a food cage movably supported in the toasting compartment for movement between a gripping position and a receiving position and a carriage movably supported in the housing. The carriage is permitted movement between a toasting position adjacent a lower portion of the toasting compartment and a loading position adjacent an upper portion of the toasting compartment. The carriage may receive and support a food item to be toasted in the loading position. The food cage is positioned in the receiving position when the carriage is positioned in the loading position and is positioned in the gripping position when the carriage is positioned in the toasting position. The food cage is urged toward the gripping position by gravitational forces as the carriage moves toward the toasting position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new unit dose packaging for infant formula. The infant formula is manufactured as a tablet. One tablet will typically contain sufficient nutrients to produce a single serving of the formula (i.e. the amount of formula an average infant consumes in a single feeding). Other aspects of the invention are directed to feeding an infant such a reconstituted tablet and packaging containing such infant formula tablets.

Abstract: An edible dry animal product comprising a dehydrated mixture of meat and meat extract and/or bone extract, contained within a water-permeable flexible container adapted for hot water extraction of soluble materials while retaining insoluble materials. The meat is preferably chicken. The dehydrated mixture may be rapidly extracted to form a chicken bouillon, resulting in a product having superior sensory quality. A method for preparing a chicken bouillon, comprising the steps of directly mixing chicken extract and chicken meat; dehydrating the mixture; and forming a powder from the dehydrated mixture. A powdered chicken bouillon is produced comprising a dehydrated mixture of chicken meat and chicken meat extract and/or bone extract, wherein said chicken meat and/or bone extract is mixed directly with the chicken meat prior to dehydration.

Abstract: A system and method for making an enhanced cheese product includes a milk processing system for developing cheese curd, and a mixing means which mixes the cheese curd and the enhancing agent. By applying negative pressure to a mixture of cheese curd and enhancing agent, the enhancing agent can be drawn into the cheese curds. The enhancing agent may include whey protein to increase product. Likewise, probotics, fat substitute, enzymes and flavorings may be added to the cheese curds to produce cheese products with reduced spoilage, decreased fat, accelerated ripening or new flavors.

Abstract: Hydrothermal processes are provided for preparing hybrid proteins containing altered SS/SH bonds, thereby yielding hybrid proteins having enhanced functional properties. The processes involve steam treatment of an aqueous protein-containing slurry containing at least two different proteins in a jet cooker (16) or similar device in order to heat shock and thereby alter the conformation of some of the proteins, followed by relatively rapid cooling to cause formation of the desired hybrids. Plant and animal proteins may be processed, and the starting slurry can be pH-modified and/or supplemented with one or more additional ingredients (e.g., salts, phosphates, fatty acids, polysaccharides, alcohols, aromatic compounds). The hybrid proteins are useful as food ingredients (e.g., solubility, wetability, dispersibility, foaming, emulsification, viscosity, gelation or thickening agents).

Abstract: The present method is related to a molecular press dehydration method of vegetative tissues using water-soluble polymers in solid-phase as dehydrating agents. The molecular press dehydration method of the present invention is characterized by that dehydration is done by induction of cytorrhysis to vegetative tissues mixed with water-soluble polymers such as PEG, gum arabic, arabinogalactan, egg albumin, milk protein, soybean protein, etc. in its solid-phase. Compared to the conventional dehydration methods, the present method enables to obtain much greater dehydration effects in the amount and the rate, even though a very small amount of polymer substance is used; and the method enables to obtain excellent quality of dehydrated tissues as well as dehydrated exudates; and is environmentally friendly under favor of reduced energy consumption.

Abstract: A textured whey protein product for use as a meat extender or meat analog is prepared by thermoplastic extrusion of a composition containing whey protein concentrate and optionally an edible polysaccharide, such as cornstarch. Puffing of the extruded product results in a snack food product. Methods of making the meat extender product and the snack food product are also included.

Abstract: A system for producing par-baked pizza crusts includes a pan formed from a unitary sheet of metal. The pan includes a number of recesses stamped into the sheet of metal, each recess being adapted to receive a corresponding dough portion. The pan also includes a ledge formed around a perimeter of the pan. The system for producing par-baked pizza crusts further includes a lid assembly formed from a unitary sheet of metal for use in conjunction with the pan. The lid assembly includes a number of lids stamped into the sheet of metal, each lid corresponding to one of the recesses of the pan. The lid assembly also includes a ledge formed around a perimeter of the lid assembly. The ledge is formed such that when the lid assembly is placed over and in contact with the pan, the ledge of the lid assembly aligns with and rests on the ledge of the pan to enclose dough portions in an enclosed gap between the lid assembly and the pan.

Abstract: A method for making highly potent flavorful and aromatic substances for use in a smoking article is disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture containing hydroxyketone, a Strecker aldehyde, and ammonium hydroxide, and subjecting the mixture to heat treatment for a time and under conditions sufficient to provide a flavorful and aromatic composition.

Abstract: A method and device for thermal drying of a solid product in small pieces utilizing a first contact element and a second contact element between which a layer of the solid product can be brought into contact. The first contact element and, opposed thereto, the second contact element, are arranged so that at least one contact element is heated comprising a heat source forming part and at least one of the contact elements is gas permeable.

Abstract: A process for producing fully and uniformly gelatinized hulled oats comprising the steps of:(i) adding water to the oats; and(ii) subjecting the moist oat product of step (i) to sufficient temperature and pressure for a suitable period of time to cause full and uniform gelatinization of the oats.

Abstract: Apparatus for high speed grilling and/or conditioning of a food product which comprises: a heatable surface which is capable caramelizing the food product at a temperature in the range between about 425.degree. F. to 575.degree. F.; a chamber for enclosing the food product on the heatable surface under pressure; and a steam injector for introducing steam into the chamber during the caramelization of the food product.

Abstract: A system and method for making an enhanced cheese product includes a milk processing system for developing cheese curd, and a mixing means which mixes the cheese curd and the enhancing agent. By applying negative pressure to a mixture of cheese curd and enhancing agent, the enhancing agent can be drawn into the cheese curds. The enhancing agent may include whey protein to increase product. Likewise, probotics, fat substitute, enzymes and flavorings may be added to the cheese curds to produce cheese products with reduced spoilage, decreased fat, accelerated ripening or new flavors.

Abstract: The invention provides a press for bread products which includes two horizontally opposed, inclined press blocks which contain electromagnets with a trapezoidal pendulum block is pivotally mounted between the press blocks. The pendulum includes two large permanent magnets. The polarity of the electromagnets is switched in a manner to force the pendulum to swing from contact with one press block to the other. A dough ball distribution system is also provided which distributes dough balls to interstitial positions between the pendulum and the press blocks, so that when the polarity of the electromagnets is switched, the pendulum press block presses the dough ball into a tortilla. A heating system is provided to heat the press blocks and pendulum block to partially cook the tortilla and aid in removing the pressed blocks after it is pressed.

Abstract: In the disclosed treatment of foods or foodstuffs (particularly liquid and semi-liquid or semi-solid foods and solid foods such as meats and stews), the food or foodstuff is subjected to very high hydrostatic pressures in the presence of a saccharide ester (e.g. sucrose mono-, di-, and/or tri-C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 -fatty acid esters) at temperatures above 35.degree. C. but preferably below 60.degree. C. for a relatively short period of time (less than 60 minutes). This treatment is effective in essentially eliminating sporeforming organisms, whether in the form of spores or in the vegetative state.

Abstract: The invention provides a cereal cake formed by using germinated brown rice or other germinated cereal irradiated with far infrared rays as the material, and its manufacturing method, and more particularly it relates to cereal cake and its manufacturing method characterized by heating and pressing germinated cereal irradiated with far infrared rays, not a mere cereal, to process into a specified form, and therefore by germination of the cereal, phosphorus is supplied, phosphate enzyme acts, phytic acid is decomposed into phosphoric acid and inositol, protein is bonded to amino acid, fat to essential fatty acid, starch to sugar and minerals to amino acid, so as to be absorbed smoothly in the body, zinc, other minerals and vitamins are increased several times, and in particular the starch is transformed into sugar, so that a natural sweetness is provided without any particular sweetening process.

Abstract: Processed oats having a remarkably decreased viscosity when dispersed in hot water or boiling water, a method of preparing the same, and a food and beverage containing the same are disclosed. The processed oats may be prepared by contacting pressed oats with water or an aqueous protein solution and then drying the oats. The contacting of oats with the aqueous protein solution may be carried out before the pressing of the oats.

Abstract: Roast and ground or flaked coffee products which provide more brew strength and cup color at lower levels of brews solids. These coffee products include darker fasted roasted coffee that is predominantly high acidity-type coffee that provide, when brewed appropriate conditions, a consumable coffee beverage having:(1) a brew solids level of from about 0.4 to about 0.6%;(2) a Titratable Acidity of at least about 1.52;(3) a brew absorbance of at least about 1.25, provided that when the Titratable Acidity is in the range of from about 1.52 to about 2.0, the brew absorbance is equal to or greater than the value defined by the equation:1.25+?0.625.times.(2.0-TA)!where TA is the Titratable Acidity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of sterilizing and dewatering food in a shortened length of time, still permitting the processed food to remain an elongated length of time in good taste. The inner pressure of an insulated dryer is raised by feeding nitrogen gas after evacuating the insulating dryer, and at the same time, pieces of food are exposed to an ethanol spray, so that the oxygen gas remaining in the tissue of the food may be replaced by nitrogen gas to prevent oxidization of the food. At the same time, ethanol penetrates the food well for sterilization. Next, the inner pressure of the insulating dryer is reduced by removing nitrogen gas therefrom, and the pieces of food are exposed to the far-infrared radiation to be heated, thus preventing evaporation of water from the pieces of food to prevent their temperature from being lowered, and expediting removal of water in the surrounding low-pressure atmosphere to provide semi-dried products.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an animal feed supplement based on fermentation broth is disclosed, wherein the supplement contains wholly or predominantly a fermentation product and the other constituents of the fermentation broth, which is characterised in that the fermentation broth is granulated, compacted and dried in a fluidised bed in one step whilst a sufficient amount of energy to obtain a desired particle diameter and a desired bulk density is introduced into the fluidised bed by mechanical device in addition to the energy required to produce the fluidised bed. As a result of this, it is possible, inter alia, to prepare continuously, in a single process step, granules conforming to specification of additives such as lysine, threonine or tryptophan using, in particular, raw fermentation broths as starting substance.

Abstract: A method for producing a high-quality, low oil content, concentrated protein cake from oil seeds, such as peanuts, almonds, soybeans and blends thereof, in which oil seeds having a moisture content of between about 5 and 9 percent by weight are blanched, quickly heated for sterilization to about 71.degree.-99.degree. C., and pressed in a screw press expelling device preheated to about 107.degree.-132.degree. C. The heating of the oil seeds can be done by flash sterilization in a hot oil bath, which can be oil seed oil, including oils obtained as a byproduct of the process. Dry heating is also possible. The process produces an essentially sterile concentrated protein cake having an oil content of about 10% or less and a protein dispersibility index of about 86% or higher, which makes it suitable for most food grade requirements without roasting.

Abstract: An improved process for upgrading the quality of roasted coffee beans which comprises:a) roasting green coffee beans with steam for a period of time from 50 to 300 seconds at a steam temperature of from 251.degree. to 400.degree. C. at a pressure of 6.5 to 20.0 bar G; and thereafterb) final roasting the beans from step (a) with steam for period of time ranging from 60 to 800 seconds at a steam temperature of from 251.degree. to 400.degree. C. at substantially atmospheric pressure conditions is disclosed.

Abstract: A bed plate for a fluidized bed defines a plurality of substantially uniformly distributed openings therein for allowing fluidizing gas to flow upwardly through the plate. The openings are divided into pairs and directed and shaped so that the gas flows through the openings of each pair are directed in converging relationship, thereby to create a resultant flow component which is directed towards a discharging position of the fluidized bed. The desired resultant flow component may be obtained by properly selecting the direction and shape of the openings in each pair of openings. The gas flows through the openings in each pair may, for example, define an angle of 60.degree. to 120.degree. therebetween.

Abstract: An improved process for treating grain used for animal feeds includes steps of conditioning the grain to soften the grain coats, quickly heating the grain to a temperature just below a temperature sufficient to cause the grains to burst, compressing the heated grain between rollers to cause the grain to burst, further pressing the burst grains into flakes, and cooling the flaked grain. During the cooling step water is added to bring the moisture content of the final product to a desired level; digestibility enzymes and other additives are added with the water.

Abstract: A process for the production of an edible food supplement preservative from a rootcrop by processing such rootcrop into dry powder, the process steps including, placing the rootcrop in a closable vessel, subjecting the rootcrop to chopping or cutting while the vessel is evacuated, effecting a primary drying followed by the injection of an inert gas thereinto, crushing the rootcrop, spraying a synergist onto the crushed mass, spraying a drying distillation liquid thereonto, effecting a secondary drying of the resulting mass and mixing the dried mass to a dispersed state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a food material, the process comprising the steps of: concurrently dehydrating and shaping a hydrated fibrous material (HFM) by compression which material is prepared from soybean protein; and heating the obtained shaped product in a compressed state.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly cooking meat products for a quick service restaurant which will simulate the appearance of an open flame broiled meat product. The meat product is clamped between a grill and a series of raised crown portions formed in the bottom of a cooking pan. The cooking pan also includes rounded depressions which alternate with the upraised crowns to serve as reservoirs for the collection of fat and other rendered meat juices. The clamping action between the grill and the pan flattens the meat product having a range of product weight to a uniform thickness while simultaneously assuring conductive heat transfer from the crowns to the meat. The grill is pre-coated with a carmelizing agent which leaves grill marks on the meat product during the cooking cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low moisture hot rolling process for preparing expanded grain products without the extended time or high energy requirements of prior art processes. More particularly, the present process comprises wetting parboiled grain to a moisture content of between 8-16%; optionally tempering the moistened grain; plasticizing the moistened grain; compressing the moistened grain to reduce kernel thickness; and, toasting the compressed grain to obtain an improved expanded grain product.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for preparing reduced density roast coffee beans. The improved process comprises predrying green coffee beans to a moisture content of from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, fast roasting the beans, and cooling the roasted beans. The resulting roasted beans have a Hunter L-color of from about 14 to about 25, a Hunter .DELTA.L-value is less than about 1.2 and a whole roast tamped bulk density of from about 0.28 to about 0.38 g/cc. The resulting roast coffee beans are more uniformly roasted than traditional reduced density coffee beans.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coffee product which when brewed is characterized by having a reduced bitterness and improved freshness retention or brew holding quality. The coffee product is produced by an ultrafast roasting process wherein a blend of green coffee beans is roasted to a specific color preferably using a fluidized bed roaster at temperatures of from about 550.degree. F. (288.degree. C.) to about 750.degree. F. (399.degree. C.) for 30 to 120 seconds. The roasted coffee is quenched with air or inert gas, and ground or flaked.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for toasting agricultural produce slices and more particularly potato slices and an apparatus for achieving this result. The resulting product is free of oils and fats, which is advantageous for people who are conscious of their diet. Briefly stated, the agricultural produce, nominally a potato, is washed, peeled if desired, sliced, and seasoning applied to the sliced produce and the sliced seasoned pieces are allowed to stand and absorb the seasoning. The seasoned slices are then toasted in a process where cooking heat is applied by a device with opposed cooking surfaces. The cooking surfaces have a relieved surface so that approximately one half of said surface comes into contact with the produce slices being cooked. Various cooking surface designs are effective such as a waffle pattern, strips, or parallel serpentine surfaces.

Abstract: A method for making a ground coffee discoid pad for brewing an express coffee wherein a pressure means applies a pressure to a coffee pad placed in a pocket made of water and air permeable material and simultaneously rotates in contact with the coffee surface about an axis perpendicular to said surface and the applied pressure ranges from 22 to 65 atmospheres.

Abstract: A method for dehydrating foods by the steps of subdividing the starting food to a suitable size, as by slicing or chopping; blanching the subdivided product in a blanching solution such as brine, acid, sugars; placing the material in a sealed vessel, and while pressurizing the vessel to an elevated pressure of about 1-4 atmospheres above normal, contacting the food pieces with a solution of a sugar adapted to extract moisture therefrom by osmotic action; after sufficient moisture is removed osmotically, rapidly decompressing the vessel to significantly below atmospheric pressure, contacting the decompressed food pieces with a heated liquid oil until the moisture content thereof is not more than about 3% but before the pieces undergo superficial degradation in flavor and color, removing such oil from the pieces to reduce their oil content to about 5-25% by weight, preferably by centrifugation, and cooling the same to room temperature.

Abstract: An improved, lightly milled roast and ground coffee having high extractability, superior brew clarity, and an aroma intensity of from about 30,000 to about 55,000 G.C. counts and a method for making the same are disclosed. Roast coffee beans are cooled to below about 65.degree. F., maintained below about 65.degree. F. as they enter the grinder, coarsely ground, and lightly milled to produce particles of coffee ranging in thickness from about 30 to about 40 mils. The coffee product has the appearance of a coarse granule with a fine powder adhering to it.

Abstract: This invention is for a process for production of flour from Jerusalem artichoke tubers. The tubers are reduced to particles having an average surface to volume ratio of not less than about 25 cm.sup.2 to 1 cm.sup.3 and the particles are exposed to water acidified to a pH of not greater than about 4. Thereafter the particles are subjected to a series of pressings at increasing pressures ending in a final pressing at a pressure of not less than about 6 atmospheres, gauge wherein between each pressing the pressure is relaxed and the particles loosened. The particles are washed with water at least once after exposure to the acidified water and prior to the final pressing. After the final pressing the particles are dried at a temperature not exceeding about 200.degree. F. to a mositure content not greater than about 13%. The dried particles are then ground to a flour.

Abstract: A bland and nutritive oilseed food product made from an oil seed having a fat content of at least approximately 10% and a protein content of at least approximately 20% is produced by a process involving the steps of heating a particulate oilseed material with steam to preferably 220.degree. F. and subjecting the particulate oilseed material to lower alcohol vapors. Initially, the oilseed material is placed in a closed vessel and the alcohol is added to the oilseed material in a preferred weight ratio of approximately 9 pounds alcohol to 60 pounds oilseed material along with a small quantity of water. The vessel has agitators that agitate the oilseed material sufficiently to "fluidize" the material within the vessel. Steam is injected into the vessel and when the temperature of the oilseed material preferably reaches 220.degree. F., the steam is stopped and the particulate oilseed material is kept at that temperature in the closed vessel for at least thirty minutes.

Abstract: A method of steaming, roasting and blending Robusta coffee beans is disclosed. The green Robusta beans are first contacted with steam under pressure in a vessel. The vessel is continuously vented at a pressure of between 1 psig and 5 psig. Next, the steamed Robusta beans may be either dried and subsequently roasted or roasted directly. Roasting in a bubbling bed or with steam under pressure is preferred so that heavy, roasted burnt notes are developed. The roasted Robusta coffee may then be blended with at least one type of roasted Arabica coffee.

Abstract: A bland and nutritive soybean food product is produced by a process involving the steps of heating a proteinaceous soybean material with steam to preferably 220.degree. F. and subjecting the proteinaceous soybean material to lower alcohol vapors. Initially, the soybean material is placed in a closed vessel and the alcohol is added to the soybean material in a preferred weight ratio of approximately 9 pounds alcohol to 60 pounds soybean material along with a small quantity of water. The vessel has agitators that agitate the soybean material sufficiently to "fluidize" the material within the vessel. Steam is injected into the vessel and when the temperature of the soybean material preferably reaches 220.degree. F., the steam is stopped and the proteinaceous soybean material is kept at that temperature in the closed vessel for at least thirty minutes.

Abstract: An improved cold water soluble gelatin and a process for preparing it. An aqueous solution comprising gelatin and a mixture of corn syrup solids and maltodextrin is dried. The total weight of the corn syrup solids and maltodextrin in the solution will be from 3 to 7 times the weight of gelatin, and the ratio of corn syrup solids to maltodextrin will be within the range of from 1:9 to 9:1. The resulting product is rapidly soluble in cold water, preferably dissolving in water at 55.degree. F. in less than one minute of spoon stirring.