Abstract: A concentrated vegetable and/or fruit product is obtained by reverse osmosis by a method of first preparing a vegetable and/or fruit product including seeds, epidermis and/or sarcocarp as a solid component, causing it to flow down under a pressured condition to a concentration unit having an inlet, an outlet and tubular membrane modules connected in series such that it is supplied to the tubular membrane modules through a single-axis eccentric screw pump attached to the inlet and discharging a concentrated product from the tubular membrane modules through another single-axis eccentric screw pump which is attached to the outlet.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an improved soybean product for use in food applications. The process enables the efficient denaturation of undesirable soy enzymes and removal of oligosaccharides from soybeans, preferably whole soybeans, without the development of off-flavors. The general method comprises: (1) heating an aqueous solution of a water soluble calcium salt to at least about 65° C. to provide a heated salt solution; (2) mixing soybeans with the heated salt solution to form a mixture; (3) heating the mixture for a time and at a temperature effective for deactivating protease inhibitors and lipoxygenase and removing oligosaccharides from the soybeans; (4) removing the aqueous solution from the mixture after the heating step; and (5) collecting the improved soybean product. The improved soybean product may be further processed for use in various food applications.

Abstract: A cheese extruding machine and process for producing pieces of cheese of an exact weight directly from unaged or semi-aged cheese curds of semi-hard and hard cheeses. The cheese extruding machine includes a standard screw-type vacuum filler which receives large blocks of compressed curds, grinds the blocks into pieces, and compresses the curds into an airless, homogenous cheese flow without significantly damaging the curds. The cheese flow is forced through an elongate cheese forming tube of a desired cross-sectional shape for the cheese. A water jacket disposed about a second half of the cheese forming tube chills the periphery of the cheese flow to increase the firmness and maintain the shape of the cheese flow upon extrusion from the cheese forming tube. Frictional engagement between the cheese flow and the cheese forming tube produces back-pressure against the vacuum filler to maintain the cheese flow at a predetermined extrusion pressure and consistent density.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.

Abstract: Soymilk and tofu manufacturing method increases a ratio of fine soymilk particles to provide soymilk and tofu that have no grassy smell and are excellent in the taste and flavor, especially in the rich and milky taste. Raw material soybeans are dipped in softened water and ground while softened water is being added. Soy pulp thereof is separated to obtain soymilk. A high temperature, reduced pressure treatment is applied wherein the soymilk is first heated to 120 to 150° C. and then the pressure is reduced to ?0.05 to ?0.08 MPa. Thereafter, a high pressure treatment is applied wherein a double tube type heating device is employed, the soymilk flows within an inner tube and heating medium flows in a space between the inner tube and outer tube and the soymilk is treated under a pressure of 5 to 15 MPa and a temperature of 70 to 100° C. Or, a high pressure homogenizer is used and the soymilk is treated under a pressure of 20 to 150 MPa and a temperature of 70 to 80° C.

Abstract: The invention provides flavorful low-fat cheeses that are readily and inexpensively made from high-fat cheeses.

Abstract: A crystal substance formed by precipitating as fibrous aggregates by making a metal aliphatic carboxylate dissolve completely in pure water, stirring, and gradually cooling the resulting solution. A method of preparing the fibrous crystal aggregates. A material for recovering flowing oil and method of recovering flowing oil by using the fibrous crystal aggregates. A material for solidifying liquid hydrocarbon, waste tempura oil and edible oil and method of solidifying liquid hydrocarbon, waste tempura oil and edible oil by using the fibrous crystal aggregates. A method of preparing the solidifying material.

Abstract: A steeping apparatus is for steeping a solid food material in a liquid to impart a flavor of the solid food material to the liquid to produce a flavored beverage. A container is provided to hold the solid food material and the liquid. A plunger is movable with respect to the container between a first plunger position and a second plunger position. The plunger includes a filter element that, as the plunger moves from the first plunger position to the second plunger position, permits the flow of liquid therethrough but that substantially inhibits the passage of solid food material therethrough. A buffer element is selectable between a closed position and an open position. When the plunger is at the second plunger position and the buffer element is selected to be at the buffering position, the solid food material is substantially decoupled from the flavored beverage. When the buffer element is at the non-buffering position, the solid food material is not substantially decoupled from the flavored beverage.

Abstract: A process for refining and degumming edible oils by ultrafiltration which produces a permeate fraction with reduced phosphatide content and retentate with increased phosphatide content, and wherein the ultrafiltration membrane is composed of a polymerical polymer of a vinylidene difluoride monomer.

Abstract: Providing a manufacturing process of tea beverages that the secondary sediment does not occur even during the long-term storage. In the manufacturing process, determining the strictinin content in a tea extract or formulation of before-heat-sterilization, to manage to manufacture the strictinin content to be at or below the predetermined level. Since the strictinin in the tea extract or formulation decomposed to ellagic acid which is a cause substance of the secondary sediment after heat-sterilization, the occurrence of secondary sediment can be prevented previously by managing the manufacturing process to control the strictinin content in the tea extract or formulation of before-heat-sterilization.

Abstract: Methods for recovery of tartrate-containing, insoluble solids from an essentially settled grape-based mixture. More generally, methods for the recovery of insoluble solids, that have a predetermined characteristic from essentially settled mixtures are disclosed. The methods include performing proxy analyses on samples taken from the mixtures in order to determine at what time recovery should begin and end. Performing titration is detailed as a particular proxy analysis.

Abstract: Soy derived materials such as soy milk, soy flour, soy concentrates and soy protein isolates, are deflavored by adjusting the pH of an aqueous composition of such soy derived materials to about 9 to 12 to solubilize the soy proteins and to release the flavoring compounds and thereafter passing the pH-adjusted composition to an ultrafiltration membrane having a molecular weight cutoff up to about 50,000 Daltons under conditions at which the flavoring compounds pass through the membrane, leaving the retained soy material with improved flavor.

Abstract: Anthocyanic colorant made of vegetable primary material and process for its production relate to food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and textile industry and may be used in production of alcoholic and soft drinks, confectionery, products made of sour milk, in coloring of tablet capsules, dying of children's underwear, toys, etc. According to the invention, pelargonidin glycoside was added to the composition of the natural colorant that contained cyanidin glycosides, peonidin glycosides, organic substance and mineral salts. The components percentage shall be as follows, %: cyanidin glycoside 0.1-8.6; peonidin glycoside 0.08-6.45 pelargonidin glycoside 0.005-4.3; organic substance and mineral salts—the rest. Due to the fact that the colorant solution contains pelergonidin glycoside further to cyanidin and peonidin glycosides, the proposed colorant obtained expanded color spectrum. Combination of these three anthocyans in the proposed colorant provides for the most rich spectrum of red colors.

Abstract: A process system that uses a reduced amount of lime or other base to clarify or purify juice obtained from plant material such as sugar cane, sugar beets, or sweet sorghum. Specifically, apparatus and methods to reduce volatile materials in juice providing a product that has an increased pH requiring the use of less lime or other base to achieve the desired pH values for clarification or purification.

Abstract: A method for separating cytosolic and parenchyma components from vegetable material comprising fiberizing the vegetable material by means of a pulp or paper mill refiner is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention advances prior art animal food products by providing an animal food product formulated with Morinda Citrifolia, or Noni, from the Indian Mulberry plant. The addition of Noni to the animal food product of the present invention serves to provide significant health advantages not found in prior art animal food products.

Abstract: The use is described of particulate, water-insoluble and scarcely swellable polymers of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, which polymers contain, copolymerized, at least 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the monomers, of at least one &agr;,&bgr;-monoethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having from 3 to 6 carbons as filter aid for filtering aqueous liquids. Subject-matter of the invention are also water-insoluble, scarcely swellable polymers (popcorn polymers) that contain, copolymerized, &agr;,&bgr;-monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids and styrene or styrene derivatives, and also a process for their preparation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the crossflow micro-filtration of beer. In order to prevent the clogging of the membrane of the filter module by components of the non-clarified beer which are to be filtered out and settle in the form of a covering, the filtration is interrupted at intervals. In a subsequent brief pause the covering on the membrane is chemically and partially dissolved with a caustic solution whereafter the covering is subsequently removed by backwashing of the membrane with water. In order to further improve the filtration, the transmembrane pressure (p) is regulated during the filtration phase according to a substantially periodic time function, and the crossflow velocity (v) of the beer over the membrane is increased substantially continuously.

Abstract: A process for fractionating an oil composition containing at least 50% by weight of partial diglycerides into a solid portion and a liquid portion, which includes dissolving an emulsifier in the oil composition, cooling the solution to deposit crystals and then conducting solid-liquid separation. The process permits easily fractionating the oil composition into a solid oil composition and a liquid oil composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the crystallization of a solid phase from a liquid, characterized in that the liquid during crystallization is subjected to ultrasound in the absence of transient cavitation. In particular the liquid is sonicated under such conditions of time and frequency that nucleation of stable crystals in the liquid is induced without exceeding the cavitation threshold and the occurrence of transient cavitation and the accompanying flavor deterioration is avoided. The liquid preferably is a triglyceride oil such as a vegetable oil or animal fat, e.g. liquefied milk fat.

Abstract: A process for extracting a fat from a feedstock (e.g., chocolate liquor), includes mixing the feedstock with a liquefied gas solvent (e.g., butane), filtering, washing the retentate with additional solvent, refiltering, drying, granulating, aerating the granulate, and separating the fat from the solvent in the original filtrate. The mixing, filtering, washing, refiltering, drying, and granulating are conducted under an atmosphere consisting essentially of the solvent vapor. An improved solvent extraction process includes repeatedly loading and unloading an extractor with solvent and feedstock to extract fat from the feedstock, wherein throughout loading, extracting, unloading and repeating: (a) a pressure in the extractor is continuously maintained above atmospheric pressure; (b) the extractor is continuously maintained under an oxygen-free atmosphere; and/or (c) the extractor is continuously maintained under an atmosphere consisting essentially of a vapor of the solvent.

Abstract: A process for removal of dissolved components of a liquid solution containing multiple components is provided. The process relates to the addition of granular cationic starch to the liquid solution, heating the resultant mixture to gelatinize the starch and form a starch/component(s) complex, and separating the complex from the liquid. Alternatively, the starch may be pre-gelatinized and added to the liquid solution.

Abstract: A method for making a cold water soluble black tea extract. The method involves extracting tea solids from black tea leaves using an extraction liquid to provide a whole tea extract, oxidizing the whole tea extract under superatmospheric pressure and at a temperature above 60° C. to provide a cold water soluble liquor, cooling the cold water soluble liquor to precipitate any residual cold water insoluble material, and separating the residual cold water insoluble material from the cold water soluble liquor to give the cold water soluble black tea extract. A method for making a cold water soluble black tea powder is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a whey salt product, which is not bitter in taste, and which is characterized by containing 19 to 27% potassium, 0.5 to 2% calcium, 5 to 7% sodium, 0.1 to 1% magnesium, 17 to 37% chloride and 0.5 to 3 % phosphorus and further 10 to 20% protein and 10 to 35% lactose, to a process for its production and its use as a table salt substitute. According to the invention, the whey salt powder is prepared in such a way that whey or an ultrafiltration. permeate with a dry matter content of 20% by weight at the most, obtained from milk or whey, is filtered through membranes by using nanofiltration membranes, the permeate with a dry matter content of 0.1 to 1.0% by weight obtained from nanofiltration is concentrated and finally dried to powder.

Abstract: In the method raw starch is treated with the amylase with the enzyme classification EC 3.21.133 below the gelatinization temperature, whereafter the maltose and the limit dextrin are recovered. The method is simple and cheap and gives rise to a maltose of high purity and to a cheap limit dextrin useable as a fat replacer in foods.

Abstract: A process for producing a food material having a high concentration of eriocitrin, which comprises extracting a juice, a peel and a squeezed juice refuse of a citrus fruit with a polar solvent, applying the extract to a synthetic adsorption resin, and separating and recovering the food material having the high concentration of eriocitrin using an organic solvent such as hydrous alcohol. A food material having a high concentration eriocitrin as an antioxidant ingredient can industrially be produced quite efficiently without entraining an ingredient of a bitter taste, and drink and food having a high antioxidant effect can be produced.

Abstract: Milk is concentrated by filtering with an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane, after which casein is removed by acidification and the resulting liquid is concentrated and/or dried to produce a milk calcium composition having the following components' ratios (1) and (2): (1) −1.3≦log{(% by weight calcium in composition)/(% by weight protein in composition)}≦0.26; (2) 0.9≦log{(% by weight calcium in composition)/(% by weight sodium in composition)}.

Abstract: A block former for the production of blocks of cheese, comprising an upright drainage column with a feed opening for curd particles at the upper end, a closed casing and a perforated inner tube. There is an annular space between the casing and the inner tube and a cutting-off device at the lower end for cutting off blocks of cheese. A discharge device is provided for discharging a cut-off block of cheese after a block forming cycle. A vacuum device is also provided for filling under reduced pressure the inner tube with curd particles via the feed opening and for creating a vacuum in the annular space. The column is divided into an upper and a lower part in such a manner that different pressures can prevail simultaneously in the upper and the lower part during any moment of the cycle.

Abstract: A method for preparing a cheese having a closed rind, wherein fresh granular curd is subjected to a pressing treatment in a cheese pressing mold until a rind forms and the desired moisture content in the cheese has been achieved. Prior to the traditional pressing, the curd is first pre-drained, whereafter the pre-drained curd parts are poured into a cheese pressing mold. Then the curd parts are subjected during a short initial pressing procedure to obtain a blind structure of the cheese in the cheese pressing mold to a vacuum treatment with a substantially constant vacuum depth in the order of approximately 95% or more.

Abstract: The invention concerns in general a method for the extraction of fruit juice concentrate, to produce a higher yield of fruit juice than that achieved by known methods. For this purpose juice is first extracted from the fruits in a juice extraction unit (1), producing a mixture of pulp and fruit juice. This mixture of pulp and fruit juice is then divided into pulp and primary juice (2). This pulp is then separated into pulp residues and secondary juice (7). The secondary juice is then pasteurised (8) and mixed with the primary juice.

Abstract: A method to treat whey is described wherein whey is fed into a pasteurizing apparatus and then a nano- and/or microfiltration unit wherein the retentate part of the whey is further processed and the permeate part is led to an additional filter and purified with the option of additional sterilizing with UV light.

Abstract: A stopper including a collection receptacle, characterized in that the stopper is provided with a valve that permits flow of sediments into said collection receptacle, wherein the valve may be closed to substantially trap the sediments in the collection receptacle and obstruct flow therefrom.

Abstract: A method of making a dairy product includes the steps of separating substantially pure dairy water from a dairy staring material, making the dairy water into a dairy product for consumption, the dairy product being substantially pure and free of impurities from the dairy starting material and packaging the dairy product.

Abstract: A method of treating an organic waste stream, such as the waste from a meat processing plant, to substantially remove solid organic matter from the stream. The method substitutes MgCl2 and small amounts of AlCl3 for the FeCl3 that was used in the prior art process, before adding polymeric flocculents. The polymeric flocculents are added as they are in the prior art, and the solid precipitate is removed by physical separation.

Abstract: A method for preparing a natural product including crushing and dejuicing muscadine grapes. The method includes breaking down the pulp of the crushed and dejuiced muscadines through heating the pomice and enzymatic action through a predetermined period. The method further includes removing the broken down pulp from the pomice. The method further includes placing the skins and seeds of the extruded pulp into net bags and closing the bags and placing the bags in a dryer at an elevated temperature and drying the contents of the bags to a predetermined moisture. The method further includes bagging the dried material and storing the food-grade containers in a room at a predetermined temperature and finely grinding the dried material.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of valuable products from citrus peel includes comminuting the peel, belt filter pressing to remove contained liquid and solvent extraction to remove organic compounds. The dried, milled flour is useful as an ingredient in breads and other baked products, replacing part of the grain flour conventionally used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a substantially pure &kgr;-casein macropeptide fraction having nutraceutical properties by contacting whey with an anion exchanger to yield a bound whey protein fraction enriched in &kgr;-casein macropeptide fraction and an unbound whey protein fraction depleted in &kgr;-casein macropeptide; and contacting the bound whey protein fraction enriched in &kgr;-casein macropeptide fraction with an adsorbent, specifically an immobilized metal affinity adsorbent, to separate out the substantially pure &kgr;-casein macropeptide fraction.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of aroma components from coffee. A slurry of coffee grounds in an aqueous liquid is subjected to stripping for stripping aroma components from the slurry. The stripping is carried out using gas in a substantially counter-current manner to provide an aromatized gas containing aroma components. The aroma components are then collected from the aromatized gas. The aroma components may be added to concentrated coffee extract prior to drying of the extract. The coffee powder produced has much increased and improved aroma and flavor and contains higher levels of furans and diketones.

Abstract: A continuous production of gelatinous products by coagulation of such material as soymilk is described. There is significant variation of quality of product dependent on the human factors. Soymilk and a coagulant are transported through a holding tube at a preset rate so that a mixture of soymilk and coagulant remain in the holding tube for a predetermined period of time to effect coagulation. A perforated vertical tubing is used for separating gelatinous product from liquid and pressing it by its own weight.

Abstract: A process is described for filtration of fluids, particularly of heterodisperse fluids like beer, in which a cleaning cycle of the MF modules is always carried out when the transmembrane pressure exceeds a pre-set pressure which has been selected to be equal to the optimal trans-membrane pressure for the particular fluid to be filtered as regards its analytical appearance. In beer filtration this value is preferably set at 1.5 bar. The microfiltration facility is equipped with numerous MF modules 5, arrayed in series and parallel; with a device for cleansing the MF modules 5; and with a measuring device 3 for recording trans-membrane pressure, attached to a control device 7, which, upon attaining the pre-set trans-membrane pressure, interrupts the filtration process and starts a cleansing cycle going.

Abstract: A treatment process for recovering protein, fatty and water component products from a float material produced by a waste water treatment system, wherein the protein and fatty components possess improved stability and are suitable for further processing for inclusion in various products, such as animal feed. The recovered water component can also be further processed before discharge into a sewer system.

Abstract: Citrus products are provided which incorporate components from pulp material separated from a citrus juice source. The invention is especially beneficial in connection with grapefruit sources. Naringin or other bitterant levels are reduced substantially in all phases of the citrus source, including pulp components. In a particular application, the citrus product is a grapefruit juice product which is organoleptically identified as grapefruit juice when it stands alone but is not organoleptically identified as grapefruit juice when blended with other fruit juice sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a kiwi juice while preserving the original color. The process includes peeling the kiwis, subjecting the kiwis to a pressure treatment at between about 100 and 800 MPa for a period of at least 10 seconds, allowing the kiwis to stand for at least about 24 hours at refrigeration temperature, crushing the kiwis into a puree, and clarifying the puree in order to obtain a kiwi juice therefrom. The juice can be pasteurized and filled into containers. The present invention also relates to the kiwi juice that is made by the process.

Abstract: A liquid milk product, including a milk and a whey, but other than sweet whey, is demineralized by an electrodeionization process by passing the product to be demineralized through a resin bed of strong cationic exchange resin contained in an electrodeionization dilution compartment or through a resin bed of weak anionic and of cationic, particularly strong cationic, exchange resins in the compartment, and in the process, the pH of the wash solution present in the electrodionization cation and anion concentration compartments is maintained so that the solution present in each concentration compartment has a pH value less than 5.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for the removal of solid contaminants which utilizes at least one rotating mesh screen container designed to pass the food therethrough while trapping the solid contaminant. The rotation of the cylindrically-shaped mesh screen causes the food to pass through because of the centrifugal force. The addition of a second mesh or membrane-like placed around the first screen but rotated in the opposite direction is also utilized to trap solid contaminants which are large enough to be trapped by the mesh screen when it is not oriented so as to pass through the screens along its length. Different spacings in mesh and different rotation velocities are utilized to change contaminant screen characteristics.

Abstract: An extract composition derived from the peel of a banana and the method for producing the extract composition. An aqueous solvent is combined with the peel of a banana. If the banana is unripe, a base is also added. The mixture is homogenized and allowed to react at least until a black supernatant appears. The entire slurry is filtered. The resulting extract is used alone or combined with a cream or ointment. Medicinal benefits of the extract include relief from pain, swelling, itching, bruising, wrinkles, and sunburn.

Abstract: A method for removing salt and water from a fish meal production process stream without sacrificing fish protein solids that are to be recovered as final product. Fish oil and fish protein solids are allowed to separate from water in the process streams, allowing for the removal of water and dissolved salt without the removal of substantial amounts of fish protein solids.

Abstract: To eliminate from non-fermented or fermented fruit juices obtained from fruit or grapes, in particular wine, the undesirable odors and/or taste caused by sulphur or sulphur compounds, called "Bockser", it is proposed according to the invention to add hardly soluble or insoluble organic Cu-compounds to the liquid, which, by reacting with the sulphur or sulphur compounds, form insoluble sulphides that can easily be separated from the liquid by precipitation. Particularly suitable for this are copper salts of citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid or stearic acid or mixtures of these salts.

Abstract: In the method raw starch is treated with the amylase with the enzyme classification EC 3.21.133 below the gelatinization temperature, whereafter the maltose and the limit dextrin are recovered. The method is simple and cheap and gives rise to a maltose of high purity and to a cheap limit dextrin useable as a fat replacer in foods.

Abstract: A process for chill-treating, which is exemplified by a process for preparing a fermented malt beverage wherein brewing materials are mashed with water and the resulting mash is heated and wort separated therefrom. The wort is boiled cooled and fermented and the beer is subjected to a finishing stage, which includes aging, to produce the final beverage. The improvement comprises subjecting the beer to a cold stage comprising rapidly cooling the beer to a temperature of about its freezing point in such a manner that ice crystals are formed therein in only minimal amounts. The resulting cooled beer is then mixed for a short period of time with a beer slurry containing ice crystals, without any appreciable collateral increase in the amount of ice crystals in the resulting mixture. Finally, the so-treated beer is extracted from the mixture.