Abstract: The conversion operation of a cooking apparatus which is initially operated using heated air at approximately 250.degree. C., to an operation using water vapor is made possible in a short period of time and without danger by lowering the temperature to approximately 100.degree. C. in the cooking space wall prior to steam or water vapor operation.

Abstract: A cooking oven for cooking foodstuffs with either steam or forced convection hot air. In the steam mode, steam is continuously generated in the oven cavity. Alternatively, in the convection mode, the amount of moisture supplied to the cavity is controlled. A fan circulates the air or steam in the oven cavity. The steam is generated by means of a slinger cup to which water is supplied and from which water will flow in a thin film over an edge portion of the cup to be slung outwardly and to be atomized thereby by centrifugal force. The atomized water is then caused to flow, by means of the fan, over a heater to be heated thereby whereby the atomized water flashes into water vapor or steam. The oven is operated at atmospheric pressure. Food juices and condensed steam or water vapor which collect in the bottom of the oven will be drained therefrom by means of a drain which is open to the atmosphere. The oven temperature is selectively variable by means of an automatic control.

Abstract: Process for treating relatively light-colored dates grown domestically to impart thereto the relatively darker appearance, the flavor, the soft-chewy texture and the shelf-stability of imported dates grown in the Middle East region. The process involves steaming domestic dates at a temperature of at least 175.degree. F. and for a period of time which is sufficient to darken the domestic dates throughout to substantially the same darkness as that of imparted dates. The steamed domestic dates are then dried to provide shelf-stable, treated dates. At no time before or during the process is a liquefied composition containing water and an effective amount of at least one saccharide sugar sweetening agent applied to or contacted with the domestic dates. The size and shape of the shelf-stable, treated dates are substantially the same as the size and shape of the starting domestic dates. Domestic dates are generally of the sucrose-type dates, whereas the imported dates are generally of the inverted-sugar type dates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating food quickly and efficiently include a modified, steam-heating apparatus having a special cup holder with a suitable cup for use with the holder. This cup suitable for use with a cup holder is used to steam heat pasta, sauces and other foods, to thereby bring the foods up to eating temperature very quickly. This cup is designed to be temporarily secured to the steamer by a spring loaded, firm holding device which permits the steam to be injected at the edge of the cup.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to control the cooking process in a steam pressure cooker heated with a heating element controlled through a control circuit wherein the temperature of the pressure cooker is detected and utilized by the control circuit to regulate the heat output of the heating element, and wherein a cooking time can be preset by means of an adjustable timing element.

Abstract: An oven in a cooking machine has a pair of spaced parallel endless conveyor chains mounted therein and driven by a motor. Pivotally supported baskets for holding food are connected normal to the conveyor chains. Electrical heating elements disposed between and above the baskets are supported in the oven for cooking the food products. Guide rails maintain the baskets horizontally disposed as the baskets move adjacent to the heating elements. A sauce tank disposed in one end of the oven receives the baskets containing the food products. Each of the baskets is immersed in the sauce once during each cycle of operation. During the cooking process, a spray of water or a water base fluid is discharged from nozzles disposed in the cooking machine for increasing the humidity to obtain optimum cooking conditions. Maximum discharge of the water also is used to control grease fires.

Abstract: An apparatus for the rapid and essentially uniform heating of a food product, including a heating oven utilizing a novel heat generating system for the generating of a heated gaseous fluid medium, such as steam, for the rapid heating or cooking of food, and wherein the apparatus is adapted for home and/or commercial utilizations. Moreover, also disclosed is a method for the rapid and uniform heating or cooking of a food product through the intermediary of heated steam employing the inventive apparatus.

Abstract: Process for treating relatively light colored dates grown domestically to impart thereto the relatively darker appearance, the flavor, the soft-chewy texture and the shelf-stability of imported dates grown in the Middle East region. The process involves applying to the domestic dates a coating of a liquefied composition containing water and an effective amount of at least one saccharide sugar sweetening agent. The saccharide-coated domestic dates are steamed at a temperature and for a period of time which are sufficient to darken the coated domestic dates throughout to substantially the same darkness as that of imported dates. The steamed, coated domestic dates are dried to provide shelf-stable, treated dates. The size and shape of the shelf-stable, treated dates are substantially the same as the size and shape of the starting domestic dates. Domestic dates are generally of the sucrose-type dates, whereas the imported dates are generally of the inverted-sugar type dates.

Abstract: A process for continuously cooking rice by steaming comprises the steps of continuously feeding steeped rice into a vertical steamer, promoting the gelatinization of the rice by gradually heating the rice packed in the steamer with jets of steam, cooking and hydrating the heated rice by discharging it from the steamer and passing it through a bath of hot water for heating, transferring the cooked, hydrated rice onto a net conveyor, and then finish-steaming the rice being conveyed by subjecting it to jets of steam.

Abstract: A combined heat shield and steam distributor for a cooking oven, adapted to be located in the oven between a flame producing combustion unit in the oven and a movable food product conveyor, to aid in protecting food product on the conveyor from generally direct exposure to flame, with such shielding and distributor means also providing for distribution of steam into the cooking chamber for intermixing with the gaseous cooking medium of the oven.

Abstract: Disclosed is a food product blanching and processing apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a weigh hopper and infeed conveyor having a pivoting infeed chute which can be retracted to prevent contamination of blanched product with incoming raw product. The infeed chute supplies incoming food products to a pressure vessel which is rotatably mounted within an enclosure. The pressure vessel has a lid assembly which allows the food product to be fed thereinto, yet can be tightly closed for pressurization of the interior of the vessel during the blanching and processing operation. The pressure vessel assembly is rotated into a discharge position and the food product is dumped against a discharge chute 18 which is extendable and retractable so that residual product can drain downwardly outside of the outfeed conveyor. The outfeed conveyor includes a hopper and conveyor which moves the blanched and processed food product onto associated food processing equipment.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process for injecting steam directly into a product in a processing vessel are described. The apparatus comprises a steam inlet valve (12, 13) operable under steam pressure to inject stem fed through the valve into a product in a processing vessel. Air inlet means (9) are provided for bleeding air at a predetermined pressure into the steam being fed to the steam inlet valve means, the pressure of the air bled into the steam being such that hammering of the steam in the processing vessel is prevented.

Abstract: An open framework rack has shoulders of progressively greater width for supporting within the rack cooking receptacles of progressively greater width one spaced above the other for efficient steam cooking within a steam chamber. The rack desirably comprises wireform risers providing stepped terraces. A plurality of connecting rings secure the risers in the rack. A multichannel/rib adapter is adapted for supporting a cooking receptacle on the rack or on the bottom of a steam chamber. The rack is adapted for handling by upstanding ears thereon or by a bail removably engaging the ears.

Abstract: Ready-to-eat baked goods which are of high quality 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 starch to edible, liquid polyhydric alcohol is equal to or less than 3.95.

Abstract: A steam cooking utensil is disclosed which includes a base; a boiling water reservoir and a condensate trough defined by the base; and a heater disposed centrally to the boiling water reservoir, mounted in the base, and coupled to a thermostat also mounted in the base. The condensate trough is disposed in annular relationship to the boiling water reservoir. A food tray defining a imperforate central surface and an array of peripheral aperatures is supported such that the imperforate surface is vertically aligned with the boiling water reservoir and the array of peripheral apertures is vertically aligned with the condensate trough. A cover having a bottom opening defined by a rim is positioned over the food tray, condensate trough and boiling water reservoir, such that the rim cooperates with an outer peripheral lip of the condensate trough to form a seal. The disclosed steam cooking utensil operates to cook food quickly, cleanly and efficiently.

Abstract: A machine forms tortillas into cooked taco shells using a conveyor with a plurality of complementary, vertically extending forming elements which shift from a nested to an open condition as the conveyor sprockets are traversed for feeding and discharging the product. On the lower conveyor run the forming elements pass through a channel of cooking oil and then on to a station where cooked taco shells are discharged. A loading conveyor feeds tortillas in a spaced column towards the forming elements and an acceleration conveyor operates between the loading conveyor and forming conveyor for positioning the tortilla for engagement with a forming element.

Abstract: Apparatus heats foodstuffs with a steam-air mixture circulated by a blower in the cooking chamber. The chamber has a controllable vapor vent at its top. A temperature regulator is located in the connection of the cooking chamber to the outer air located at the bottom of the chamber. A pivoted drain pipe coupled to the connection separately discharges condensed steam and food juices or fat.

Abstract: A portable apparatus is provided for cooking eggs on a heated cooking surface or grill and includes a frame with a plurality of rings carried on the frame. Each ring is adapted to be disposed on the grill and to receive a shelled egg therein. A peripheral wall means is provided for enclosing the rings. A removable closure assembly is provided for being positioned over the rings and includes (1) a cover at least coextensive with the peripheral wall means and adapted to engage the peripheral wall means, (2) an open top container mounted on the cover and defining a reservoir for receiving a predetermined quantity of water therein, and (3) means for defining an unobstructed orifice through the cover and communicating with the interior of the container for metering the water at a predetermined rate onto the grill.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of a mass to be processed into hard candy from a solution of sugar, water, and glucose that is cooked, steamed out, and dewatered in a vacuum, with the resulting mass transferred to a mixer or similar device for further processing, is intended to permit the hard-candy mass to be removed from the vacuum without mechanical work and combine continuous cooking and continuous mixing in one closed candy-manufacturing process. The invention accomplishes this purpose by subjecting batches of the sugar solution to a vacuum at a stage in the process that is situated between the continuous cooking and the continuous processing and mixing.

Abstract: A process for preparing "quick-cooking" food products which comprises introducing particulate food material selected from the group consisting of rice, cereal, grain, pasta, or mixtures thereof into a fluidized bed; fluidizing said particulate food material utilizing steam as the fluidizing medium until the moisture content of said particulate food material is increased to a first predetermined level; drying said particulate food materials until a second predetermined moisture level is achieved, said second predetermined moisture level being effective to render said food material stable and nonfermenting during subsequent storage.

Abstract: A steam cooker and method whereby food loaded into an essentially imperforate cooking pot enclosed within a top access steam chamber is cooked by steam generated in the chamber and transferred through the pot walls into the food, as well as by steam directed from the chamber into cooking relation on top of the food in the pot. Between a top closure cover over the steam chamber and structure for directing the steam into the top of the cooking pot, a shallow subchamber provides for returning spent steam and condensate to the steam chamber.

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: A process for treating solid foodstuff pieces in a container which is to be hermetically sealed characterized in that the container is extended by means of an extension piece, solid foodstuff pieces are added so that they fill the container and at least part of the extension piece, the extended container is fitted with a closing member to form a closed assembly provided with an outlet for the escape of air, the contents are purged with steam until they have shrunk to such an extent that the foodstuff pieces in the extension piece have subsided into the container and the required degree of heat processing has been achieved after which the container, extension piece and closing member are separated from each other.

Abstract: A pressure cooker regulates pressure over its range of cooking temperatures by regulating condensation and vaporization of contained water. Liquid water which has condensed upon a cooled surface collects in a thermally insulated condensate vessel and is vaporized therefrom by a heated surface to control the partial pressure of water vapor. The pressure cooker may also contain air at a predetermined pressure so that temperature can be controlled over a wide range of hot and cold temperatures as water vapor pressure is regulated to enable an increased range of food processing environments.In a preferred embodiment, the pressure cooker is part of a system of domestic appliances wherein a fluid circuit containing a liquid phase thermal exchange fluid includes thermal reservoirs to provide thermal inputs for the appliances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a "self-degrading" composition suitable for use in feeding and/or feed-conversing purposes and if desired for the conversion thereof into a self-degrading fodder mixture which comprises pre-degrading the starch being present in cereal fodder and/or maize fodder to an extent that the degradation index of the crop should be from 0.12 to 0.27, and thereafter admixing the so-called "available starch" thus obtained in finely ground form in optional order of succession with .alpha.-amylase and optionally with further additives and--if "self-degrading" fodder mixture is to be prepared--with fodder.The composition of the present invention provides carbohydrates utilizable by the digestive organs of animals. The process of the invention provides products equivalent with the very expensive maltodextrins using cheap and readily available starting materials.

Abstract: A method for cooking shellfish, particularly crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and other crustaceans having skeletal portions from which the edible portions are removed prior to consumption, the present method provides substantially increased shelf life to the cooked shellfish and facilitates mechanical removal of the edible portions from the exoskeleton and/or skeletal portions thereof. The present method comprises the steps of: (1) subjecting the shellfish to steam at a gauge-pressure of between one and fifteen pounds and at temperatures between 175 and 240 degrees F. for one to thirty minutes; and, (2) subsequently applying a vacuum to the cooked shellfish in a range between one and twenty-six inches of mercury for a period of one to thirty minutes to withdraw moisture therefrom.

Abstract: An energy-time conserving low cost home pressure cooking system for canning, sterilizing and cooking food and the like, comprising method and apparatus, the illustrated apparatus comprising a pressure cooker having a short lower body or vessel and an elongated upper lid, sealed and releasably secured together when assembled at a relatively low elevation by fasteners locked and sealed (at a single annular seal site) and unlocked and unsealed at said low elevation merely by relative rotation of the body and the lid, a vented platform disposed a short distance above a small amount of water in a shallow reservoir in a lower compartment of the body of the pressure cooker, thus accommodating rapid generation of steam, when heated, which passes through the platform vents, accumulates at the top of the upper compartment and enlarges downwardly, with the air being efficiently exhausted substantially exclusive of steam, through an air escape-steam trap valved port in the side of the body of the pressure cooker just abo

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing grain to provide meal, grit, flour and masa products suitable for human consumption and by-products suitable for use as animal feed and industrial products. The methods includes forming a slurry of the grain with water and processing the slurry through dehusking, germ detaching, grinding and sifting stages while maintaining the grain at a relatively high moisture content. Partially different methods are employed depending on whether the processed grain is sorghum, wheat or corn. The processing apparatus includes a dehusking unit having a plurality of pump stages to remove the husks from the grain kernels without cracking a substantial portion of the kernels. A fluidized bed dryer is utilized to remove excess water and to surface dry the kernels and husks. For sorghum grains a centrifugal impact germ detacher is utilized to break up the dehusked kernel and separate the germ and oil from the endosperm.

Abstract: The method of this invention includes heating and steeping of corn, water, and calcium hydroxide mixture for predetermined period. Selective injection of air through the bottom of the container stirring the steeping mixture, the pumping of fluid from the bottom of the container and discharging the fluid into the top of the container followed by sequential repetition of the foregoing steps until the corn content is cooked or steeped to a desired texture for producing masa followed by the processing the corn into masa.

Abstract: A dry, free-flowing beverage mix and a process for its preparation are described. The method of preparation comprises coating the particles of a food acid with a desiccating agent and then mixing the coated food acid particles with a saccharide material and other dry beverage mix ingredients.

Abstract: Banana puree is heated with direct steam injection. A lower pressure zone is used to remove seeds and fiber while partially reducing the temperature of the puree. Thereafter, air and water vapor are removed from the puree prior to cooling in heat exchangers and the resulting product stored.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a process for the preparation of fried vegetables, particularly fried vegetables to be frozen.The process comprises coating pieces of the vegetable with a starch-containing product, blanching the coated pieces with steam and deep fat frying the coated and blanched pieces.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a new form of cooking, although the principle involved may be applied to other arts. Specifically, the invention is directed to cooking of foods in which it is desired to keep one side of a food being baked at a relatively constant cooler temperature than the other side.

Abstract: Method and pressure vessel for cooking food. The pressure vessel is divided into two zones one of which receives the food to be cooked and the other of which may receive a predetermined quantity of liquid. The pressure vessel is periodically pivoted during cooking with saturated steam, and due to the pivotal or rotational movement the liquid passes periodically from one zone into the other, thus wetting the food retained therein, and back into the former zone.

Abstract: A method is provided which permits continuous and rapid blanching or sterilization of foodstuffs in particulate form. The foodstuff is heated rapidly to penetrate the outer portion of the particle by steam or gas under pressure, the heated particles are maintained thereunder until inactivation or destruction of microorganisms and enzymes, after which the pressure and temperature are lowered rapidly.

Abstract: A method for processing grain, e.g. corn, to provide a flour or grit product suitable for human consumption and by-products suitable for use as animal feed and industrial products which includes forming a slurry of the grain with water and passing the slurry through a plurality of pump stages having turbine pumps equipped with turbine pump impellers to remove the husks from the grain kernels without cracking a substantial portion of the kernels. The slurry is then passed through a centrifuge to remove excess water, surface dried and passed through an aspirator to separate the husks from the grain kernels. The dehusked kernels are sent through a centrifugal impact cracker to break up the kernel and separate th germ and oil from the endosperm. The broken kernel pieces are then milled to produce flour.

Abstract: Precooked potato products are prepared by a process wherein the potatoes are washed, peeled, and treated whole or cut into pieces. The so-prepared potatoes are cooked at a temperature below the temperature at which sloughing of the potato surface would occur if the whole potato were cooked to its center at that temperature. Then, the potatoes are heated in air and cooked again at a temperature of about 50.degree. to 100.degree. C. Following the last cooking procedure the potatoes are frozen, chilled, or retorted to preserve them in the absence of starch suspensions. To prepare them for consumption the potatoes can be fried or boiled.

Abstract: A method is provided for cooking scrambled eggs wherein a container is provided for holding a charge of uncooked, shelled eggs and is adapted to be matingly and sealingly engaged with a cover assembly around a projecting cylindrical, multi-orificed, steam injection conduit. A plurality of jets of steam and air are injected at spaced locations into the interior of the charge of eggs to agitate and cook the eggs. A disc-like baffle plate is secured to, and concentric with, the injection conduit and is adapted to be received in a free space of the container above the charge of eggs for inhibiting the upward spattering of the eggs during steam injection. A vent passage is provided above the cover plate and communicates with the container during cooking of the eggs via an annular aperture in the cover plate concentric with the steam conduit to allow steam and air to escape from the container during cooking to maintain the interior volume of the container at substantially atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Precooked fruits or vegetables are prepared by a process wherein the fruits and vegetables are cooked to their centers at a temperature below the temperature at which sloughing of the surface tissue would occur if the fruits or vegetables were cooked to their centers at that temperature, i.e below about 81.degree.-83.degree. C. Following the cooking procedure the fruits or vegetables are heated in air and are then preserved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooking corn is disclosed whereby corn particles are immersed in water in a cooking vessel to form a mass of corn particles, and the water is circulated throughout said mass. The temperature of the mass is raised and the corn particles agitated by directing steam, from a steam chamber, into said mass by deflecting said steam radially outwardly through perforated side walls in the steam chamber. The steam flow is then stopped whereafter the water circulation is stopped and cooked particles of corn are obtained.

Abstract: Material is cooled by direct contact with CO.sub.2, and the CO.sub.2 vapor is recovered. A coolant reservoir is created in a holding tank wherein CO.sub.2 vapor, CO.sub.2 liquid and solid CO.sub.2 exist in equilibrium in the form of slush plus vapor. Liquid CO.sub.2 is supplied to a cooling chamber to cool the material by direct contact, creating contaminated CO.sub.2 vapor. The contaminated CO.sub.2 vapor is removed and directed to the coolant reservoir to condense the CO.sub.2 vapor and any contaminants which liquefy at temperatures above -69.degree. F. by melting solid CO.sub.2. Clean CO.sub.2 vapor and any noncondensables are withdrawn from the holding tank and the withdrawn CO.sub.2 vapor is reliquefied and returned to the CO.sub.2 storage vesssel. Condensable contaminants are periodically removed from the holding tank by heating to a temperature where they can be blown out the bottom.

Abstract: The cooking process comprises the steps of providing a food treatment chamber equipped with a vapor pervious conveyor; preparing a moving stream of a process vapor at a temperature having a lower range of between 165.degree. F. to 212.degree. F.; circulating the stream along the conveyor; injecting water vapor into the moving stream of process vapor and supplying heat to the moving stream to control the temperature and moisture content of the process vapor; placing the food product in discrete pieces upon the conveyor; and moving the product continuously in its original position on the conveyor through the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A method is provided for adding salt or seasonings to food being cooked in steam cookers. A heated salt solution or heated seasoning solution which is appropriate for the food to be cooked is brought into contact with the food before, during or after the steaming process. The solution is brought into contact with the food once or several times.Apparatus is provided for adding salt or seasonings to food being cooked in a steam cooker cooking vessel having a cooking chamber. The apparatus includes a separate collecting vessel for accommodating a salt or seasoning solution, a supply line attached to the collecting vessel for connecting the collecting vessel to the cooking vessel, and a conveying and turnover pump for conveying the salt or seasoning solution from the collecting vessel to the food in the cooking chamber through the supply line.

Abstract: Lignocellulose material is mechanically compacted and subjected to sudden pressure increase by exposure to saturated steam in a digestor vessel in the absence of added chemical reagents to obtain a cooked material which is then mechanically compacted while under said saturated steam pressure. Small portions of the cooked and mechanically compacted material are thereafter subjected to rapid reduction in pressure down to atmospheric pressure and then recovered in a condition of enhanced digestibility by ruminants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly cooking food which includes pressing food directly against a very hot cooking surface with a liquid interface therebetween while the food is submerged in a heated cooking liquid, such as a water-base broth. The cooking surface is preferably formed with a plurality of dispersed dimples which collect and contain the liquid interface at the cooking surface when the food is pressed thereagainst. The apparatus includes two pans located at the extending ends of a connecting conduit with a perforated compression plate for pressing food against the bottom surface of each pan, and a burner is disposed beneath each pan. Controls are provided for alternately lowering the pans to positions immediately above these respective burners and to permit the cooking liquid to flow into the lowered pan, and for automatically energizing and de-energizing the burners when the pans are lowered and raised with respect thereto.

Abstract: A continuous, in-line, method and apparatus for cooking process cheese products. Raw material, comprises a uniform blend of cheese with appropriate additives, for introducing into a pressurized cooking zone. Steam is injected directly into the raw material in a confined region to heat and melt the raw material into a molten mass. The molten cheese mass is delivered from the cooking zone to a mixing zone where the steam is mixed with the cheese and the temperature of the molten cheese mass is equilibrated. The molten cheese is delivered from the mixing zone to a low pressure cooling zone where deaeration and cooling of the molten mass is effected via a sharp reduction in pressure.

Abstract: A dressed body of a fish, which is obtained by cutting off the head part and removing the internal organs of the fish therefrom, is sliced into upper and lower fish fillets and a part mainly consisting of the vertebra thereof. The thus obtained upper and lower fish fillets are heated by means of very hot water, or steam or the like and then cooled forcibly by a coolant with the result that the connective tissues of the fish meats can be hardened in a short time, consumption of heat energy for hardening them is small, the quality deterioration thereof is little and high yield of product is obtained. The upper and lower fillets are heated on a plate with the fillet skins against the plate. The part containing the vertebra is heated, and white meat is later separated from bone.

Abstract: Fresh, whole potatoes are washed, peeled and cut into pieces. The pieces are blanched, treated in a sulfite solution and then partially dehydrated to a moisture content of between about 35-65% by weight. The partially dehydrated slices are then steam cooked and subsequently dehydrated to a shelf stable moisture content of less than 10 percent.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cooking food wherein the food to be treated is located in a chamber where it is subjected to heat, there also being present in the chamber steam that is either separately introduced or is generated by the food as it is being heated. This steam is forced into a layer surrounding the exposed surface of the food being treated by establishing in the chamber an electrostatic field of substantially constant polarity while the food is supported on a grounded hearth. This electrostatic field is created by applying a high voltage direct current potential to a grid located above the food being treated and preferably also disposing a ground above the grid and between the grid and the roof of the chamber in which the food is being treated.

Abstract: A method is provided which permits continuous and rapid blanching or sterilization of foodstuffs in particulate form. The foodstuff is heated rapidly to penetrate the outer portion of the particle by steam or gas under pressure, the heated particles are maintained thereunder until inactivation or destruction of microorganisms and enzymes, after which the pressure and temperature are lowered rapidly.