Abstract: A method to produce a food product comprises the steps of providing a plurality of flint corn kernels; drying the flint corn kernels; popping the flint corn kernels; cooling the porous, airy, elastic foam particles produced during popping; cutting with a moving blade said porous, airy foam particles into pieces having a width greater than 0.005 inches to produce an elastic, air entrained popcorn flour occupying a volume; and, vacuum packaging the elastic popcorn flour to reduce the volume occupied by the popcorn flour.

Abstract: A method of reversing the formation of an oxidized off-flavor in milk that includes providing milk, and heating the milk to a temperature between approximately 70° C. and approximately 90° C. for a period of between approximately 25 seconds and approximately 60 seconds.

Abstract: In order to thoroughly solve existing vinasse problems, in particular in production of bioethanol from plant raw materials, a method is proposed for producing feedstuffs from crustaceans of the genus Artemia (brine shrimp) or Copepoda (oar-footed crustaceans) or Daphnia (water fleas) or from microbes in the form of rotifers or protozoa, the method being characterized in that the crustacean/microbe cultures are fed at least partially with vinasse, preferably thin vinasse, in particular from bioethanol production, and with yeasts contained in the vinasse. At the same time, a method for processing vinasse is provided, the method accordingly being characterized in that the vinasse is used as feed for crustacean/microbe cultures and/or for algae cultures in order to at least partially decompose the yeasts contained in the vinasse.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for heating or cooling viscous materials such as meat emulsions useful for producing food and other products. The devices include a heat exchanger comprising a first plate, a second plate attached to the first plate, and a first spacer and a second spacer arranged between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate, the second plate, the first spacer, and the second spacer define at least one temperature controlled passage for a product to pass through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A containing assembly for a food product for use as a culinary tool to assist in preventing thermal injury to a user while inserting and retrieving the food product from a toaster slot, the assembly including a support assembly defining a basket for receiving and retaining the food product, and having a support frame with a u-shaped bar with two side bars and a base bar and two articulating side walls coupled to the bottom of the support frame, the rotatable side wall rotates about an axis proximate the bottom of the support frame. A stop restricts the outward rotation of the rotatable side wall at a predefined open position. A handle is fixedly coupled to one of the two side bars of the support frame and configured for inserting and retrieving the support assembly from the toaster slot with a single user hand.

Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid consumer food products such as ice creams, whipped cream, yogurt and the like comprises a container for a basic product of the consumer food product, a feed and treatment circuit for the basic product, comprising a feed pump, dispensing means positioned at an outfeed end of the feed and treatment circuit, and a device for checking the bacterial load of the product during production/dispensing; an electronic control unit controlling and regulating the various steps for measuring the bacterial load.

Abstract: A method for heating a food item includes providing a structure for supporting a food item, a heater capable of heating the structure and the food item, a sensor for sensing a temperature of at least one of the structure and the food item, and a controller for controlling the operation of the heater. The sensor senses the temperature of at least one of the structure and the food item. In one embodiment, the heater is operated on a rethermalization cycle to raise the temperature sensed by the sensor to a cook temperature. The rethermalization cycle may be initiated manually or automatically upon the temperature sensed by the sensor falling below a lower limit temperature. The heater is operated to cook the food item on a cook duty cycle as a function of the temperature sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: Emulsifying salt-free processed cheese products as well as methods of preparing emulsifying salt-free processed cheese products are provided. The emulsifying salt-free processed cheese products are prepared with modified starch containing amylopectin and substantially no amylase and without emulsifying salts. The emulsifying salt-free processed cheese products are advantageously resistant to separation during heating and retain desirable organoleptic properties, such as texture and flavor, without using emulsifying salts.

Abstract: A can cooker includes a main body that is generally cylindrical in shape having a bottom portion, wall portion, neck portion, and lid ring. The bottom portion, wall portion, and neck portion may be integrally formed and connected to one another. A lid is sized and shaped to fit within a part of the neck portion. The lid includes an outer lip that engaged with lid ring on the main body in such a way that a seal is formed between the lid ring and the outer lip. The lid is secured to the main body through a plurality of latches. Handles may be placed on the exterior surface of the lid and main body to ease use and transportation of the can cooker.

Abstract: A method for deep-frying foods in which the foods to be deep-fried are delivered to hot oil or fat and transported out of the hot oil after a predetermined residence time, wherein a steam zone with superheated steam is generated above a free surface of the oil, which shields the oil from the ambient air, and from which a flow of steam corresponding to an amount of water evaporating from the deep-fried foods is withdrawn.

Abstract: Apparatus manufactures thin confectionery products with uniform shapes and has first and second drying apparatuses between shape cutting and baking apparatuses for adjusting water content of raw dough pieces. The first drying apparatus has upper and lower levels, the upper level having conveyor belts at plural stages for transporting the dough pieces under hot air atmosphere and the lower level having conveyor belt for cooling, and conveyor belt for maturing the cooled pieces. The second drying apparatus has atmosphere at lower temperature than the first drying apparatus and plural rotary drums each having an inlet and an outlet and being rotatably mounted in the second apparatus. A chute transports the raw dough pieces from uppermost to lowermost ones of the rotary drums.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously searing and/or branding the surface of and continuously cooking a food product wherein the cooking oven is different from the searing and/or branding apparatus. At least a portion of the vapor product produced in the searing and/or branding apparatus is preferably delivered into the oven such that the food product is cooked in an environment comprising the vapor product from the searing and/or branding apparatus. The vapor extraction rate from the searing and/or branding apparatus is also preferably controlled to maintain a desired vapor product temperature in or flowing from the searing and/or branding apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for efficiently improving emulsifying ability of gum arabic, in other words, a method for producing gum arabic with excellent emulsifying ability. Further, the present invention provides a method by which a gum arabic modified so as to have a high emulsifying ability can be obtained without involving the problem of forming syrupy masses or sticking to the vessel or the trouble of excessive dehydration or charring. The above-described methods can be carried out by heating gum arabic (unmodified) under dry conditions. Preferably, the method is carried out by heating gum arabic in such a manner that the loss-on-drying is not more than 3%.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a process for the manufacture of roasted cocoa nibs. It is further directed to processes of producing cocoa liquor and cocoa powder from the roasted cocoa nibs.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing a roasted coffee bean extract suppressed in bitterness by selectively reducing the content of chlorogenic acid lactones while maintaining the content of chlorogenic acids and having taste and flavor intrinsic to the roasted coffee bean extract. The process for producing a roasted coffee bean extract includes adjusting a raw-material roasted coffee bean extract so as to have a Brix degree of from 10 to 40 and a pH of from 5.5 to 6.5, and treating the extract with heat at 100° C. or more.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a technique of producing an ultra-concentrated liquid coffee that is shelf-stable at ambient temperature without the need for refrigeration or freezing. This invention further relates to a process for manufacturing ultra-concentrated stabilized liquid coffee with enhanced freshness, aroma and flavor retention without acidity or bitterness.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel organic peanut butter formulation and method for production. The peanut butter includes an organic, non-hydrogenated palm stearin oil stabilizing agent that reduces or prevents separation of oils from the peanut butter during storage. Peanut butter incorporating the palm oil, methods for manufacturing the peanut butter, and foods incorporating the peanut butter are also disclosed.

Abstract: A food cutting and display tray comprising a tray body with a plurality of V-shaped cutting grooves formed in a first or second planar surface and radiate from a center point; a circular edge that defines the boundary of said planar surfaces; a gripping groove running about the circumference located between about 0.25?-1? from said edge; at least one circular centering groove concentric about the center point; and wherein said gripping groove is in a shape selected from a series of discontinuous arc segments, and a continuous circle; wherein the plurality of cutting grooves guide a cutting tool along the grooves to cut a food item into substantially identical, equally-sized segments; wherein the tray material comprises food safe and/or NSF-approved materials that will withstand temperatures up to about 350° F.; and wherein the plurality of cutting grooves facilitate the emphasis, when displayed, that the slices are of equal size.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed to manufacture a plurality of edible pieces in a continuous process where each piece is generally different in thickness, shape, size and/or texture from another piece, so as to create, in the aggregate product distribution, pieces of randomly varying thickness, size, shape and/or texture.

Abstract: A coffee bean roasting machine of the type having a cyclone separator heating chamber and a coffee bean roasting chamber in a recirculating process stream driven by a recirculation fan is operated to air cool the roasted coffee beans in the roasting chamber, to a temperature beneath which the beans give off smoke, while at the same time incinerating smoke removed from the roasting chamber. A purge gate in ducting between the cyclone separator and the roasting chamber is opened to allow the flow of ambient air into and through the roasting chamber while blocking flow out of the cyclone separator, so that ambient air is directed through the roasting chamber. The smoke and any airborne particulate material from the roasting chamber are carried into the heating chamber and through the incineration tube, where they are incinerated. Preferably the system and process are operated automatically by a computer and programming.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for pasteurizing a liquid product by heating it to a pasteurization temperature which results in any product-harming microorganisms being killed and by maintaining the product at this temperature in a treatment chamber over a holding time.

Abstract: Thermally convertible food presentation modules are described. A single module may be used for both heating and refrigeration of foodstuffs as desired at any given time. Any well of a module may be switched between heating and cooling of food regardless of the status of any other well of the module.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a combined process for generating steam in a steam-baking oven. The oven (2) comprises a baking chamber (3) containing at least one air heating element (10) and at least one fan (4) to keep the air moving inside the baking chamber (3); the oven (2) is associated with a steam generator (5) and is connected to a water supply (6). The combined process includes a saturation step, in which the steam generator (5) is activated until a substantial steam saturation is obtained in the baking chamber (3), and a spraying step in which the steam generator (5) is deactivated and the steam is produced by spraying water onto the heating elements (10); the steam generator (5) is temporarily and periodically activated during the spraying step to keep the steam quality substantially constant.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to food, pet food and feed products, particularly to the production of a meat product made from a minced and/or emulsified mixture, having a meatlike appearance and texture and products so produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and products made thereby, wherein a pre-expanded constituent, including an edible constituent, is thermally treated to melt it, preferably in a dynamic process environment, to produce products ranging from high to quite low densities and from very strong to soft to apparently dry textures. The wide range of textures enables the provision of food products such as low calorie, digestible and safe, long duration pet food chews. Non-food products suitable for use in manufacture may also be produced. Cooking is preferably carried in an extruder, preferably at low moisture or in the total absence of added water. The methods of dynamic cooking reduce cost in a number of ways including but not limited to decreased process steps, increased throughput, decreased capital expenses and decreased raw product cost.

Abstract: The deliberate release of odorants or aroma substances is desirable in many fields of application, and in particular in the field of washing and cleaning agents. Said deliberate release is achieved by using an odorant composition that comprises an odorant precursor, which is an allyl ether of the formula (I), R1R2C?CR3—CR4R5—O—CHR6R7, in which the residues R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 mutually independently denote H or a hydrocarbon residue that can be acyclic or cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched, as well as saturated or unsaturated. Thus, in particular odorants in the form of an alkene having an allylic hydrogen atom, such as ?-pinene, can be released in a deliberate manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polynucleotide sequences comprising genes that encode novel lipolytic enzymes, as well as functional equivalents of the gene or the amino acid sequences with high homology thereto. The invention also relates to methods of using these lipolytic enzymes in industrial processes, for example in the dairy or baking industry.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for the continuous dissolution of e.g. crystalline astaxanthin or canthaxanthin suspension in oil, by applying heat for a predetermined period using an in-line or optionally batch wise-process, followed by cooling the heated solution with an oil phase or heat exchanger. The resulting oil solution may be used as such or added directly to feed components which are turned into feed compositions by extrusion, compaction or granulation. Alternatively the oil solution is spray coated or directly loaded to extruded or compacted pellets and granulates. The disclosure avoids using formulated carotenoids prepared by known multi-step production methods requiring solvents, solvent removal, cooling and emulsification with an aqueous phase or precipitation and recovery steps.

Abstract: A food holding cabinet having at least one heating chamber for holding at least one food tray therein, the cabinet comprising: a housing that defines the heating chamber and a heating chamber opening for access to the heating chamber, wherein the heating chamber comprises an top portion, front portion, a rear portion, and at least one tray location for receiving a food tray; a jet plate including a plurality of apertures, the jet plate is disposed between the heating chamber and an upper plenum, wherein the upper plenum is formed between an upper surface of the jet plate and a lower surface of the top portion of the heating chamber; and a blower positioned to provide heated gas into the upper plenum, wherein the gas exits the upper plenum through the apertures into the heating chamber such that it is direct substantially toward the food tray.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing roasted coffee beans, which are useful as a starting material for a coffee beverage having a suppressed unpleasant taste and have a roast degree within a predetermined level or less. The process for producing roasted coffee beans of the present invention comprises placing starting material roasted coffee beans having an L value of from 21 to 50 in an airtight container and subjecting the roasted coffee beans to a heat treatment at from 100 to 160° C.

Abstract: A dehydrated avocado in pieces that is a semi-porous, rigid and fragile solid preserving the organoleptic properties of the fresh fruit and having a dry base weight chemical composition of 17.6 grams to 30.4 grams of carbohydrates, 6.8 grams to 8.4 grams of proteins, 61.2 grams to 69.2 grams of oil, 0.5 grams to 1.5 grams of water and 5.6 grams to 8.4 grams of fiber is produced selecting the avocado at a ripeness level higher than the climacteric maximum; pre-cooling; scalding; cutting the tip, wherein the tip is the section of the fruit immediately behind the petiole; removing the skin; slicing with the pit included; applying vacuum and microwave dehydration; and removing the pit sections from the slices.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed comprising at least one acid and at least one sugar for use as an additive for animal feed products. The composition may be used as an alternative to molasses and other sweeteners within the animal feed. The composition disclosed herein may be prepared from discarded and surplus food products. A process for preparing the disclosed composition is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food cooking control method and device. The method includes the following steps in which: at least one temperature detection device is inserted into a food; a final equilibrium temperature is defined; the detection device is positioned inside the food in a pre-determined detection zone so that a temperature (TC) can be obtained at all times during cooking; the TC temperature data obtained are processed using the detection device; the temperature of the surface through which the food receives heat (TP) is determined and processed and the variation in temperature TC is evaluated at least to the first derivative. The device includes a detection device intended to be inserted into the food, a device for determining the thickness of the food and a device for inserting the detection device into the food to a pre-determined depth.

Abstract: The disclosure is a method of operating a commercial cooking equipment, in particular a hot-air steamer or fan oven, comprising the following method steps: a) selecting a product requiring cooking having an assigned cooking program or selecting at least one cooking parameter having assigned selectable products; b) loading the cooking equipment with a selected product; c) starting the associated cooking program; d) displaying the name of the program and at least the remaining cooking time; e) associating in automated manner further products or cooking programs that fit in with the cooking program of the first selected product in dependence on cooking parameters, in particular, the cooking temperature and/or the cooking humidity and/or the fan speed; f) displaying the selectable products or selectable cooking programs; g) selecting, on demand, a further product which matches the first product in accordance with the associating process; h) loading the cooking equipment with the further product; i) starting the

Abstract: The invention provides fried-chunk food compositions comprising (1) food chunks that have been fried in oil at a temperature of from about 110 to 205° C. to produce fried food chunks having a moisture content of about 16% and an Aw of about 0.7 and (2) from about 5 to about 35% plasticizer applied to the fried food chunks, wherein the fried food chunks with applied plasticizer have a moisture content of about 12% or less and an Aw of about 0.65 or less. The compositions are made without using preservatives, have a desirable texture and appealing meat-like appearance, and are shelf-stable and therefore do not spoil due to unwanted microbial growth.

Abstract: A peanut food product with reduced levels of allergenic protein Ala h1 is produced by initiating the germination process in raw peanuts, holding the peanuts in moist conditions for a period of time, typically something like 48 hours, roasting the peanuts, and then performing an assay for Ala h1 to verify that a reduced level has been achieved.

Abstract: A heat retentive server includes a chamber defined between an upper shell and a lower shell that are connected to one another. An induction-heatable member is positioned in the chamber, and the induction-heatable member may be heated by electromagnetic induction to a first temperature that is greater than the heat deflection temperature of the upper shell. Buffering material is positioned in the chamber between the induction-heatable member and the upper shell, and the buffering material is adapted for providing predetermined conductive heat transfer from the induction-heatable member to the upper shell so that at least a portion of the upper shell is heated to a second temperature that is greater than the heat deflection temperature of the upper shell. The second temperature is less than the first temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal preservation (sterilization) of heterogeneous and multiphase foods and biomaterials in order to achieve their shelf stability at ambient level temperatures. Flowing heterogeneous, multiphase foods and biomaterials are exposed to single or multiple stages of electromagnetic energy under continuous flow conditions within conduits passing through the electromagnetic energy exposure chambers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing citrus snacks. In this method, citrus fruits are sliced in a natural state and dried under reduced pressure so that the citrus fruits may be dried while containing the same nutrients as when fresh, thereby avoiding nutritional damage due to high temperature drying. Further, the citrus fruits containing various nutrients are provided to users in a snack form that allows more convenient ingestion, so that the citrus fruits may be easily ingested by children and the elderly to whom the supply of nutrition is essential.

Abstract: The invention generally provides novel no-bake grain products and methods of preparation of the same. Specifically a no-bake food product with a toasted appearance and flavor and a method of providing a toasted appearance and flavor to a no-bake food product. The no-bake food product includes granola bars, clusters, cereal, instant hot cereal and snacks.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sweetening composition may include providing a stevia extract and heating the extract under acidic conditions. Treatment may subject the stevia extract to conditions sufficient to alter the glycoside composition of the extract, suppress bitter aftertastes, or provide a sweetening composition with a taste profile similar to that of sucrose sugar.

Abstract: A method and system for forming a beverage mixture comprising protein is disclosed. The method comprises heating the beverage in a heat exchanger, transferring the beverage to a hold loop located outside of the heat exchanger, and denaturizing the protein within the hold loop for a residence time, after the beverage is heated in the heat exchanger such that the denaturizing occurs outside of the heat exchanger to prevent fouling of the heat exchanger. The system comprises a beverage forming tank, a heat exchanger for heating the beverage, and a first hold loop separate from the heat exchanger, which is configured to hold the beverage for a residence time to denaturize a protein in the beverage.

Abstract: A processing machine for soybeans and soybean-embryos is provided, with improved efficiency in the deodorizing and drying processes and the capability to perform a deactivating process in a stable manner. A closed container is divided into individual sections by partitions. In each section, the temperature conditions for the deodorizing and drying processes can be independently determined, so that these processes can be performed within the same closed container and yet at different temperatures. A space is provided above a screw conveyer within the closed container. A heater is wound around the closed container so that the temperature can be freely regulated.

Abstract: In order to specify a device (1) and a method for the micro-particulation of filtration residues comprising a mechanical treatment and a heat treatment, in particular of whey proteins in ultra-filtration whey concentrates, which in each case permit a particularly high yield of particles in a preselectable size range in a manner which spares resources, it is suggested to provide a separate heat treatment device (5) as well as a separate mechanical treatment device (9) or for the heat treatment and the mechanical treatment to be carried out separately from one another with respect to space and time.

Abstract: A method of making a gelled composition that includes combining water and an effervescent tablet in a vessel, the effervescent tablet including at least 200 mg gelatin and an effervescent couple that includes an acid and a base, heating an aqueous composition (e.g., in a microwave oven), optionally adding cold water to the heated composition, and chilling the composition for a period sufficient for the composition to form a gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stable beverage comprising at least one texture component selected from the group consisting of unhomogenised vegetable puree, fruit pulp and fruit puree, optionally unhomogenised vegetable juice and/or fruit juice, optionally homogenised vegetable material and/or fruit material, and a plant sterol ester and/or plant stanol ester in an amount of from 0.2 to 25% by weight of the beverage. Additionally the invention relates to a method for preparing the stable beverage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing baked goods and a mold apparatus having a cavity in a desired shape for use in said method, the mold apparatus comprising a gap that allows for venting of vapor produced during heating or baking of a mixture in the mold apparatus but does not allow any significant amount of the mixture to escape from the cavity of the mold apparatus via the gaps.

Abstract: Provided herein are salts for use in food products having the formula: MgCl2.xKCl.yNH4Cl.zH2O, wherein x+y is about 1, wherein x is greater than or equal to zero and less than 1, wherein y is greater than zero and less than or equal to 1, and wherein z is from about 4 to about 6.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of prophylactic and/or therapeutic uses of a puree preparation from Carica papaya fruit, said puree prepared by a method comprising cooking the fruit for at least 30 minutes at normal pressure, optionally in an aqueous solution which is at least twice the volume of the fruit; cooling the cooked fruit over a period of time of at least 30 minutes in an oxygen-containing atmosphere; and homogenizing the cooled fruit to obtain a puree.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making shaped bread snacks comprising the steps of grinding baked dough material having a water activity of 0.85 to 0.99 into crumbs, optionally mixing the crumbs with small amounts of common food ingredients, heating the crumbs or the crumb mixture to a temperature in the range of about 70° C. to 80° C. and readjusting the water activity to about the value of the original baked dough material, hot moulding the crumbs or crumb mixture to a snack carrier of any desired shape, filling the snack carrier with a sweet, savory or any other filling, and packaging the obtained shaped bread snack and to the shaped bread snacks obtainable by this process.