Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing at least pasteurized hydrated emulsifier compositions. The methods for preparing an aseptic hydrated emulsifier comprise the steps of: A. Preparing a hydrated emulsifier blend of lactylated mono- and di-glycerides; B. Treating the hydrated blend to at least pasteurize the blend to form an at least pasteurized hydrated emulsifier blend; and, C. Cooling the at least pasteurized hydrated emulsified blend to refrigerator temperatures forming a cooled pasteurized hydrated emulsifier blend. The hydrated emulsifier described herein is also useful in the aeration of food products such as yogurt, other refrigerated milk products, ready-to-spread frostings, fermented and unfermented soy, rice and nut milk products, beverages, and whipped toppings.

Abstract: A health food processing process, in which inflated germinated rice is ground into rice powder and mixed with a high-concentration probiotic fluid, and then the mixture is fermented and dried in a refrigerated air dryer, forming a dried fermented health food containing natural eatable fibers, GABA, IP6 and probiotic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of making processed cheese, especially mozzarella type cheese, comprising the steps of A) preparing a blend comprising young low-sodium-chloride cheese, hydrocolloids, and emulsifying salts, B) cooking the blend as obtained in step A to create a fibrous structure, and C) holding the fibrous structure as obtained in step B at an elevated temperature, wherein sodium chloride is added immediately before or during step C. According to another aspect, the instant invention relates to processed cheese obtainable by the above method, especially individually-wrapped cheese in slices.

Abstract: The present invention provides yellow tomato plants producing fruit suitable for processing.

Abstract: The present invention describes processes that incorporate ionic gums into wheyless cream cheese to reinforce curd structure, thus increasing product firmness. The processes involve adding a relatively small (e.g., about 0.005 to about 0.1 percent) but effective amount of the ionic gum (e.g., xanthan, gellan, carrageenan, alginate gums, low methoxy pectin, or mixtures thereof) before a fermentation step, preferably prior to initial homogenization/heating steps, to provide ionic gum-dairy protein interaction without causing coacervation with protein. In certain preferred embodiments, xanthan gum is used due to its cold water solubility, consistent composition, availability, and low cost.

Abstract: A method for preparing processed cheese containing significant levels of soy protein which possesses all of the melt, firmness, and flavor characteristics of regular processed cheese is provided. The method utilizes one or more emulsions containing dairy ingredients and a soy protein ingredient. The emulsion(s) are blended with natural cheese, and heated in the presence of emulsifying salts to form a homogeneous, pumpable fluid cheese material that may be formed into sheets, slices or other desired forms. Preferred sources of soy protein include soy protein concentrates and soy protein isolates. Process cheese products containing between about 9 to about 12 percent soy protein may be obtained.

Abstract: Acidic protein foods employing pectin which has been low-molecularized to a viscosity of no greater than 150 mPa·s as a stabilizer for the acidic protein foods, wherein the pectin is added at greater than 0.4 wt % to the acidic protein foods. It is possible to achieve a wider stable pH range and improvement in palatable texture due to lower viscosity of the products.

Abstract: A freestanding cover for a food tray has a flange section and a support section extending downwardly from the flange section. The support section supports the cover independently of the tray, with the flange section positioned above the tray opening. The freestanding is inserted into a heated compartment in a food warming cabinet and is supported on a shelf mounted in the food warming cabinet. A retainer provided on the cover engages the shelf to prevent the cover from moving forward or backward. With the retainer so engaged, a tray containing previously cooked food portions may be inserted into and removed from a receiving space in the cover, leaving the cover inside of the compartment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a lactose-free milk which does not confer a sweet taste to the milk normally resulting from the hydrolysis of lactose into monosaccharides. The process comprises the step of reducing the lactose content of the milk to about 3% prior to hydrolysis with lactase. When the milk is skimmed milk, the protein content may be increased to about 3.8-4.0% or greater, which further improves the organoleptic properties of the milk. Milk so processed and dairy products derived therefrom are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A freestanding cover for a food tray has a flange section and a support section extending downwardly from the flange section. The support section supports the cover independently of the tray, with the flange section positioned above the tray opening. The freestanding cover is inserted into a heated compartment in a food warming cabinet and is supported on a retaining mechanism positioned on the shelf of the food warming cabinet. The retaining mechanism, in the form of a wire rack, prevents the cover from moving forward or backward. With the cover retained by the wire rack, a tray containing previously cooked food portions may be inserted into and removed from a receiving space in the cover, leaving the cover inside of the compartment.

Abstract: A barbecue sauce is provided containing a mixture of vinegar, lemon juice, sage, red pepper, paprika, black pepper, white pepper, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, margarine, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic salt, onion salt, seasoning salt, meat tenderizer, tomato sauce and ketchup.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the processing of oil-producing drupes, notably olives, is described comprising at least one device (20, 24) for the processing of whole drupes which effects a physical destructuring with incipient detachment of the drupe pulp from the skins and stones, under conditions which substantially avoid the oxidation mainly of the pulp's natural antioxidants; at least one device (42, 52; 110; 120, 124, 130, 134, 160, 170) for the physical separation and recovery (at 100) of the pulp essentially devoid of stones and advantageously skins, and (at 92, 96, 110) of the stones essentially devoid of pulp, advantageously with the skins, ly under conditions which substantially avoid oxidation; and at least one device (160, 170, 172, 174) for the separation and recovery of the pulp oil essentially devoid of stone oil and containing the pulp's natural antioxidants, thereby improving the purity and oxidation resistance of the pulp oil.

Abstract: A method of preparing a partially thermal treated dough intermediate which has reduced tendency to adhere to the processing apparatus is disclosed. The dough intermediate is thermal treated to create a temporary impermeable barrier on each of the layers of the intermediate.

Abstract: A method of maintaining temperature of a hot beverage in an urn with a self-heating urn (10) provided with heat packs (18) that are rapidly heated during the brewing process and then gradually release their heat to the brewed beverage within the urn after it is removed from the brewing location to a serving location at which electrical powered for heating is not available. The heat packs (18) are formed of ceramic materials, high density liquids, PCM's or the like which are capable of being rapidly heated during the brewing process but then gradually release their heat to the beverage in the urn. Alternatively, the warmer packs (18) are removably mounted within a compartment (68) within the self-heating urn (10) and are heated apart from the brewing process and then inserted into the self-heating urn (10) when it is moved to a serving location.

Abstract: Acrylamide formation in a food material can be suppressed by water-blanching the food material at a suitable temperature for a sufficient period of time as specified herein, or by treating the food material with an acrylamide-formation suppressing agent disclosed herein. In the water-blanching method, suitable blanching temperatures range from about 45° C. to about 78° C., and suitable blanching time is a time period of over 4 minutes. The acrylamide-formation suppressing agent that can employed to suppress acrylamide formation include a multivalent cation, a chelating compound, a carbonyl group blocker, and a combination of any of the foregoing. The water-blanching method is applicable to food materials having essentially intact cellular and tissue structures. The method employing an acrylamide-formation suppressing agent applies to all food materials either with or without intact cellular and tissue structures.

Abstract: This invention seeks to provide an all-purpose food material which can be mixed in various kinds of foods, specifically in a cheese-like food in large quantities without limitation. The food material is produced by subjecting a processed cheese-like food to heating and melting treatment at at least 120° C.

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

Abstract: A soft candy having superior softness when initially chewed and is resistant to adhering to the teeth and the method of preparing a soft candy is described. The soft candy comprises blending at least saccharide, vegetable oil and emulsifier, fine sucrose crystals having a crystal size of less than 30 microns which provides a confectionery product having an initial chewing ease of 5,000 to 23,000 g.s and/or teeth adherence of 100-1500 g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for converting liquid products from the cheese making or casein producing industry into substantially free-flowing powdery products, by heating the liquid product to a temperature above the crystallisation temperature of any component in the liquid product in a heat exchanger, flash separating volatile components from said heated liquid product to obtain a paste concentrate, and spray drying said paste to obtain a free flowing powder. By the present method it has been found that it is possible to substantially avoid formation of crystals before atomization and thereby on the one hand render atomization possible. Secondly it has been found that the crystallisation process according to the present method takes place in the spray dryer during the drying process and probably during the conditioning /cooling in the fluid bed. This means that there is no need for crystallisation tanks and for heavy-duty mixers.

Abstract: A pet treat in a sealed container. The treat is in the form of one or more pieces of a formulated food product. Each piece has a fried body of a thermally gelled matrix containing protein and starch. Further, each piece has a moisture content of above about 25 % by weight. The pet treat may be retorted. If not retorted, it may include a preservative and preferably have a reduced pH. The non-retorted treat pieces are provided in a sealed container comprising a pouch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a concentrate of denatured whey protein aggregate preferably having a mean aggregate size (median) of between 1 and 4 &mgr;m. Said method consists of the following steps: a) an aqueous solution enriched to a maximum protein content of 4% by weight, containing whey protein and having a pH of between 5.0 and 7.0 is thermally denatured to [≦80%] ≦90%, in relation to the protein content, under substantially non-shear conditions at a temperature of between 75 and 150° C. and by means of a holding period; and b) the resulting product is concentrated, preferably to a denatured whey protein concentration of between 5 and 20%.

Abstract: The water holding capacity of meat is improved by agitating the meat at an alleged temperature with the processing solution and by maintaining the agitation temperature with precision. A preferred temperature is in the range of 45° to 60° F. and the agitation is preferably a massaging action after injection of the liquid into the meat. The heating or agitation at the elevated temperature can be carried out in one vessel while the subsequent cooling is carried out in at least one second vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of changing a material property of an energy food product or intermediary of the energy food product prior to treatment by a unit operation during manufacturing. The method comprises the steps of: providing the energy food product or the intermediary, wherein the energy food product or the intermediary has at least one material property that changes upon experiencing an effective temperature change during manufacturing; changing the temperature of the energy food product or the intermediary by an amount effective to cause at least one desired material property change; and, optionally, transporting the energy food product or the intermediary to the unit operation.

Abstract: Mass production food processing methods, systems, and apparatus with increased capacity over conventional design are configured to direct food to travel serially over side-by-side travel paths so as to travel a plurality of revolutions about a tier or level in a vertically stacked food processing unit before moving to the next tier.

Abstract: The invention involves a process and a device for manufacturing a raw liquid confection mixture, whereby sugar containing dry components and liquid components are supplied from out of a dosing device into a mixing device. The mixing device involves a shearing mixer in which the components are stirred intensively by a rotor so that they liquefy due to the frictional heat that results in the process. In the process, only a very small water content is necessary such that dissolving the sugar-containing dry components in water, followed by the subsequent drawing off of water, as was the customary practice until now, is rendered unnecessary.

Abstract: An improved coating apparatus and an improved method of coating a mass of centers are disclosed. The improved coating apparatus comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the surface of the coated centers and/or a moisture sensor for measuring the moisture content of the surface of the coated centers. The improved method comprises drying coated centers by measuring the temperature of the surface of the coated centers in the mass using the temperature sensor and adjusting the temperature of the drying gas to maintain the surface temperature of the coated centers at a predetermined temperature and drying the coated centers until the moisture content of the surface of the coated centers is about 0% to about 30% water, by weight. Advantageously, the surface temperature and/or surface moisture measurements are conducted during the coating processing of the centers, while the centers are in the coating apparatus or during drying of the centers.

Abstract: A process and product is taught for producing vitreous molten mass from sweeteners by means of an extruder, in particular a double screw extruder. The sweetener is introduced into an inlet zone of the extruder, is extruded in a melting zone at an increased temperature, in a vacuum zone at a reduced pressure and increased temperature, and finally in a cooling zone at a reduced temperature, forming a vitreous molten mass.

Abstract: The invention provides a treating method of forming a protection layer having strong abrasion resistance and oxidation resistance and having a thickness of micron order of a surface of a polished grain or a processed granular material obtained by kneading and solidifying a starch so as to make it hard to be changed in quality, thereby improving a storage capacity for a long time. Further, the invention provides a treating method of forming a fine particulate starch attached to the grain or the granular material into a paste state so as to combine with the protection layer. The surface treating method has a step of applying a high humidity hot wind to the polished grain or the granular material so as to heat a surface layer portion, a step of forming a starch in the heated portion into a paste state and further making the starch into an alpha state, and a step of cooling and forming a fine layer of the alpha starch on the surface portion.

Abstract: A coating composition containing an emulsion polymer prepared with up to about 20% by weight, based on total polymerizable monomers, of addition polymerizable esters of the glycidyl esters of tertiary acids having 9 or more carbon atoms, preferably up to 18 carbon atoms, and particularly having 9 to 11 carbon atoms has improved application properties and produces coatings with better appearance and less water sensitivity. The emulsion polymerization process of the invention produces less coagulum without having to increase the amount of surfactant.

Abstract: A dual-voltage, energy saving, electric pressure cooker is designed with a thermally insulated cooking pot, spaced-apart support members on the bottom of the pot to prevent food from sticking to the bottom, a unique, hinged, sauce-pan style handle for sealing and unsealing the pot using one hand, a built-in modem that supports the remote operation of manual or preprogrammed cooking controls by telephone or computer. The energy saving is accomplished in a two-mode pressure cooking process. Cooking mode one is active heating or steaming for a short, but controlled period of time, as the liquid inside the pot reaches a temperature of approximately 120° C. (250° F.). Heating is then discontinued and foodstuffs are subsequently cooked to perfection in a second cooking mode wherein latent heat from the first cooking mode completes the cooking process without additional heat being added.

Abstract: The temperature sensitive differential of solubilities of various isoflavone fractions is used to initially separate the fractions, preferably by heating an aqueous soy molasses or soy whey feed stream. The temperature of the feed stream is selected according to the temperature at which a desired isoflavone fraction or fractions become soluble. Then, the heated feed stream is passed through an ultrafiltration membrane in order to concentrate the isoflavones. The feed stream is put through a resin adsorption process. The isoflavone fractions are treated with either reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration (or both) to complete a solvent removal and to achieve a higher isoflavone concentration in the end product. Then, the feed stream is dried, preferably by spray drying, to produce dry particles.

Abstract: A food additive composition in a ground particulate composition containing multiple vitamins, calcium citrate, sugar, minerals, herbs, at least 70% to 80% by volume of different types of grains, 10%-20% by volume of beans, berries, and cloves. Two different compositions containing dried (1) vegetables and (2) fruits are formulated, and the nutritious and flavorful additive compositions can be added to food being cooked or while eating out.

Abstract: The present invention has an object which is not to allow a characteristic discomfort smell to generate in processing brassicaceous vegetables typical of cabbages. According to the present invention are provided processes in which after pretreatment of loosening whole vegetables, heat treatment is carried out by directly applying steam to them in such a manner that the temperature of the vegetables is allowed to maintain in the range of about 80 to 95° C., followed by subsequent chopping and squeezing steps. The heat treatment can result in deactivating enzymes causing a discomfort smell, and the activation of enzymes can be suppressed also during the chopping and squeezing steps, and consequently no formation of a nasty smell characteristic of brassicaceous vegetables can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chewy confectionery product, preferably a chewy sweet product, and to methods for making such products. The chewy confectionery product contains oxidized starch, optionally in combination with a gum such as gum arabic, as a replacement for at least a part and preferably all of the gelatin in the product. The chewy confectionery product has the property of providing a long-lasting cohesive chew.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing skins from a food product (11), such as produce or fruit, including a pressure vessel (14) formed to contain a volume of superheated water (41) for immersion of the food product, a discharge valve (51) positioned for receipt of superheated water (41) and food product (11) together from the pressure vessel (14). The discharge valve (51) is further formed for separation of superheated water (41) from the food product (11) prior to discharge of the food product into a skin removal device (61). Preferably the skin removal device (61) is a rotary valve which applies both steam and vacuum to the food product to effect flashing of the moisture under the loosened skins to produce peeling. A retrofittable discharge valve (51) is disclosed, as is a method for removing skins from food product (11).

Abstract: A bread toaster comprising a housing and at least one slot opening for receiving an article to be toasted. The bread is progressively traversed by a linear heat source in a pair of passes. A first pass is at a rate which is sufficient to drive moisture from at least the surface of the bread, but which is insufficient to significantly darken the bread. A second pass is at a rate which is sufficient to darken and toast the surface to a desired degree.

Abstract: A food additive composition in an all-in-one powder composition containing multiple vitamins, calcium citrate, minerals, herbs, beans, peas, corn, grains, flakes, berries, and cloves. The composition is prepared by forming a mixture of the ground beans, corn and peas with the grains, spices, herbs, and vitamins. The mixture is steamed and baked in an oven. At least three different compositions are formulated and with different degrees of spiciness. The nutritious and flavorful additive composition can be added to food being cooked or while eating out.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming IQF shreds of mozzarella cheese into a bead form and depositing the bead on the periphery of a pizza crust for forming a pizza with a cheese stuffed rim. The IQF shreds are heated and then extruded to form the bead placed on the crust periphery via a high speed extrusion head. Heating and extrusion techniques are disclosed that work the IQF shreds into an extrudable mass or paste that, although lacking the desired stringiness quality, reconstitutes upon baking such that stringiness comparable to more expensive string mozzarella cheese is achieved.

Abstract: A method for making dehydrated, shelf-stable, puffed, rapidly-rehydratable, vegetable or fruit food pieces by puffing and drying moist food pieces (e.g. potato shreds) by conveying them in a bed through an impingement drying zone maintained at substantially atmospheric pressure in which streams of pressurized heated gas in a plurality of spaced fluid conduits exit from the conduits in spaced impinging streams at a velocity in excess of about 1,000 feet per minute are directed against the moist food pieces to cause the pieces to be suspended in a fluidized bed. In one case, the heated gas causes the moisture content of the moist food pieces to be reduced rapidly to puff them into porous pieces which exit the impingement drying zone having a moisture content of at least about 4% with a texture and appearance suitable for use as a rehydratable food piece.

Abstract: Methods of forming reconstituted compositions containing protein and carbohydrate at elevated total solids content are disclosed. The methods of the present invention may be used in the production of confectionery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of starch phosphate esters as an expansion and/or texture aid in food or industrial products. The invention further provides the formulations and improved expanded products containing starch phosphate esters, particularly extruded breakfast cereals and snacks.

Abstract: A novel peanut butter stabilizer, suitable for preventing the separation of oils from peanut butter during storage, is disclosed. The peanut butter stabilizer contains: (a) a substantially completely hydrogenated edible oil fraction having an Iodine Value of less than 10, and (b) a concentrated monoglyceride fraction having an Iodine Value between 15 and 70, wherein the weight ratio of the hydrogenated edible oil fraction (a) to the concentrated monoglyceride fraction (b) is between 9:1 and 1:9. In a preferred embodiment, the peanut butter stabilizer contains (a) substantially completely hydrogenated cottonseed oil having an Iodine Value less than 8, and (b) partially hydrogenated soybean distilled monoglyceride having an Iodine Value between 20 and 60, wherein the weight ratio of the substantially hydrogenated cottonseed oil (a) and the partially hydrogenated soybean distilled monoglyceride (b) is about 3:1.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a rawhide chew toy, comprising: combining a marinade with rawhide; applying vacuum pressure to the combined marinade and rawhide; releasing the vacuum pressure; and allowing the formed rawhide to dry under moderate temperature. In one embodiment, the combined marinade and rawhide are tumbled during the step of applying vacuum pressure. In additional embodiments of the invention, nutrients, such as, vitamins, minerals, dental additives, or herbal remedies, may be added to the marinade.

Abstract: A carton for storing and serving a self-heating meal and a beverage container includes a closable first compartment for storing and heating the meal. The first compartment has a first top wall and a first flap covering a first opening to the first compartment and a first securing means for releasably securing the first flap in a first closed position. The carton includes a second compartment for storing the beverage container and has a hole in a second top wall of the second compartment for holding the beverage container. An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a second flap attached to the second top wall covers a second opening to the second compartment. A third compartment in the carton is disposed between the first and second compartments wherein the third compartment is open along a top side of the carton.

Abstract: A food supplement, either in the form of a snack bar or a beverage, which contains one or more cartilage enhancing supplements is provided. The cartilage supplements include chondroitin, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid. The food supplement may additionally be fortified with cetyl myristoleate. The beverage is a mixture of a juice drink base which may include a water-based fruit flavored juice prepared using a pasteurization process at a relatively high temperature and a cartilage supplement solution which includes a cartilage supplement prepared at a relatively low temperature. The beverage may be carbonated, non-carbonated or concentrated. The preferred cartilage supplement is glucosamine, preferably associated with a counter ion, more preferably as glucosamine HCl.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of preparing starch phosphate monoesters, optionally in the presence of oligosaccharides, having improved reaction efficiency and reduced side reactions. The invention also includes the improved starch phosphate monoester products, characterized by high viscosity and low level of residual salts, their use in food and the enhanced food compositions prepared from them.

Abstract: A freestanding cover for a food tray has a flange section and a support section extending downwardly from the flange section. The support section supports the cover independently of the tray, with the flange section positioned above the tray opening. The freestanding is inserted into a heated compartment in a food warming cabinet and is supported on a shelf mounted in the food warming cabinet. A retainer provided on the cover engages the shelf to prevent the cover from moving forward or backward. With the retainer so engaged, a tray containing previously cooked food portions may be inserted into and removed from a receiving space in the cover, leaving the cover inside of the compartment.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a pulverous preparation having a finely divided carotenoid, retinoid or natural colorant is provided, which process comprises the steps of: a) forming a suspension of the active ingredient in a water-immiscible organic solvent optionally containing an antioxidant and/or an oil; b) feeding the suspension of step a) to a heat exchanger; c) heating the suspension to 100-250° C., whereby the residence time in the heat exchanger is less than 5 sec to provide a solution; d) rapidly mixing the solution of step c) with an aqueous solution of a swellable colloid and optionally a stabilizer such that the resulting mixture is at a temperature in the range of 20-100° C.; e) removing the organic solvent; and f) converting the dispersion of step e) into a pulverous preparation; where steps b) to f) are carried out continuously and in sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting or sterilizing contaminated materials including a first worm screw (15) inside a pretreatment chamber (14) and a second worm screw (17) arranged close to the end of the first worm screw (15) and extending inside a treatment chamber (16). Elements are provided for sealing both ends of the treatment chamber (16) so that an elevated pressure can be maintained in the treatment chamber. Energy can be introduced into the treatment chamber in a controlled manner to supply or produce steam sufficient to create and maintain an elevated pressure and temperature needed to disinfect and/or sterilize the contaminated material. The pretreatment chamber (14) and the treatment chamber (16) are connected to each other by a reversing component (1) having two tube sections (2, 3) which form an angle relative to each other and which are secured to the pretreatment chamber (14) and the treatment chamber (16) by flanges (4, 5).

Abstract: A method of intensifying the flavor of coffee extract is set forth in which coffee extract is heated at a temperature and for a time sufficient to intensify the flavor of the coffee. The heated coffee extract is cooled and preferably dried to produce a soluble coffee product having intensified flavor. The flavor intensity of soluble coffee can be increased without deleteriously altering coffee flavor.