Abstract: A dry mix for preparing a slush beverage. When the dry mix is dissolved in water at a 15% solids level, the liquid has an onset melting point greater than -6.5.degree. C. and a viscosity of less than 10 mPas at 14.7.degree. C. The mix contains at least 2% of water-soluble, low-viscosity hydrocolloid and preferably contains insoluble particles to function as an ice crystal nucleating agent.

Abstract: A formulation of physiologically-effective clear/translucent beverage containing non-gel forming soluble fibre and a soluble salt of calcium and other mineral supplements along with pharmaceutically-active components with organoleptic properties similar to a regular beverage is disclosed. This formulation refers to a powder mix, a liquid concentrate or a ready-to-drink bottled beverage. The powder mix and the liquid concentrate can be diluted with water or other ingestible liquids to reconstitute into the above beverage. The beverage contains food acids as buffering agents to prevent precipitation and enhance solubilization of the metal salts in neutral or weakly alkaline conditions. The drink could contain other nutrients, vitamins, pharmaceutically active ingredients, liposomes and herbal products. The mineral salts can be incorporated into the beverage either by in situ preparation by reaction of the basic metal salts with food acids or by solubilizing the appropriate preformed organic salts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a shelf-stable, pourable fruit product from fresh and processed fruits, fruit purees and fruit juices, as well as the product so produced. The product is produced by a process which intentionally breaks the intact cellular structure of the fruit in order to substantially reduce average fruit particle size and facilitate formation of a complex or matrix of small particles surrounded by fluid. The product so produced has a high level of solid materials but is, due to the very small particle size, essentially free of sedimentation-related problems associated with soluble and suspended solids. The product has a moderate viscosity despite the large solids content and lack of viscosity enhancers, as well as an optimal .degree.Brix without the addition of non-fruit sugar or acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new ice nucleus-forming bacterium strain, Xanthomonas campestris INXC-1 (FERM BP-4191), a process for the cultivation of the new ice nucleus-forming bacterium, an ice nucleus-forming substance containing the ice nucleus-forming bacterium, and the uses of the ice nucleus-forming substance. Further, a method for lyophilizing a food using the strain as an ice nucleus-forming substance is disclosed; wherein the method is carried out by adding the strain to the food, thereby freezing the food, and then vaporizing moisture from the frozen food to effect drying. The food types which may be lyophilized using the method include tea extracts, fruit juices, soy sauce, sauces, drippings, soups fermented soy bean paste and agar.

Abstract: A process for providing a tomato-based product comprising the following steps: a) applying ultra high pressure to a tomato piece, such that polygalacturonase is inactivated and pectinmethylesterase and preferably peroxidase are not inactivated; b) incubating the tomato piece with endogenous pectinmethylesterase to achieve a desired consistency and preferably with peroxidase to achieve a fresh aroma and/or flavour profile; and c) inactivating the pectinmethylesterase and any peroxidase.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved, intermediate moisture sweetened fruit compositions fortified with calcium supplied by calcium phosphate. The fruit compositions comprise: A) about 5 to 65% by weight of fruit solids; B) about 0.1 to 85% of carbohydrates; C) about 180 to 1500 mg/oz total calcium; and D) about 9 to 20% moisture. Also disclosed are methods for the preparation of such fruit products involving forming a concentrated slurry of calcium phosphate having a particle size such that at least 90% are less than 150 .mu.m, forming a wet blend of fruit ingredients, drying the wet blend to 9 to 20% moisture and admixing the dried fruit composition while warm with the slurry to form a dried sweetened calcium composition and forming into desired shaped and sized pieces.

Abstract: Calcium fortified acid beverages. The calcium source is preferably a combination of calcium hydroxide and calcium glycerophosphate and the acidulant is preferably a combination of citric acid and fumaric acid.

Abstract: Preparations are disclosed containing the 3R-3'R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin as a sole detectable isomer, packaged for oral ingestion by humans as a therapeutic drug or nutritional supplement. Zeaxanthin is a yellow carotenoid pigment found in the macula (in the center of the human retina), which helps protect retinal cells against phototoxic damage. The pure R-R stereoisomer can be prepared by fermenting cells, such as Flavobacterium multivorum (ATCC 55238), which do not create any detectable quantity of the undesired and potentially toxic S-S or S-R isomers, and which do not synthesize any other carotenoids. The R-R isomer can be concentrated, in large quantities and at low cost, into a viscous oily fluid containing about 5 to 20% zeaxanthin, by means of a simple solvent extraction process. This oily fluid can be mixed with a carrier such as vegetable oil and enclosed within a digestible capsule, comparable to a conventional capsule containing Vitamin E.

Abstract: A method for growing and preserving nutrients in plant material, particularly wheatgrass, which produces a nutritional supplement for humans and non-human animals having optimally high enzyme, mineral, and trace mineral contents, as well as a minimum protein content of forty percent. The method includes growing the plants in the field, as well as in greenhouses, hydroponically and airponically, or in a lightweight growth medium such as a mixture of sawdust and vermiculite, so that nutrients available to the plants during growth can be controlled. Plants are also watered frequently during growth with commercially available fertilizers or other specially prepared electrolyte nutrient solutions. Both the upper plant tissue and the plant roots can be harvested, and juiced or pressed to separate the plants tissue liquid from the fibrous portion of the plant by use of extractors that will not allow the temperature of the plant juice to exceed 90.degree. Fahrenheit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for use in processing citrus products, and more particularly, the debittering of juices. In particular, the present invention is suited to the debittering of citrus juices. In one preferred embodiment, the citrus juice debittered by the present invention is grapefruit or orange juice. The methods allow for high flow rates which, in turn offer advantages associated with permitting high throughput of juice to be treated.

Abstract: The tendency of solids in fruit juice-containing products, particularly citrus fruit juice-containing products, to separate from the product is greatly reduced or prevented by incorporating relatively small quantities of a stabilizer system containing propylene glycol alginate and sodium carboxymethylcellulose. The stabilizing system is an aqueous slurry of propylene glycol alginate and sodium carboxymethylcellulose. The slurry is incorporated directly into the base for the product which is homogenized, prior to reconstitution with water. This permits effective stabilization of the finished single-strength product using lesser quantities of propylene glycol alginate and sodium carboxymethylcellulose than was heretofore possible.

Abstract: A beverage such as a dilute juice or tea beverage having a stable flavor/cloud emulsion that contains from about 0.005 to about 0.015% xanthan gum, from about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm of a preservative selected from sorbic acid, benzoic acid, alkali metal salts thereof and mixtures thereof, from about 300 ppm to about 3000 ppm of a food grade water soluble polyphosphate, and from about 60 to about 99% by weight of added water having from 0 ppm to about 180 ppm of hardness.

Abstract: A method for processing pulpy fruit puree or pulpy juice or reprocessing traditional evaporative pulpy citrus concentrate into products which do not resemble conventional juices or conventional concentrated juices, and more particularly, a packaged high Brix clarified juice concentrate which is ready to pour at freezer temperatures, to a 100% natural fruit juice produced from the clarified juice concentrate, to a blended reduced bitterness fruit juice product, and to a 100% juice-blend pulpy fruit product. The invention provides novel all-natural juice blends, including a 100% natural fruit juice containing aloe vera. The clarified juice concentrate as ready-to-pour 6+1 concentrates at freezer temperatures above -15.degree. C. In contrast, the traditional 3+1 frozen juice concentrate becomes frozen at common domestic freezer temperatures of -5.degree. to -15.degree. C. and it is inconvenient to pour and to mix with water.

Abstract: A process for producing a highly fresh and juicy fruit flavor is provided. A recovered aroma derived from a fruit juice, which contains a composition containing (E)-2-hexenol, is contacted with cells of Candida boidinii or treated cells of the microorganism to thereby oxidize alcohols and (E)-2-hexenol in the recovered aroma into aldehydes, thus elevating the aldehyde content.

Abstract: A composition of natural and herbal products which may be compounded in dry form into a mixture which is readily soluble in a fluid for ingestion by humans. When digested, the mixture provides users with an energy boost and associated feelings of well being when the mixture is taken as part of a regular regimen to supplement normal nutritional intakes and to supplement any therapeutic processes to which the users may be subject.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing juice or protein emulsion from vegetable and/or its fruit by using a multi-enzyme system to hydrolyze the material. The multi-enzyme system comprises proteases, amylases, pectases, cellulases, hemicellulases and lysozyme, and may further comprise a supplementary enzyme. According to the invention, an ultrasonication may also be employed during the sterilization.

Abstract: An aqueous based beverage is disclosed which also contains sufficient Natamycin and DMDC to prevent spoilage and the outgrowth of pathogenic microbes.

Abstract: A process for the production of a concentrated aroma solution from an aqueous solution containing water-soluble aroma components; for example coffee, tea or fruit aroma components. Soluble solids are added to the aqueous solution to provide a fortified solution. Then the fortified solution is chilled to provide ice and a concentrated aqueous liquid. The concentrated aqueous liquid has a concentration of soluble solids above about 9% by weight and contains water-soluble aroma components. At least a portion of the concentrated aqueous liquid is collected as the concentrated aroma solution. Little or no aroma components and soluble solids are lost in the ice and little or no deterioration of the aroma components occurs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of suppressing and masking the grassy smell and acid taste characteristic of vegetables and fruits, thereby making food and drink more palatable, by adding erythritol to food and drink in their production from vegetables and fruits having a strong grassy smell and acid taste. The thus added erythritol also improves the taste of food and drink without adversely affecting the natural taste of vegetables and fruits and without increasing their sweetness. The method comprises adding to food and drink erythritol in an amount of 0.2 to 3.0 wt % of their weight.

Abstract: Method for production of a fruit or vegetable juice concentrate, the steps including milling of the fruit or vegetables in a fruit or vegetable mill with addition of enzymes, heating of the formed mash, stirring of the heated mash with aeration, pressing of the heated aerated mash, centrifugation of the liquid phase from the press, recovery of aroma components by distillation of the supernatant from the centrifugation, and treatment of the dearomatized supernatant from the centrifugation for final degradation of starch and pectin in a holding tank, the treated dearomatized supernatant from the centrifugation is filtered on an ordinary filter, whereafter the filtrate is concentrated. In relation to this method an ordinary filter is used, which is much cheaper than the hitherto used ultrafiltration equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a flavor having fresh taste and freshness, comprising adding some part of fruit juice to a certain flavor and treating at a pressure of 100 MPa to 400 MPa for 10 seconds and more, and relates to a method for producing an excellent fruit drink having fresh taste and freshness industrially in a simple manner, i.e., by simply adding an extremely small amount of the high-quality flavor of the present invention to fruit juice.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of preparing a beverage in the form of a dilute aqueous solution, suspension or dispersion of an encapsulated product. The capsule is added to a potable liquid, and the capsule material breaks down when submerged in the liquid to release its contents and itself dissolve. A primary advantage of providing the product in this way is that it can be confined within the capsule in liquid form, and can therefore disperse or dissolve in water more readily. Additionally, the capsule would normally sink to the bottom of the body of water before releasing its contents, thereby ensuring that the contents are released within the body of water, and not at the surface thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the pH of acidic foods and beverages, to thereby reduce the tendency of such foodstuffs to cause heartburn and other gastrointestinal distress to the consumer. An acidic food or beverage, such as coffee, is combined with an amount of calcium glycerophosphate (CGP) effective to raise the pH of the food or beverage, preferably by at least about 0.5 pH units, and more preferably to a pH of between about 5.4 and 7.0. Edible compositions including CGP, having a pH of greater than about 5.4 are obtained. The CGP may also be added to acidic foods to remove the biting flavor that such foods have, and thus CGP serves as a flavor modulator. Packages comprising CGP inside a container, where the container may be easily opened to provide a single dose of CGP, are useful in the method and in forming the edible compositions.

Abstract: Method for preparing mineral-enriched citrate compostions for enhancement of fingernail growth. Lemon or lime juice are reacted with the shells of raw fresh eggs to extract minerals such as calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, as well as trace minerals. The enriched citrate composition is particularly useful in enhancing growth of fingernails.

Abstract: A method and device for high-pressure treatment of liquid substances, for example foodstuffs. The substance undergoes a cyclic process whereby a limited amount of the substance during each cycle is pressurized in a pressure intensifier (1) to a predetermined pressure and is then maintained at this pressure for a predetermined period of time. After the substance has been pressurized in the pressure intensifier (1), it is conducted to a pressure chamber (10) while maintaining the predetermined pressure. The substance is further caused to reside in the pressure chamber (10) for the predetermined period of time by being caused to pass over a predetermined distance between an inlet (9a) and an outlet (9b), which are arranged in the pressure chamber (10).

Abstract: A process for preparing a food supplement is disclosed. In the first step of this process, at least two different food materials are juiced either together or separately to provide a juice fraction and a fiber fraction. The juice fraction is dried to produce a powder. The fiber fraction is dried. Thereafter, from about 80 to about 98 parts of the dried juice fraction, from about 1 to about 10 parts of the dried fiber fraction, and from about 1 to about 10 parts of a specified mixture of enzymes is mixed to provide the supplement.

Abstract: A hydroxycitric acid concentrate prepared from Garcinia rind including 23 to 54% by weight free hydroxycitric acid, 6 to 20% by weight lactone of hydroxycitric acid, 0.001 to 8% by weight citric acid, and 32 to 70% by weight water, wherein the free hydroxycitric acid, the lactone of hydroxycitric acid and the citric acid constitute 94 to 99% by weight of total solutes dissolved in the water. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such a concentrate from Garcinia rind, as well as food products containing hydroxycitric acid.

Abstract: Chilled or shelf stable beverage products which are physically stable, visually opaque and do not precipitate over time, and a process for preparing these products, are disclosed. These products contain from about 5 to about 99.8% milk, from about 0.05 to about 0.8% of a food stabilizer and a food acid. The first step of the process involves mixing milk with a food stabilizer under high shear mixing conditions to form protein/stabilizer particles having a median particle size of less than about 0.8 microns. Then, while still maintaining the particle size of the protein/stabilizer particles at less than about 0.8 microns, the protein/stabilizer mixture is acidified to a pH ranging from about 3.2 to about 4.5. In order to maintain the requisite particle size of the protein/stabilizer particles during the acidification step, the protein/stabilizer mixture is maintained under high shear mixing conditions at a temperature ranging from about 4 to about 30.degree. C.

Abstract: A beverage such as a dilute juice or tea beverage having a stable flavor/cloud emulsion which contains from about 0.005 to about 0.04% gellan gum, from about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm of a preservative selected from sorbic acid, benzoic acid, alkali metal salts thereof and mixtures thereof, from about 300 ppm to about 3000 ppm of a food grade water soluble polyphosphate, and from about 60 to about 99% by weight of added water having from 0 ppm to about 180 ppm of hardness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for stabilizing beverage fountain syrups having a dispersed oil phase consisting essentially of incorporating into said syrups from about 0.02% to about 0.3% of a stabilizer which is xanthan gum.The present invention further relates to beverage fountain syrup compositions, preferably dilute juice beverage fountain syrup compositions, comprising:a) from about 0.02% to about 0.3% of a stabilizer which is xanthan gum;b) from about 0.2% to about 3% oil:c) from about 0.2% to about 10% of an emulsifier which is a modified food starch;d) an effective amount of a flavor component:e) an effective amount of sweetener; andf) from about 30% to about 70% water;wherein said syrup has a Brix value of from about 30.degree. to about 70.degree. ; and a modified food starch to oil ratio of from about 0.1 to about 4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable beverage products. The beverage products of the present invention comprise of an oil-in-water beverage emulsion which comprises an unweighted oil, water and a food grade stabilizer. The ratio of the stabilizer to the unweighted oil within the beverage emulsion is at least about 0.5:1. The mean particle size of the oil droplets present in the emulsion ranges from about 0.10 to about 0.30 microns. The particle size distribution of the oil droplets in the emulsion is such that less than about 3% (volume percent basis) of the particles have a particle size greater than about 0.39 microns and less than about 9% (volume percent basis) of the particles have a particle size of greater than about 0.34 microns The beverage products of the present invention further comprise a fruit juice and/or fruit or other flavor.

Abstract: A process that kills, or renders organically inactive, one hundred percent of the bacteria and enzymes, as well as any other non-pathogenic microorganisms present in fresh squeezed citrus and non-citrus fruit juices and fruit juice blends, as well as fruit pulps. The process results in the aseptic packaging of one hundred percent natural juices having a shelf life extending from two to three years without the need for refrigeration, and without the use of artificial preservatives or additives. The process also preserves the natural taste, colors, and odors typically found in fresh squeezed juices and juice blends, an citrus pulp.

Abstract: A powdered beverage concentrate contains a source of calcium, vitamin D, a stabilizing gum such as gum arabic, and vegetable oil. A beverage can be made by reconstituting the beverage concentrate with water, fruit juice, or any other suitable liquid matrix.

Abstract: Processes for stabilizing protein in acid pH media are provided as well as the compositions produced thereby. Acidified protein compositions exhibiting protein stability for extended periods of time are also provided. The processes of the present invention promote chemical reaction between protein and galactomannan to achieve protein stability in acid pH media.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a non-citric fruit juice, particularly white grape juice, in the absence of sulfites, including the steps of cold pressing, filtering the juice obtained from pressing, holding the juice in the absence of sulfites, heat treating the juice for a time and at a temperature sufficient to eliminate microbiological and enzymatic activity; and cooling the heat treated juice is described. The process can also include sparging with sufficient nitrogen to achieve < 5 ppm dissolved oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the application of a pectin esterase substantially free from depolymerase activity in the maceration of apple pulp. The use of purified pectin esterase leads to a low amount of pectin degradation products in the juice and to the conservation of protopectin in the apple pomace. Furthermore, the juice yield and the pressability are increased through the use of purified PE.

Abstract: A method for suspending inclusions in an acidic or alcoholic liquid composition is provided. The method includes the steps of preparing a pre-gel solution including gellan gum in water, providing a liquid composition having inclusions, and incorporating the pre-gel solution into the liquid composition. Alternatively, the liquid composition can be provided without inclusions and the inclusions may be added after the pre-gel solution is incorporated into the liquid composition. Upon standing, the pre-gel solution will cause the inclusions to suspend in the liquid composition. Acidic or alcoholic liquid compositions having suspended particulates or inclusions are also provided.

Abstract: A process of enriching hyroxycitric acid (HCA) from Garcinia rind in which a salt-free water extract of Garcinia rind is loaded onto an anion exchange column, eluted with a metal hydroxide for release of HCA. The water-extract is then treated with a cation exchange column to make free HCA as a free acid. The water extract is loaded at a capacity of 100 to 125% of the anion exchange column and at a capacity of 50 to 90% of the cation exchange column. The HCA can be added to food products such as beverages and snack bars.

Abstract: A shelf-stable, crispy snack is produced from a fruit or vegetable juice or juice concentrate. The juice or juice concentrate is admixed with ingredients comprising a starch hydrolysis product and a pregelatinized starch to form a dough or dough-like mixture, which forms a cellular or crumb-like structure upon vacuum drying to a shelf stable moisture content. The glass transition temperature of the snack food product is at least about 30.degree. C. The dough-like mixture may be formed into pieces before, during, or after expansion to obtain products having a cracker-like or cookie-like texture and appearance. The dough-like mixture is heated to temperatures above its glass transition temperature to expand it by evaporation of water. However, the dough temperature is kept below temperatures which would result in substantial decomposition or loss of nutritive, color, or flavoring components of the juice or juice concentrate.

Abstract: Improved nutritional formulations based on the total formulation calories, of about 40 to 90% of calories as carbohydrates, about 2 to 30% of calories as protein, about 0 to 35% of calories as fat, and about 0 to 17% of calories as fiber. The formulations may also contain 100% of U.S. RDA of vitamins and minerals. The formulations have a high acid (low pH) content (e.g., pH 3.5-3.9). The formulations may be carbonated or non-carbonated. The formulations are preferably used as an oral nutritional supplement providing about 1.0 calorie/ml.

Abstract: A method for enhancing .beta.-carotene absorption in animals and humans by administering a beverage comprising:(a) from about 0.05% to about 0.3% calcium;(b) at least 0.0004% of .beta.-carotene;(c) about 0.5% to about 60% sweetener;(d) at least 0.005% flavor; and(e) the remainder being water is disclosed. The beverage can contain vitamin C, A, B, D and E. The beverage must be essentially free of iron and metals which cause vitamin degradation. Preferably the beverage contains gums or thickeners.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a protein-enriched pectin composition in granular form, and the use of the product in edible foodstuffs and beverages.

Abstract: Non-fat food including fruit spreads, bakery fillings, flavored syrups, fruit and vegetable juices, pie glazes and fillings, yogurt fillings and salsa, for example, are prepared by incorporating a pectin, starch, cellulose, or protein based fat mimetic, or mixtures thereof, into a recipe therefor as an additional ingredient.

Abstract: The specification is directed to a novel process for juice and pulp products especially suitable for acidic and difficult fruits whose juices and pulps are susceptible to browning or unpleasant catch flavours. A broad aspect of the invention involves the addition of an acidic sweetening agent whose pH is less than 7 to fruit juice or pulp. Further improvements to the product may be obtained by the chilling of the pulp or juice soon after breaking of the whole fruit occurs as well as by eliminating or preventing broken seed and skin material in the juice/pulp. The addition of pH buffers and/or pH adjusting agents may further improve the product.

Abstract: Calcium fortified acid beverages. The calcium source is a combination of calcium hydroxide and calcium glycerophosphate and the acidulant is a combination of citric acid and fumaric acid.

Abstract: A center-filled chewing gum having an outer chewing gum shell enclosing a cavity and a liquid center-fill. The liquid center-fill contains a fruit juice concentrate and an acid/buffer system.

Abstract: A process for the production of a low-sugar, alcohol-free beverage comprises a desugarization process, which is upstream to a preliminary separation. Through the preliminary separation, the raw juice is divided into two streams (A,B), of which the first stream, relative to the raw juice, has a lower acid/sugar ratio and a higher sugar content and the second stream has an elevated acid/sugar ratio and a lower sugar content. The first stream is directly fed to the desugarization process, while the second stream is fed to the low-sugar juice after the desugarization process. The second stream contains a high portion of acid and other, low-molecular components and thus when mixed with the first stream, increases the total content and the quality of the end product.

Abstract: A fruit concentrate composition is blended from a hydrolyzed starch of at least 40 D.E., preferably about 50-70 D.E., more preferably about 55-65 D.E. and a fruit concentrate having about 0% insoluble solids, the blended composition having at least about 70%, preferably about 80-95%, more preferably about 90-95% simple carbohydrates, and about 3-20%, preferably about 3-10%, more preferably about 6% complex carbohydrates, on a dry weight basis, with a resulting dual functionality in food formulations for achieving both nutritive sweetening and fat substitution as well as a number of other benefits. The composition is preferably formed by hydrolyzing a starch source to the above D.E. value, blending it with a fruit juice concentrate to form a fruit concentration composition having the above components and reducing water content of the blend to at least about 77%, preferably to about 77-80% soluble solids, the composition having substantially 0% insoluble solids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fiber-containing edible product and a method of making such a product. The edible product contains microparticulated fiber derived from a fiber source preferably having an insoluble fiber content of at least about 2.5%, hydrocolloid in an amount sufficient to maintain the fiber in suspension when the product is mixed with liquid to make an edible composition, and, except where a pudding-like consistency is desired, potable acid in an amount sufficient to lower the pH of the edible composition to a pH sufficient to avoid gelatinization of the composition. The edible product preferably contains sweetener and additional natural flavoring.

Abstract: An alcoholic beverage based on dairy constituents, such as milk protein and optionally milk fat-containing products, one or more fruit juices, such as fruit juices chosen from juice from berries, cherries, citrus, mint, strawberry, raspberry, plums, peaches, tropical fruits and combinations thereof, cocoa constituents, one or more stabilizers and optionally one or more thickeners is described.