Abstract: A method for preparing corn fiber oil involving separating corn fiber from corn kernels (e.g., by a wet milling process), drying the corn fiber, grinding the dried corn fiber to produce ground corn fiber having a particle size of less than about 100 microns, combining the ground corn fiber with an aqueous solution having a specific gravity effective to float aleurone cells, removing the floating aleurone fraction, drying the aleurone fraction to form a dried aleurone fraction, grinding the dried aleurone fraction to form a ground aleurone fraction, extracting corn fiber oil from the ground aleurone fraction by a way selected from the group consisting of an organic solvent and supercritical fluid extraction, and separating the extracted corn fiber oil from the extraction medium.

Abstract: The present invention describes bleached grain products such as bleached whole wheat flour that are obtained having the color and taste of white flour by bleaching whole wheat kernels prior to conventional flour milling. The wheat kernels are treated with a peroxide solution to lighten the color of the bran layers. The bleached grain kernels can be tempered and milled into whole grain flours having 10% to 12% dietary fiber from the bran but which are white in color and bland in flavor. The whitened, high fiber whole wheat flours can be used to prepare good tasting, and nutritious products such as baked goods such as breads and pastries as well as pasta product, and ready-to-eat cereals or grain based snacks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vegetable powders and methods of making them. The methods can include one or more inventive methods of dehulling, steaming, and/or milling and air classifying a millable vegetable. The vegetable powders can have improved processing characteristics, enhanced nutritional value, and/or improved flavor compared to conventional vegetable powders.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method and an apparatus relating to an infeed for positioning the green onions in a generally horizontal position on a conveyor and a transition conveyor for transporting the horizontally disposed green onions and transporting them to a substantially vertical disposition to present them to a peeler for removing the outer skins of the onion and a de-rooter for shortening or removing the roots from the onions.

Abstract: A method for creating bite-sized or filled pieces of chewy or crunchy granola. The invention is an improved process for manipulating and shaping chewy granola without having the granola lose its characteristic texture. The improved process includes: adding extra water to the ordinary ingredients of chewy granola, allowing the water to soften the granola, extruding or shaping the softened granola, and drying or removing the water from the softened granola thereby restoring the granola to about its original texture and composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides decorticated finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and processes for preparing decorticated finger millet. In one implementation, decorticated finger millet is prepared by hydrating the millet near to its saturation moisture content and heat treating the hydrated millet to induce starch gelatinisation, rupture of granular structure, formation of lipid amylose complex and healing of cracks present in the endosperm. Controlled drying of the heat-treated millet may induce retrogradation of starch, hardening of endosperm tissue and reduction in the intactness of the endosperm with seed coat. This dried millet is moistened and short-tempered then passed through an abrasive mill to detach the seed coat.

Abstract: Warm and wet air are applied to brown rice with germinated germs, produced by adding water to the brown rice, for removing water attached to a surface of the rice. A surface of the germinated brown rice is polished by a rice-polishing machine while remaining the germinated germs to obtain rice with germinated germs. Water of about 1 to 10% of rice weight is added to soften the rice surface. The rice and granules whose granule size is set to a constant granule size smaller than that of the rice and which is heated to 60° C. or higher are mixed with the rice and stirred. Rice bran remaining on a rice surface after polishing is absorbed by the granules and is removed. And, the rice and granules are separated from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a cereal product having an improved protein content and improved baking properties, whereby one mills cereals up to between 50 to 70% with regard to the kernel, that one from a part feed of said flour isolates native gluten and the content of water soluble constituents such as pentosans, that one add the native gluten thus isolated and constituents isolated, such as pentosans, to the remaining feed of flour, that the feed of flour being substantially freed from native protein and soluble constituents is used as such, or is further processed such as being subjected to an enzymatic hydrolysis to obtain a glucose syrup.

Abstract: A baked bread product having an increased or high satiety index (SI) is provided. The high SI baked bread product ingredients include a wheat flour product, a grain/seed source of soluble fiber, and a processed source of soluble fiber. The bread product has a total soluble fiber content of at least about 0.8 wt. % on a 42% moisture basis and a total beta-glucan content of at least about 0.2 wt. % on a 42% moisture basis. The high SI bread produce may also have a low glycemic index (GI).

Abstract: This invention relates to a nutritional beverage substantially free of chemical pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, herbicides, non-genetically modified plants and chemical solvents that utilizes organic brown rice syrup and organic rice protein concentrate as major components and a source of calcium selected from various calcium salts, including mono-, di- or tricalcium phosphate, calcium lactate gluconate and mixtures thereof. The beverage preferably also contains water soluble vitamins, oil soluble vitamins and flavors. The use of rice protein concentrate stabilized with a blend of guar and CMC gums, and brown rice syrup provides a beverage with a smooth texture, a pleasant taste and a light, refreshing mouthfeel. The beverage also has excellent physical stability over shelf life.

Abstract: An uncooked oat groat or corn endosperm product comprising added ingredients is provided, wherein the selected ingredients are incorporated inside or adsorbed on the oat groats or corn endosperm and are resistant to chipping or flaking off. Methods are provided for making the foregoing products. The methods may be used with cut or whole oats and involve adding the selected ingredients in an aqueous medium to the oat groats to increase the moisture content of the groats and to allow the selected ingredients to become adsorbed onto or absorbed within the oat groats. The methods described above may be used to treat uncooked corn endosperm as a means of adding ingredients either within the corn endosperm or onto the surface of the corn endosperm.

Abstract: A water-dispersible coating composition for use on food substrates, which permits incorporation of a substantially increased rice component content compared to prior art coatings, without the occurrence of objectionable white-lump reticulation. The coating contains at least stated minimum levels of small-particle size rice flour and/or rice starch (#100 USS mesh size and/or 200 USS mesh size, respectively or finer) depending upon the total amount of rice used in the mix, and exhibits minimal surface roughness and substantially no reticulation when frozen upon the food substrate, while imparting increased crispness, holding time and lighter color once the frozen coated food substrate is reconstituted via gradient heat, microwave energy, or deep-frying reconstitution methods, without sacrificing appearance, flavor, and tooth compaction characteristics desirable to consumers of the final reconstituted product.

Abstract: A method of milling grain, comprising, prior to milling, heating a quantity of grain kernels to at least a glass transition onset temperature to form heated softened grain kernels is disclosed. With this method, it has surprisingly been found that moisture tempering, in most instances, is no longer required as a conditioning step for milling. Depending on the temperature to which the grain is heated, the texture of the grain kernel can be moved to a variety of textures, including, but not limited to, a more leathery or rubbery texture. In an alternative embodiment, the heat tempering step is preceded by a moisture tempering step. The method increases overall yield and improves control of the milling process.

Abstract: A method of saving water, wastewater, lime, and energy while increasing productivity and enhancing product quality in a nixtamalization process. More specifically, during the grain cook and steep process, the phase-separated supernate is retained for a subsequent batch of grain. In addition, a fresh water rinse stream is recycled as push water.

Abstract: A method of making a cereal cone composition having a texture and physical aspect which are especially attractive by producing at least one strip of expanded cereal by extrusion-cooking, sheeting the strip between rolls, cutting the sheet into blanks and forming the blanks into a cone shape. The resulting cone represents another embodiment of the invention, as does its method of making.

Abstract: There are provided high quality pectins obtained by extraction from root vegetables, a process for their production, acidic protein foods that are stable in an acidic pH range above the isoelectric point of their proteins and are obtained using the pectins, and a process for their production. By adding an emulsifier during extraction of pectins from root vegetables for insolubilization of the starch impurities for their separation and removal, it is possible to produce highly pure pectins, which may be used to obtain acidic protein foods of satisfactory quality.

Abstract: A coated corn grit product is provided that has individual pieces of corn grit having a fat-free coating. The fat-free coating is made from at least one material selected from colorants, flavors, nutrients, and sweeteners.

Abstract: A method for preparing a hand-held snack item is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) applying a first edible, heat-sensitive food material to an initial formed hand-held food item, thereby forming a preliminary coated hand-held food item; (b) applying a second edible food coating material to said preliminary coated hand-held food item, thereby forming a secondary coated hand-held food item, wherein said second edible food material is applied to said preliminary coated hand-held food item in such a manner as to substantially completely coat said first edible, heat-sensitive food material, and wherein said second edible food material is selected from a material which possesses sufficient physical characteristics to act as a protective medium for said first edible, heat-sensitive food material when said secondary coated hand-held food item is subjected to a temperature in the range of from about 35° C. to about 350° C.

Abstract: A crispy savoury snack food product comprising a cereal which is agglomerated by a binder comprising a glass of sugar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high fibre biscuit composition for increasing the dietary fibre content in the biscuit, said biscuit composition comprising 30 to 55% by wt. of wheat flour, 5 to 40% by wt. of a fibre source, 0.10 to 0.35% by wt. of emulsifiers and the rest being food grade additives, flavoring agents and preservatives and a process for preparing the high fibre biscuits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the food for emergencies, suitable for eating in times of the natural disasters and accidents, wherein the germinating cereal to which a certain amount of the powders of the young rice leaves and/or the leaves of the coleseeds are added, will be baked into a given size and as the germinating cereal is sealed into the sealed container which does not pass any air or light, not only the nutritious values of the germinating cereal but also various nutritious values (for example, vitamin, mineral, fiber or food fiber) proper to the young rice leaves and coleseeds are added so that the germinating cereal will become effective as food for emergencies and degradation of food can be prevented as the sealed container does not pass any air or light.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of making Amazake with using germinated brown rice as a main raw material, adding water to Koji (malted rice) made from this germinated brown rice, making it fermented at fixed temperature and time and crushing or smashing the made Amazake, which makes it possible to contain bran layer and embryo of germinated brown rice which contributes for the health to improve, make it easy to drink and makes it possible for people to effectively absorb the nutrition germinated brown rice contains.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing the ready-to-eat food bar. The ready-to-eat food bar produced by the present process includes agglomerated particles of one or more cereal bases is provided. The cereal bases include primarily amalyceous materials and optionally milk solids. The agglomerated particles are coated with a binder which includes sugars, milk solids, humectants or fat and optionally milk solids.

Abstract: The frozen food product according to the present invention contains as a major ingredient boiled rice grains or boiled pasta pieces; a water migration-preventing layer formed on the surface of each rice grain or boiled pasta; and a sauce layer formed on the surface of the water migration-preventing layer, and the product is frozen in such a state. In the frozen food product described above, rice grains or pasta pieces contained as the major ingredient are mixed homogeneously with a sauce, and if the frozen food is packaged portionwise, the resulting packaged products can give stable quality where the major ingredient and the sauce are blended at a constant rate. This frozen food product can be manufactured by carrying out a step of admixing a primary sauce to the major ingredient so as to form a water migration-preventing layer; a step of freezing the thus treated major ingredient; a step of admixing a secondary sauce to the resulting major ingredient; and a step of freezing the resulting major ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a process for making ready-to-eat, shaped rice products having a texture comprised of visible, fully-cooked rice grains joined together; said process utilizes three rice-cooking steps. In the first rice-cooking step, the rice grains are only partially-cooked inside the cooker at temperatures above 175 F. The still-cooking, partially-cooked rice grains together with some adhering cooking water are discharged from the cooker before the centers of the grains are fully-cooked and while the grains are still flowable. In the second rice-cooking step, said rice grains continue to cook in an enclosed conveyor with their own retained heat and water at temperatures above 175 F while the retained water from the grains' surfaces is absorbed into their centers. An important aspect of the present invention is that the rice grains become fully-cooked at about the time they are formed into shaped units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for using Prowashonupana barley to produce a food product comprised primarily of the Prowashonupana barley. The resultant food product is desired because, when consumed, it does not contribute to significantly elevated glycemic indices in a host, as indicated by the rapidly available glucose (RAG) assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved breakfast cereal biscuit comprising grain which includes waxy grain in an amount of at least 20% by weight of total grain content. The grain has been hydrated and cooked either sequentially or simultaneously, rolled into flakes, and either agglomerated and toasted into a desired biscuit shape or toasted and agglomerated into a desired biscuit shape. A process for the production of the improved breakfast cereal biscuit is also provided. The improved breakfast cereal biscuit typically exhibits extended bowl life, has improved nutritional qualities, is tender and crisp in texture, has better flavors, and requires reduced energy in the manufacturing process, when compared to standard flaked wheat breakfast cereal biscuits.

Abstract: Disclosed are dried laminated multi-layered cereal pieces, especially R-T-E breakfast products, and methods of preparation. In particular, the cereal pieces are characterized by a highly laminated structure comprising a multiplicity of generally horizontal thin parallel layers numbering at least four to 20 each of—100-500 micrometers (“&mgr;m”) thickness fabricated from cooked cereal dough with interstitial voids between the layers. The pieces can vary in shape and range from bite-sized to biscuit-sized. The interstitial void spaces between layers average 0.8 millimeters. This laminated structure creates cereal pieces having a distinctive texture and appearance.

Abstract: A method for reducing mammalian serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and triglyceride levels, by ingesting a stabilized rice bran derivative selected from the group consisting of an enzyme treated stabilized rice bran, an insolubilized fraction and mixtures thereof, thereby reducing serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and triglyceride levels in said mammal.

Abstract: High energy food product which consists primarily of an admixture of barley, flax and teff, and a binder which holds the admixture together. The binder includes corn syrup, honey, canola oil, ground sunflower seeds, and it is added to the admixture after the barley, flax and teff have been mixed together. The process is carried out in a way which prevents light from causing deterioration of either the admixture or the final product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing the fibrous shells from cereal grains. This method according to the invention includes a pretreatment step, wherein the moisture content of the cereal grains is increased, e.g. in the case of corn grains from 16 to more than 20% by weight, followed by the step of exposure of the pretreated grains to a thermal shock by means of a cryogenic medium and thereafter mechanical treatment step thereof.

Abstract: Continuous direct enzymatic protein solubilization process for industrial waste. The invention consists of obtaining peptones (mixture of proteins, peptides and amino acids) starting from industrial wastes of plant origin. The process is carried out in two steps. On the first step the wastes are subjected to successive washes with acidified water to wash out alkaloids (polyphenols), sugars, insoluble fibers, etc., a concentrate rich in proteins being obtained. In a continuous process said protein concentrate is next subjected to a second enzymatc hydrolysis step (25-40%) with endoproteases, the peptones being obtained which involve a degree of solubilization in the order of 60-80% of the insoluble commencement proteins.

Abstract: A low glycerin index baked bread product is provided. The baked bread product comprises a wheat flour product, a grain/seed source of soluble fiber, and a processed source of soluble fiber. The bread product has a total soluble fiber content of at least about 0.8 wt. % on a 42% moisture basis and a total beta-glucan content of at least about 0.2 wt. % on a 42% moisture basis.

Abstract: A rice-based food product, specifically designed for human nourishing, characterized in that said food product is made starting from whole rice, a fractionating extraction of said whole rice and a following recovering of said whole rice components, by varying their related amounts in a selected manner to provide a final food product having different and optimum nourishing characteristics.

Abstract: A process for preparing an oat-based functional syrup. The process includes milling an oat material to produce a base formulation. Material having a granulation of more than U.S. #100 mesh is separated from the base formulation. The base formulation is then blended with water to form a slurry. Effective amounts of alpha-amylase enzyme and glucoamylase enzyme are mixed into the slurry. The slurry is then cooked to convert the slurry into a syrup. The syrup is substantially flavorless.

Abstract: The invention relates to: germinated brown rice having a degree of starch gelatinization of from 30 to 90%, a water content of from 20 to 70%, an &agr;-amylase activity of not greater than 5 IU/g, and a population of attached microorganisms of not greater than 10,000/g, which has good safety and low contamination by microorganisms and little or no fermentation odor or other unpleasant odors; a process for producing the per-germinated brown rice, comprising treating the germinated brown rice with hot water or steam; and a processed food prepared by processing the germinated brown rice.

Abstract: A nutritional food bar for providing sustained energy to the consumer is provided. The bar has a core, a coating, and comprises a mixture of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fats. The core is a non-baked grain-based core comprised of at least one extruded rice crisp and at least one toasted puffed rice crisp. The coating is a confectioner's coating which is selected from chocolate and compound coatings.

Abstract: The present invention teaches how to make high moisture shaped cereal foods from cereal flour and fluid-milk and/or water; said cereal foods having a higher than 40% moisture content, a thin surface skin, and a soft, smooth, homogenous interior texture. The shaped cereal and milk foods of the present invention taste similar to the traditional cereal and milk that have always been consumed from a bowl with a spoon while also having the added benefit of being able to be eaten hand-held, on-the-go. The process of the present invention can also be used to make high moisture rice fries from rice flour and water. Having a higher than 40% moisture content is important because it provides the moisture and lubricity that both fat-fried and oven-baked rice fries products need.

Abstract: Processes directed to increasing the solution mobility, solution concentration, and/or solution kinetics with respect to at least simple sugars within the groat to increase the availability of the simple sugars to react with nitrogen containing compounds, in particular amino acids. Improved control over the thermal stability of each groat is provided by enhancing the removal of thermal energy from the individual groats during Maillard reactions. Preferred processes include increasing the moisture content of groats to a level sufficient to solubilize upon dry heating and evaporating at least a sufficient amount of simple sugars present in the groat to yield after dry heating and evaporating an MRP ≧ about 34 ppb and an (MRP/LOP)×1000 value ≧6.0. Groats are dried with a forced atmosphere having a temperature of about ≧200° F. Full reaction and drying can be accomplished in as little as 8-30 minutes. Rates of thermally controlled reaction and drying may includes about 0.

Abstract: The method of preparation of sweet microwave pop-corn guarantees a finished product, where the presence of sugar does not harden the popcorn and they remain white and tender, without burn over the pack and among the popped kernels inside, homogeneously colored and flavoured, with natural ingredients. This method starts with the preparation of a sugar—glucose syrup made of sugar, water and glucose. The mixture is heated and cooled up to determinate temperature. The next mixture is a fat solution consisted of coconut or palm oil, lecithin and cream or flavouring. The final mixture is made of corn, sugar-glucose syrup and the fat solution. Flavouring like caramel or chocolate and colouring can be added to the sugar-glucose syrup. One of the following ingredients can be added: peanuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, a caramel or chocolate flavouring.

Abstract: The present patent application describes a method for producing a grain and fruit mixture, which is characterized in that the fruits to be used are fresh or frozen and are steeped in a sugar-type solution before being mixed into the grain mixture.

Abstract: A bread equivalent suitable for patients suffering from difficult in chewing or swallowing includes a starch-base and a gelling agent blended to form a dry mix and mixed with a liquid vehicle, such as water. The bread equivalent has properties that are similar to real bread. For example, the bread can be sliced and topped with spreadable foods like butter, margarine and the like. The bread equivalent lacks the glutenous nature of bread making it amenable for ingestion by patients having dysphagia.

Abstract: The invention relates to germinated brown rice which can be easily and deliciously boiled even by a household rice cooker without impairing its original nutritive value, and has excellent mouth feel and shelf stability. The germinated brown rice can be provided by subjecting germinated brown rice to a heat-moisture treatment and drying the treated germinated brown rice to a water content of 10 to 18% by mass and a degree of gelatinization of 5 to 50%.

Abstract: Deer attractant and feed comprising stabilized rice bran and calcium carbonate is disclosed. Limestone is added to the rice during the milling process. The residue from this process, rice bran and a small amount of pulverized limestone, is the cooked in an extruder, resulting in stabilized rice bran. The extrusion process destroys lipase activity and reduces the free fatty acid content to under 4%. The product contains about 12.5% or more protein, and preferably has a 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorous. Because of the balanced nutritional analysis and the addition of calcium carbonate to the feed, the product aids in promoting overall deer growth as well as bone growth in bucks. The product also acts as a deer attractant, moving deer toward sources of adequate food supplies and away from cultivated gardens and crops.

Abstract: A class of food products whose nutrients have not been damaged by heat during the preparation process. These products are prepared with methods to limit souring thus permitting these food products to be prepared at a temperature low enough to minimize damage to vital nutrients (especially enzymes) without the objectionable excessive sourness and bitterness of similar products prepared without such methods. The result is a new class of delicious and nutrient rich health food products with many health benefits. Also disclosed is a Wet Grain Press for quickly and easily compressing very wet sprouts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high fiber additive composition which is a by-product of milling processes wherein the high fiber additive enhances the fiber content of a variety of products including flour, yoghurts, beverages, baking items, snack foods such as pretzels, cereal products such as breakfast cereals, and salsa. The additive is provided from a high fiber, low starch source of plant material.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for manufacturing no-bran cereal such as no-bran rice which require no washing before cooking. With the method and the apparatus, bran stuck on a surface of a grain of the polished cereal is easily removed without imparting any damage on the surface, and further moisture in the grain is maintained to increase taste of the cereal. Moisture is added to the polished cereal and granular material is mixed and stirred with the moistened polished cereal to polish a surface of each grain of the polished cereal and remove bran stuck on the surface of the polished cereal. Then, the polished cereal is separated from the granular material to obtain the no-bran rice.

Abstract: A coated corn grit product is provided that has individual pieces of corn grit having a fat-free coating. A coated corn grit product is also provided that has clusters of corn grit pieces having a fat free coating. The fat free coating is made from at least one material selected from colorants, flavors, nutrients, and sweeteners.

Abstract: A ready-to-eat, nutritionally valuable food bar containing an extruded mixture of (a) agglomerated particles or flakes of at least one cooked-extruded base made of amylaceous materials and milk solids and (b) a binder made of sugar, milk solids and a binding agent, wherein the extruded mixture has the shape of a bar. Also, a process for manufacturing a ready-to-eat food bar by preparing a dry mixture of particles or flakes of at least one cooked-extruded base containing amylaceous materials and milk solids; mixing the dry mixture with a binder made of sugar, milk solids and a binding agent; and forming the mass obtained into a bar shape.

Abstract: A method of treating malting grain, in which the grian is subjected to a water restriction stress after commencement of germination under normal conditions. The grain is germinated in a grain-germinating environment but before completion of germination is subjected to said water-restriction stress by reducing the amount of water available to the grain within said environment. This is done for at least one time-interval sufficient to modify, as compared with normally-germinated grain, at least one of the following parameters, namely: (i) the amount of soluble sugars in a hot water extract; (ii) the alpha-amylase level; (iii) the degree of root and shoot growth; (iv) the total nitrogen content and the soluble nitrogen ratio; and/or (v) the diastatic power; as determined in the germinated and thus-treated grain. Preferably the water restriction stress is imparted by lowering the relative humiditity of air flowing around the grain within a germination environment to below 95%.