Abstract: An improved production process for preparing parfried and frozen French fry potato products with reduced crumb generation particularly upon finish preparation as by finish frying. Potato products such as French fry strips are cut, blanched and parfried, followed by a water treatment step as by applying a light spray or mist of water at ambient temperature and preferably at a rate selected to avoid any substantial overspray. The potato products are frozen for shipment and/or storage awaiting finish preparation. Upon finish preparation as by finish frying in hot oil, the potato products exhibit substantially reduced crumb generation. The improved process is particularly useful when parfrying and/or finish frying the potato products in a liquid or substantially non-hydrogenated oil, such as a zero grams Trans Fat (ZGTF) oil, with dramatically reduced crumb generation upon finish fry preparation while retaining a substantially optimized balance of sensory characteristics.

Abstract: Use of dried rehydratable food, such as in a dried soup, a dried beverage, a breakfast cereal, a yoghurt and a dried sauce, is widespread. However it has been observed that when the dried components are fruit and/or vegetable, the components, on rehydration, do not resemble the fruit and/or vegetable before desiccation. That is to say they no longer have a fresh appearance but are discoloured and lack firmness. This transformation is due to cellular damage which occurs during desiccation. In particular, it is thought that phospholipid membranes are destabilised by insertion of cellular amphiphiles, phase transition into the gel phase and membrane fusion. This invention seeks to solve the above-mentioned technical problem by providing, amongst other things, a dried rehydratable food which is a fruit, vegetable or part thereof which, on rehydration, has improved appearance, texture and rehydration properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a processed blend from two or more fresh plant materials, including a first fresh plant material containing lipophilic vitamin and a second fresh plant material containing hydrophilic vitamin; said process comprising: A. a first pre-treatment regime comprising: •providing pieces of the first fresh plant material; •cooking said pieces; comminuting the cooked pieces to produce a lipophilic vitamin containing puree; and said first pre-treatment regime additionally comprising the addition of oil; B. a second pre-treatment regime comprising: •providing pieces of the second fresh plant material; and •blanching said pieces to produce a hydrophilic vitamin containing mass; C. combining the lipophilic vitamin containing puree and the hydrophilic vitamin containing mass; wherein the lipophilic vitamin containing puree is homogenised at a high pressure before or after being combined with the hydrophilic vitamin containing mass.

Abstract: A process for mitigating acrylamide formation in a formed potato aggregate is disclosed. The acrylamide formation is mitigated while the color formation of the formed potato aggregate is managed. The resulting reconstituted potato aggregate includes low acrylamide levels while exhibiting acceptable organoleptic properties such as taste, color, and texture.

Abstract: Potato chip cooking process and apparatus includes controlled cooking of potato slices from the initial to the final cooking stages. Slices are deposited in hot cooking oil to develop a slice pack which is carried along a cooking path during which the pack is agitated and mixed by paddle means or tumbled so that the individual slices receive maximum contact with the cooking medium. The cooking path may be divided into one or more stages in each of which the cooking times and temperatures are selected and maintained to produce potato chips of different styles having a final moisture content in the range of 1.2% to 2%. Further disclosed are apparatus that includes temperature and oil circulation controls for the oil heat exchangers dedicated to each stage of a cooking protocol.

Abstract: A sandwich-sized crispy chip garnish is provided with desired color, flavor and surface presentations for use in a crispy chip sandwich.

Abstract: The invention relates to baked potatoes and, particularly, to convenient forms of baked potatoes having an optimally-baked flavor and texture which can be simply prepared for serving in any size portion with a minimum of effort. In one preferred form, the product will be in the form of baked potato pieces with the skin attached, preferably having a moisture content of from about 70 to about 75% and flavor and texture profiles characteristic of optimally baked potatoes. A process and an apparatus for preparing the potatoes and a packaged form are also provided. The process calls for freezing a baked potato and subdividing the potato into discrete pieces of a size of from about 0.5 to about 1.5 inches, preferably by means comprising at least one roller pair comprising a plurality of rotatably mounted blades with cutting edges angularly offset (FIG. 7) or diagonally-opposed, spaced cutting blades (FIG. 7).

Abstract: Potatoes are processed to develop baked and fried flavors and aromas. The are baked to create a number of characteristic baked flavors and textures. When fried, a whole other group of flavors and textures is achieved. To avoid damage to the discrete potato pieces that are prepared in processing and are desired in the final product, the process entails baking potatoes; pressing the potatoes to a predetermined thickness; freezing the potatoes; breaking the potatoes into discrete pieces; drying the discrete pieces to form a skin thereon and preferably lightly brown the surfaces; and freezing and packaging the pieces. Oven heating will be sufficient to provide a browning effect to a light golden to golden brown color and form a skin on the exterior surface of exposed potato pulp, both important to the preparation of the best product.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to potato transformation compositions, systems, methods, microorganisms, and plants (e.g., one or more potato chipping varieties). In some embodiments, a method of transforming and/or transfecting a plant (e.g., ‘Atlantic’ potato) may comprise (a) growing an ‘Atlantic’ potato plant (e.g., from a tuber) for from about 3 weeks to about 4 weeks, (b) removing one or more leaf sections (e.g., each section from about 0.5 cm to about 1 cm in its longest dimension) from the plant, (c) cultivating the one or more sections on a callus induction medium comprising zeatin for about 2 days, and/or (d) contacting the one or more sections with Agrobacterium comprising the exogenous nucleic acids under conditions that permit transfer of the exogenous nucleic acid to the one or more sections to produce at least one transformed and/or transfected plant cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Carnallite salt preparation useful in edible products, such as a food, beverage, dietary supplement, oral care, nutraceutical pet food, animal feed, pharmaceutical and other edible products. The Carnallite salt preparation of the invention is without high levels of sodium chloride and notably low in bromide. The Carnallite salt preparation may be a food grade product with dietary acceptable bromide levels. The present invention further relates to edible products comprising the Carnallite salt preparation, such as reduced sodium food products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to impart a random curvature to frying pre-formed snack pieces in a multi-layer fryer through the use of a contoured submerger. The shape of the contours of a contoured submerger imparts a random final curvature to each snack piece as snack pieces pass through a glass transition during frying. The contours are chosen so as to achieve a desired bulk density for the packaged fried snack products. Such method and apparatus are also useful in controlling the amount of change in bulk density or amount of settling of a packaged product during shipping or handling.

Abstract: Dehydrated potato pellets are made by preparing an aqueous mixture of dried potato pieces, an emulsifier, and oil, and, optionally, a freshly cooked potato, homogenizing the mixture to produce a pumpable, flowable aqueous dispersion, mixing the dispersion with more dried potato pieces and, optionally, freshly cooked potatoes, forming the mixture into pellets, and drying them.

Abstract: Novel structuring compositions and food products including those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a mono- and diglyceride mixture and have high levels of ?? crystals and small average crystallite sizes. They can be incorporated into intermediate food products such as shortenings and margarines, which can then be used to make a final food such as pastries (e.g., puff pastries, Danishes, donuts), doughs (e.g., for cookies, pie crusts), imitation cheese, icings, frozen potatoes (e.g., French Fries), and/or other foods requiring a fat to provide structure. Advantageously, the compositions provide structure to the final food by replacing unhealthy fats that would otherwise be used to provide structure in the same food item.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method for making a healthy snack food having an appearance and taste similar to conventional fried snack products without the use of an oil-flying process. The method of the present invention includes the steps of providing food slices from a starch-based food or dough. The food slices can be blanched and a controlled amount of oil can be added to enhance final organoleptical properties. The food slices are then rapidly dehydrated to a much lower moisture content in a primary drying step that simulates conventional frying dehydration rates. A food snack, such as a corn or potato-based snack, produced by this method is a low-fat, ready-to-eat snack having the conventional texture and taste associated with fried snack products.

Abstract: A fruit or vegetable, such as a pome or root vegetable, may be at least partially infiltrated with an additive to help prevent discoloration of the fruit or vegetable. In some examples, the additive helps the fruit or vegetable retain its natural color upon being exposed to air. In some examples, the additive includes gluconic acid. By maintaining the color of the fruit or vegetable, the shelf life and salability of the fruit or vegetable may be increased as compared to an untreated fruit or vegetable.

Abstract: A firm and crisp fruit or vegetable, such as a pome or root vegetable, is at least partially infiltrated with an additive to help the fruit or vegetable retain its firmness during processing. In some examples, the additive helps the fruit or vegetable retain its firmness during and/or after cooking. In some examples, the additive includes at least one of a gluconate salt, a lactate salt, or a combination of a gluconate salt and a lactate salt. By maintaining the firmness of the fruit or vegetable during and/or after cooking, the fruit or vegetable can be cut, such as by shredding, or otherwise processed. By contrast, if the fruit or vegetable loses its firmness during processing, the fruit or vegetable may become limp or may disintegrate so that it is difficult to suitably cut or otherwise process the fruit or vegetable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new plant breeding process. The process improves the agronomic performance of crop plants by using genetic material that is also used in classical breeding. Instead of sexually recombining entire genomes at random, as is done in classical breeding, specific genetic elements are rearranged in vitro and inserted back into individual plant cells. Plants obtained through this new plant breeding process do not contain foreign nucleic acid but only contain nucleic acid from the plant species selected for transformation or plants that are sexually compatible with the selected plant species. Plants developed through this new plant breeding process are provided. In particular, potato plants displaying improved tuber storage and health characteristics are provided.

Abstract: A process for making frozen sweet potatoes includes the steps of slicing sweet potatoes, and then applying citric acid juice, preferably, lemon juice, to the slices. A coating then is applied to the slices, the coating including a mixture of corn syrup, honey, brown sugar, lemon flavor and vanilla flavor. The slices are pan-fried, cooled to room temperature, and then frozen. If desired, a flavor-enhancing mixture can be applied to the slices while they are being cooled. The flavor-enhancing mixture preferably includes cinnamon, cane sugar, allspice, and nutmeg. The invention does not require that the sweet potatoes be water-blanched in order to maintain the flavor and color of the sweet potatoes, and it provides coated sweet potato slices that are both flavorful and attractive. The sweet potato slices can be stored for long periods of time by freezing, and they can be cooked easily and quickly by conventional techniques immediately upon removal from the freezer.

Abstract: A composition and method for providing a strong dough having a substantial quantity of fresh potatoes. Fresh potatoes are made into a mash and centrifuged to reduce the water content to about 70% by weight. Such potato mash can comprise over 50% by weight of the final dough. This dough can be used to make sheeted or extruded products. Such dough results in improved, more naturally-flavored products compared to products made entirely from dehydrated or partially-dehydrated potato derivatives. The method comprises finely slicing potatoes to form a potato slurry or mash; decanting excess water from the potato slurry; heating the potato slurry to a temperature no greater than about 190 degrees Fahrenheit; cooling the slurry to under 140 degrees Fahrenheit; and imparting a low amount of work input to a mixture of the slurry and other ingredients to form a shapeable dough.

Abstract: This application relates to compositions comprising whole-tissue potato products with enhanced resistant starch (RS) content and reduced estimated glycemic index values. Methods of preparing and using whole-tissue potato products with enhanced resistant starch (RS) content and glycemic index values are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cooking of French fried potatoes by facilitating a generally vertical arrangement of potato strips while in the frying operation is disclosed wherein the slices may be cooked within a very deep pack while oil is urged to flow upwardly through the pack and steam entrapment within the cooking slice pack is minimized. A conveyor belt carrying the slices through the cooker has a multiplicity of openings facilitating oil flow there through and the cooker is configured to permit oil discharge for reheating purposes both laterally and longitudinally of the processing path.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the sodium content of finished food products comprising adding trehalose to suitable food products in an amount ranging from greater than 0% to less than 1.5% by weight of the finished food product and by optionally further adding sodium and or potassium. Ingredient systems for achieving salt (i.e. sodium) reduction in suitable food products are also provided. The ingredient systems comprise trehalose and can include sodium, potassium, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the sodium content of finished food products comprising adding trehalose to suitable food products in an amount ranging from greater than 0% to less than 1.5% by weight of the finished food product and by optionally further adding sodium and or potassium. Ingredient systems for achieving salt (i.e. sodium) reduction in suitable food products are also provided. The ingredient systems comprise trehalose and can include sodium, potassium, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: With a conventional method of causing impregnation of a liquid seasoning into food, it takes many hours for the liquid seasoning to substantially make permeation. Occasionally, impregnation was not at all attained. Such proposals have been made that food soaked in a liquid seasoning is pressurized, or that water content of food is dehydrated. An apparatus and a facility for carrying out processing to food need to be larger in size, thereby taking cost and being not suitable for mass production. Also, uniform permeation of the liquid seasoning in a short time was not achieved. The present invention provides a liquid seasoning used for seasoning food subjected to processing with a micro-nano bubble generating device, thereby enabling the liquid seasoning to have impregnation to food in a short time, particularly, facilitating impregnation of good flavor and taste compositions other than salt.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a plant or vegetable pulp composition comprising: a) plant or vegetable pulp comprising 5-30 wt % cell wall materials comprising or consisting of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and/or pectin, and/or fragments and/or hydrolysates thereof, wherein said pulp is obtained by disrupting plant or vegetable cell membranes and removing at least part of the intracellular content; b) 45-85 wt % of one or more water-soluble carbohydrate(s) selected from the group consisting of inulin, oligofructose, fructo-oligosaccharide, galacto-oligosaccharide, glucose, maltose, maltodextrins, polydextrose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, isomaltulose and polyols, and/or combinations thereof; and c) 5-25 wt % water, all numbers based on total weight of said composition. The invention also pertains to the method of preparing such a composition, and the use in (human) food applications.

Abstract: Dehydrated potato pellets are made by preparing an aqueous mixture of dried potato pieces, an emulsifier, and oil, and, optionally, a freshly cooked potato, homogenizing the mixture to produce a pumpable, flowable aqueous dispersion, mixing the dispersion with more dried potato pieces and, optionally, freshly cooked potatoes, forming the mixture into pellets, and drying them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing acrylamide and/or melanoidin forming cellular ingredients from starchy plant material without enabling to remove a considerable amount of starch from the cells by washing, comprising the process steps of: providing the biological material, irreversible electroporation of the biological material, and obtaining plant material having a reduced amount of acrylamide and/or melanoidin forming cellular ingredients, the starch content of which is not enabled to be considerably reduced by washing as compared to the starting material.

Abstract: A continuous oil fryer used to fry food slices, such as potato chips, having an internal oil stripping capability. The fryer accumulates the steam produced by the frying process in a hood and utilizes such steam, after superheating the steam by passing it through a heat exchanger, to strip oil from product immediately upon removal from the hot oil bath by passing the superheated steam through a product bed while on an output conveyor. The superheated steam removes oil from the product on the output conveyor without increasing the moisture level of the product. The fryer therefore accomplishes the same function as a low-oil stripper without increasing the footprint of the frying unit and with less energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new plant breeding process. The process improves the agronomic performance of crop plants by using genetic material that is also used in classical breeding. Instead of sexually recombining entire genomes at random, as is done in classical breeding, specific genetic elements are rearranged in vitro and inserted back into individual plant cells. Plants obtained through this new plant breeding process do not contain foreign nucleic acid but only contain nucleic acid from the plant species selected for transformation or plants that are sexually compatible with the selected plant species. Plants developed through this new plant breeding process are provided. In particular, potato plants displaying improved tuber storage and health characteristics are provided.

Abstract: A method is described wherein products, such as potato chips, vegetables, fruits, nuts or the like are fried in at least two stages. In the first stage the products are fried at a temperature between 90-190° C., where after the products are being transported to the second stage. In the second stage the products are subjected to frying under reduced pressure at 25-150 mbar at a temperature between 100-145° C. In the second stage evaporation is improved and maintained at a high level, because under said reduced vacuum conditions the evaporation temperature drops considerably and consequently the evaporation out of the products continues. This reduces the quantity of fatty and oily frying substance that is taken up in this stage by the product.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for producing substantially stable produce, typically vegetables and fruit that can be stored in a refrigerated environment for at least about five weeks without preservatives and at least about three months with preservatives. The process involves holding the produce in an aqueous immersion solution that includes a cellular stabilizing agent for a time sufficient to convert the produce into a heat durable piece and thermally processing the heat durable produce in the immersion solution. The use of additional ingredients as components of the immersion solution such as sweeteners, acids, salt, and preservatives are optional.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to novel genes from wild plants, such as wild potato and pepper plants, that confer potyvirus resistance to plants, such as in transformed cultivated plants. Also encompassed are cultivated plants transformed with the novel gene, food products made from the transformed cultivated plants, and methods for making such plants and food products.

Abstract: A process for mitigating acrylamide formation in a potato fry is disclosed. The acrylamide formation is mitigated while the color formation of the potato fry is managed. The resulting potato fry includes low acrylamide levels while exhibiting acceptable organoleptic properties such as taste, color and texture.

Abstract: The use of acid treatment of uncooked French fries prior to cooking by roasting, frying, grill or baking whereby to reduce the acrylamide content of the cooked product.

Abstract: The invention provides a flavor-retention agent which is harmless to the environment and the human body and exhibits excellent ability to prevent deterioration of flavors. The flavor-retention agent contains an active ingredient which is obtained by subjecting a raw material such as leaves and/or tubers of a potato plant to extraction and Method for Using Same.

Abstract: A food product including a potato substrate having less than about 6% moisture content that is at least partially coated with a coating composition having a food starch component is provided. The at least partially coated potato substrate contains at least about 20% less fat content (adjusted to an about 1% product moisture basis) after thermal processing as compared to a substantially similar thermal processed uncoated potato substrate.

Abstract: A process for cooking a food in oil and/or fat is provided. A dry pea protein mixture or an aqueous pea protein is added to a food prior to cooking. The amount of oil and/or fat absorbed by the food during cooking is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A continuous oil fryer used to fry food slices, such as potato chips, having an internal oil stripping capability. The fryer accumulates the steam produced by the frying process in a hood and utilizes such steam, after superheating the steam by passing it through a heat exchanger, to strip oil from product immediately upon removal from the hot oil bath by passing the superheated steam through a product bed while on an output conveyor. The superheated steam removes oil from the product on the output conveyor without increasing the moisture level of the product. The fryer therefore accomplishes the same function as a low-oil stripper without increasing the footprint of the frying unit and with less energy.

Abstract: Crispy French fry-style food products are prepared by modification of the water content and the texture of the products' surface layers prior to deep frying. The surface modifications include surface firming, enzyme treatments, starch infusion and/or ultrasound treatment.

Abstract: Crispy French fry-style food products are prepared by modification of the water content and the texture of the products' surface layers prior to deep frying. The surface modifications include surface firming, enzyme treatments, starch infusion and/or ultrasound treatment.

Abstract: A method and system for producing fried food slices with reduced oil content is disclosed. The raw food slices are optionally washed, precooked, fried in hot oil, and then drained at a reduced pressure.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for a method for reducing the amount of acrylamide in thermally processed foods. This invention permits the production of foods having significantly reduced levels of acrylamide. The method relies on the manipulation of various unit operations used in the production of food products, particularly the washing and cooking unit operations. For example, the washing unit operation can be modified to provide a contacting step at an increased time and temperature, and adding components such as calcium chloride and L-cysteine to an aqueous solution used for the contacting. The cooking unit operation can be modified by dividing it into at least a higher-temperature first heating step and a lower-temperature second heating step in order to avoid the high-temperature/low-moisture conditions most favorable for acrylamide formation.

Abstract: The invention provides food product particles obtainable with a method for finish-frying food product particles in superheated steam having a flow rate in the range of from 1 to 20 m/s, at a temperature in the range of from 150-250° C. and for a period of time in the range of from 1 to 5 minutes, wherein more than 75% of the surface of the food product particles is contacted with the superheated steam.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for a method for reducing the amount of acrylamide in thermally processed foods. This invention permits the production of foods having significantly reduced levels of acrylamide. The method relies on the manipulation of various unit operations used in the production of food products, particularly the washing and cooking unit operations. For example, the washing unit operation can be modified to provide a contacting step at an increased time and temperature, and adding components such as calcium chloride and L-cysteine to an aqueous solution used for the contacting. The cooking unit operation can be modified by dividing it into at least a higher-temperature first heating step and a lower-temperature second heating step in order to avoid the high-temperature/low-moisture conditions most favorable for acrylamide formation.

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of acrylamide in thermally processed foods. This invention permits the production of foods having significantly reduced levels of acrylamide. The method relies on the manipulation of various unit operations used in the production of food products, particularly the peeling, cooking, and rejecting unit operations. For example, the peeling unit operation can be modified to provide a more fully peeled potato slice. The cooking unit operation can be modified by cooking to higher moisture and/or at lower hot oil temperatures to minimize the high-temperature/low-moisture conditions most favorable for acrylamide formation. The rejection unit operation can be modified to reject defects that result in high levels of acrylamide.

Abstract: A fermentation product (fermented food) that has high functionality by subjecting a fructan-containing material (in particular, a material including garlic or rakkyo containing fructan at a high concentration) directly to lactic acid fermentation without performing a heat treatment or an enzymatic treatment. More specifically, provided are: a fermentation product having an immunopotentiating effect, which is obtained by lactic acid fermentation of a fructan-containing material using a lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum S506 strain (NITE BP-643) having fructan-utilizing ability, a mutant strain of the S506 strain having fructan-utilizing ability, or a strain isolated from Lactobacillus plantarum and having the same bacteriological properties as those of the S506 strain; and a fermented food which contains the fermentation product.

Abstract: Potatoes are processed to develop baked and fried flavors and aromas. The are baked to create a number of characteristic baked flavors and textures. When fried, a whole other group of flavors and textures is achieved. To avoid damage to the discrete potato pieces that are prepared in processing and are desired in the final product, the process entails baking potatoes; pressing the potatoes to a predetermined thickness; freezing the potatoes; breaking the potatoes into discrete pieces; drying the discrete pieces to form a skin thereon and preferably lightly brown the surfaces; and freezing and packaging the pieces. Oven heating will be sufficient to provide a browning effect to a light golden to golden brown color and form a skin on the exterior surface of exposed potato pulp, both important to the preparation of the best product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing the acrylamide content of heat-treated foods compared with corresponding conventional heat-treated foods.

Abstract: The use of acid treatment of uncooked French fries prior to cooking by roasting, frying, grill or baking whereby to reduce the acrylamide content of the cooked product.

Abstract: An UHT asceptic process for producing a range of infant food products comprises at least two steps, wherein, in a first stage, vegetables are cooked and meat or fish is cooked separately from the vegetables to provide pre-cooked ingredients are mixed and submitted to UHT processing at a temperature of about 130° C. to 140° C. for a time of about 30 seconds to about 240 seconds to sterilize the product and filled aseptically into plastics containers.