Abstract: A method of preparing potato strips includes cutting potatoes into strips, blanching the strips, dipping the strips in an aqueous solution containing salt, color additives, SAPP or other additives, and drying the strips. The dry strips are parfried, partially deoiled, washed in water, cooled, exposed to superheated steam, dried in an impingement oven, cooled and frozen. The strips, before parfrying, may be coated with a batter. The frozen strips may be reconstituted by heating in an oven. In alternative methods, frozen strips are prepared with no or virtually no fat content.

Abstract: A method for making potato chips involving a marination step in a brine and acacia gum solution prior to frying. Potato pieces or slices are immersed for a short period of time in a brine solution that comprises soluble acacia gum. This immersion marinates the potato pieces prior to a frying step. The resultant potato chips, after frying, have a reduced fat content but exhibit otherwise very similar characteristics to a potato chip made by prior art frying methods.

Abstract: Snack foods are prepared, at least in part, from potato flakes and/or potato granules which are derivable from potatoes in which the starch has a higher than normal amylopectin content, for example, waxy potatoes. The snack foods have improved texture and appearance.

Abstract: A method of making frozen, reheatable and mashable potato pieces includes fully cooking potato pieces such that the potato pieces maintain structural integrity, dewatering the potato pieces, and freezing the potato pieces and packaging the frozen potato pieces in a reheatable container to form frozen, reheatable, and mashable potato pieces.

Abstract: A nutritious, flavorful, digestible animal chew made from a dehydrated sweet potato is provided. The animal chew is non-allergenic and has a striated, deeply furrowed surface to improve the oral hygiene of an animal. The animal chew is low in calories, high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and contains no animal-based or synthetic products.

Abstract: The present invention discloses formulations for sheeted, baked sweet potato chips that have a light, crispy texture similar to a white potato chip. The ingredients are combined with water and oil to make a dough, which is then sheeted and cut into pieces. The pieces are baked to produce sweet potato snack chips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic methods for down-regulating and up-regulating genes in a plant, for example in the starch-rich storage organs of these plants, as well as the products of these plants, to lower the level of acrylamide that accumulates upon processing-associated heating of these organs and plant products.

Abstract: A method for making potato chips involving a marination step in a brine and acacia gum solution prior to frying. Potato pieces or slices are immersed for a short period of time in a brine solution that comprises soluble acacia gum. This immersion marinates the potato pieces prior to a frying step. The resultant potato chips, after frying, have a reduced fat content but exhibit otherwise very similar characteristics to a potato chip made by prior art frying methods.

Abstract: Dehydrated potato flakes prepared from potato slices, slivers and/or nubbins suitable for use in dough compositions used to make fabricated products. The dehydrated flakes are prepared such that the physical properties in the flake are controlled during processing. The resulting flakes can be used to prepare a more cohesive, non-adhesive, machineable dough.

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: Dehydrated potato flakes prepared from potato slices, slivers and/or nubbins suitable for use in dough compositions used to make fabricated products. The dehydrated flakes are prepared such that the physical properties in the flake are controlled during processing. The resulting flakes can be used to prepare a more cohesive, non-adhesive, machineable dough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for increasing the content of resistant starch in a potato product by enzymatic treatment. The invention further relates to potato products having an increased content of resistant starch.

Abstract: A powdered health food contains at least one selected from a group consisting of powders of a plurality of vegetables. A Fischer ratio which is a molar ratio (BCAA/AAA) of a branched chain amino acid (BCAA) to an aromatic amino acid (ARA) contained in the powdered health food is 2.1 or higher.

Abstract: A good-taste, good-appearance bread crumb analog having an improved crispy oral sensation. The bread crumb analog is prepared by heat-treating raw material containing at least 15 percent by weight of dehydrated potatoes, e.g., potato flakes and/or potato powder.

Abstract: The subject invention provides “no sat” canola oil. The subject invention also provides seeds that can be used to produce such oils. Plants that produce these seeds are also included within the subject invention. All of this was surprisingly achieved by using a delta-9 desaturase gene in canola. This technology can be applied to other plants as disclosed herein. Oils of the subject invention have particularly advantageous characteristics and fatty acid profiles, which were not heretofore attained. The subject invention still further provides a plant-optimized delta-9 desaturase gene. The subject invention still further provides a plant-optimized delta-9 desaturase gene. In some preferred embodiments, a preferred plant comprises at least two copies of a delta-9 desaturase gene of the subject invention. Seeds produced by such plants surprisingly do not exhibit effects of gene silencing but rather have further surprising reductions in levels of total saturates.

Abstract: Base compositions, methods of manufacturing base compositions and frozen food products including a base composition are described. According to one or more embodiments, a base composition for a frozen food product includes at least one insoluble fiber, at least one soluble fiber, at least one emulsifier and at least one stabilizer. In one or more aspects of the invention, methods are provided for processing the base composition with additional ingredients to provide flavor, sweetness and the like for a variety of frozen food products such as: frozen desserts; ice creams; gelato; and mousse, either confectionary, seafood-type or savory vegetable-type, with desirable organoleptic and stability properties. In one or more embodiments, base compositions and methods described herein are suitable for preparing many types of frozen food products ranging from dairy-type products to those having low-fat, low calorie, fruit flavors and the like.

Abstract: A free flowing vegetable powder includes an intimate mixture of at least three different dehydrated vegetables including: 5-60% of onion by weight of vegetable dry matter; 0-90% by weight of vegetable dry matter of moderately colored vegetable selected from the group consisting of vegetables belonging to the genus Cucurbita, vegetables belonging to the genus Oleracea, sweet corn, sweet potato, green bean, edamame, celery and combinations thereof; and 5-95% by weight of vegetable dry matter of intensely colored vegetable selected from the group consisting of tomato, red bell pepper, red beet, radicchio, swiss chard, rhubarb, peppers, yam, Adzuki beans, carrot, green pea, green bell pepper, asparagus, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, egg plant and combinations thereof. The vegetable powder according to the present invention can advantageously be employed in fabricated savory snacks to deliver nutritional benefit, a considerable vegetable serving size, color and taste.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preventing or reducing after-cooking darkening in par-fried potato food products, comprising forming treated potato food products by contacting blanched potato food products with a composition comprising lactic acid. The composition may further contain calcium lactate and/or SAPP.

Abstract: A method of preparing potato fibres includes the steps of: a) washing potatoes; b) optionally removing solid impurities and rinsing water adhering to the potatoes; c) grinding the potatoes into a pulp; d) separating potato fruit water; e) removing starch and optionally residual potato fruit water in order to obtain raw fibres; f) refining the raw fibres; g) mixing in potato fibres which have previously been dried; and h) drying the fibres; as well as potato fibres obtainable by that method and use thereof.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to consume raw food cultivated in appropriate soil. The constitution of the health food is: consuming cereals including rices and wheats with or without husk, millets, pulses, tubers, leaf vegetables, fruit vegetables, rosette crops, root vegetables, citrus fruits, fruits, melons, seaweeds, and liverworts etc. as is; or consuming powders thereof, or by soaking in water so as to process to a degree that cell are not destructed (or if cells are destructed, the whole of leaf vegetables including root, stem, and leaf or a portion thereof are consumed as e.g. juice) and consuming without processing treatment including heating, boiling in water, or steaming; or these cereals, millets, or pulses are soaked in water to allow sprouting, and consumed at around the time of sprouting without processing treatment including heating, boiling in water, or steaming.

Abstract: A Phytoceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of arthritis is provided. A specific combination of extracts of plants and nutraceuticals is taught, as well as principles for varying the formulations based on categorizing plants and nutraceuticals into one of three groups, Energy, Bio-Intelligence, and Organization and selecting several plants and nutraceuticals from each group. Such combinations have synergistic effects, with minimal side effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides shortenings having little to no trans-fatty acids and low saturates. Such shortenings can be used to make various food products.

Abstract: Edible compositions comprising legume products and tuber products are disclosed. In certain examples, the compositions can comprise bean powder combined with instant mashed potatoes. Such compositions can have excellent taste and improved nutrition. Methods of manufacture and preparation of the legume and tuber products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing a potato product includes hermetically enclosing potatoes in a container having an average oxygen permeability of 5 cc/m2·day·atm or less, and heating the potatoes at 60 to 95° C., the potatoes being heated under conditions where dissolved oxygen content in the container becomes 5% O2 or less at least when heating is completed.

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 relates to a composition comprising a mixture of full fat, enzyme active, dehulled soybean flakes and potato flakes, for making a soy protein enriched and soy oil containing mashed potato product having excellent nutritional, taste and texture properties. Additionally, the invention relates to method for making said soy protein enriched and soy oil containing mashed potato product from said composition; and to said soy protein enriched and soy oil containing mashed potato product.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved compositions comprising mixtures of toasted soybean flakes and potato flakes, for making highly soy protein enriched and soy oil containing mashed potato products having excellent nutritional, taste and texture properties. The toasted soybean flakes are made from full fat, enzyme active, dehulled soybean flakes. Additionally, the invention relates to methods for making said highly soy protein enriched and soy oil containing mashed potato products from said compositions; and to said highly soy protein enriched and soy oil containing mashed potato products per se.

Abstract: A process for producing frozen potato products having reduced trans-fat levels comprising the steps of: providing a stable frying oil with an 18:3 ratio of <2 wt % and a trans-fat level of <3 wt %; par frying potatoes in the blend to produce potato products; and freezing the potato products to produce frozen potato products having reduced trans-fat levels, wherein ?50% of the oil remaining in and on the frozen potato products freezes at temperatures ?10° F.

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-frying 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 frying medium consisting essentially of unmodified low-linolenic-acid soybean oil that contains relatively little saturated fat, and essentially no trans fatty acid, is disclosed. Food fried in this medium has properties comparable to those of food fried in partially hydrogenated higher trans oils. The frying medium can comprise a minor proportion of another type of low linolenic oil, such as cottonseed oil or palm oil, blended with the soybean oil as from 1 to 49 wt. %, alternatively 1 to 25 wt. %, alternatively 1 to 10 wt. %, alternatively 1 to 5 wt. % of the frying medium. The soybean oil of the frying medium can have from 5 wt. % to 15 wt. % palmitic acid; from 2 wt. % to 10 wt. % stearic acid; from 20 wt. % to 50 wt. % oleic acid; from 30 wt. % to 60 wt. % linoleic acid; and from 0.2 wt. % to 3.5 wt. % linolenic acid.

Abstract: Described is an improved emulsifier system suitable for use in making dehydrated starch ingredients. Also disclosed are a process for making the dehydrated ingredients using the improved emulsifier systems, doughs made using the dehydrated ingredients and the process for making those doughs, and food products containing the dehydrated ingredients.

Abstract: A method is described for making a frozen French fry-style food product, having from about 50.0% to about 70.0% moisture, from about 4.0% to about 8.0% protein, from about 2.5% to about 5.0% fat, and from about 0.25% to about 0.50% fibers, in addition to calcium and phosphorous sources. This frozen potato-based product is made from a composition comprising steam peeled and cooked whole raw potatoes, soaked or cooked whole beans processed and mixed with the peeled cooked potatoes to create a dough-like consistency to which proteinaceous flours, starchy flours, vegetable oil, and other additives are added and blended into a homogeneous potato-based dough. The homogeneous potato-based dough is extruded into a rope-like extrudate, which is partially steam-cooked and then immediately cooled. The cold rope-like extrudate is cut into uniform small rods, 2.5 inches long, which are packaged and stored under blast freezing conditions.

Abstract: In fabricated, thermally processed snack foods, the addition of one of a select group of amino acids to the recipe for the food inhibits the formation of acrylamide during the thermal processing. The amino acid can come from the group of cysteine, lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, and arginine and can be a commercially available amino acid or in a free form in an ingredient added to the food. Amino acids can be added to fabricated foods at the admix stage or by exposing raw food stock to a solution containing a concentration of the amino acid additive.

Abstract: This application discloses the concept of coating various baked or fried potato shapes with various types of chocolate including dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate and white chocolate mixed with food coloring. Also disclosed is the production methods (batch processing and continuous production) which may be altered minimally for conversion from producing fried and baked potato products to producing the same products coated with chocolate.

Abstract: A base homestyle potato salad blend for one of being used by itself and for use in conjunction with other additives for adding to fresh boiled eggs and potatoes to make potato salad. The base homestyle potato salad blend comprises mayonnaise and sandwich spread each being present in the homestyle potato salad blend in a concentration of between about 26 and about 30 percent by weight. Sweet pickle relish is present in the homestyle potato salad blend in a concentration of between about 12 and about 16 percent by weight. Mustard, pimento and granulated sugar are each present the homestyle potato salad blend in a concentration of between about 6 and about 8.5 percent by weight. Vinegar is present in the blend in a concentration of between about 2.5 and about 4.5 percent by weight. Salt is present in the blend in a concentration of between about 1 and about 2.5 percent by weight; and pepper is present in the potato salad blend in a concentration of between about 0.5 and about 1.5 percent by weight.

Abstract: A process for cooking a food in oil and/or fat is provided. A dry protein mixture, a dry alkaline protein mixture, an aqueous alkaline protein mixture or an aqueous acidic protein is added to a food prior to cooking. The dry protein mixture, dry alkaline protein mixture, aqueous alkaline protein mixture and aqueous acidic protein solution comprise myofibrillar proteins and sarcoplasmic proteins substantially free of myofibrils and sarcomeres. The amount of oil and/or fat absorbed by the food during cooking is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A microwavable crinkle-cut French fry potato includes deep groves and coatings of oil and encapsulated salt. Crinkle-cut potato pieces are prepared with a solids content of 40–50% by weight, frozen, sprayed with oil and coated with encapsulated salt. A carton for the potato pieces is formed from a single-piece blank provided with a pair of microwave susceptor surfaces and reinforced corners. A removable lid contacts the potato pieces during microwave reconstitution.

Abstract: A method is described for producing extruded French Fries-Style products from dough containing between 45% to 50% moisture, from 4% to 8% protein, and from 0.25% to 0.5% fibers. Said dough is composed of steam-peeled potatoes soaked beans, desired spices, flavors, colors, and fortified with vitamins and minerals. The dough is pumped under vacuum to specific forming heads containing openings of desired shapes and dimensions. The continuous extrudate coming from said forming heads is received over a solid conveying belt traveling inside a steam-heated path at an adjusted speed to expose the extrudate to steam for a certain length of time to bring the temperature of the center of the extrudate from 140 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The extrudate is then received over a belt-conveyer traveling inside a freezing-tunnel where it is exposed to blasts of cooled air for a period of time to lower the temperature of the extrudate to 45 and degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

Abstract: Dehydrated potato flakes prepared from potato slices, slivers and/or nubbins suitable for use in dough compositions used to make fabricated products. The dehydrated flakes are prepared such that the physical properties in the flake are controlled during processing. The resulting flakes can be used to prepare a more cohesive, non-adhesive, machineable dough.

Abstract: A method for making a dehydrated mashed potato product by cooking fresh potatoes including defects, ricing the cooked potatoes by urging the same through multiple openings in a ricing barrier to form riced moist potato pieces exiting the ricing barrier separated from potato defects which do not pass through the ricing barrier, reforming (e.g., by extrusion) the riced moist potato pieces by applying pressure to form riced, reformed moist potato pieces, and drying the riced, reformed potato pieces to a moisture content of about 5–10%. A dried mashed potato product comprising dried potato pieces which reconstitute in water at 180° F. under light stirring conditions to a mashed potato product having soft lumps characteristic of fresh mashed potatoes at a concentration of about 10 g to 80 g of soft lumps per 400 g of rehydrated product.

Abstract: Dehydrated potato flakes prepared from potato slices, slivers and/or nubbins suitable for use in dough compositions used to make fabricated products. The dehydrated flakes are prepared such that the physical properties in the flake are controlled during processing. The resulting flakes can be used to prepare a more cohesive, non-adhesive, machineable dough.

Abstract: Dehydrated potato flakes prepared from potato slices, slivers and/or nubbins suitable for use in dough compositions used to make fabricated products. The dehydrated flakes are prepared such that the physical properties in the flake are controlled during processing. The resulting flakes can be used to prepare a more cohesive, non-adhesive, machineable dough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing consumable products from potatoes, comprising: (a) treating a potato substance with an effective amount of one or more exogenous enzymes selected from the group consisting of an amyloglucosidase, glucose oxidase, laccase, lipase, maltogenic amylase, pectinase, pentosanase, protease, and transglutaminase, and (b) processing the enzyme-treated potato substance to produce a potato product. The invention also relates to consumable products obtained from potatoes by the methods of the present invention.

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 interfering with an acrylamide formation pathway that begins with the amino acid asparagine.

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 provides starchy food products, especially cooked and fully hydrated potato compositions, including fully hydrated mashed potato compositions and fully hydrated cut potato compositions, which are stabilized against the development of toxins from pathogenic bacterial contaminants. The stabilized compositions are attained by the incorporation of nisin-containing dairy composition derived from a nisin-producing culture. The invention also relates to methods of stabilizing starchy food products, especially cooked and fully hydrated potato compositions, including fully hydrated mashed potato compositions and fully hydrated cut potato compositions, against the development of toxins, wherein the method comprises incorporating nisin-containing dairy composition derived from a nisin-producing culture to the starchy food product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for suppressing the foaming of an aqueous system which involves combining water and at least one defoamer composition which has a hydroxyl equivalent molecular weight of at least 4000 Da and a cloud point less than or equal to 30° C. in 1% aqueous solution. The high hydroxyl equivalent molecular weight defoamers of the present invention exhibit excellent defoaming properties at a low cloud point. Additionally, defoamers of the present invention exhibit defoaming properties which are better than those of defoamers having the same cloud point which are based on polyoxyalkylene copolymers prepared in the presence of potassium hydroxide. The superior defoaming properties of the defoamers of the present invention are particularly useful in the manufacture or processing of food items.

Abstract: Dehydrated potato flakes prepared from potato slices, slivers and/or nubbins suitable for use in dough compositions used to make fabricated products. The dehydrated flakes are prepared such that the physical properties in the flake are controlled during processing. The resulting flakes can be used to prepare a more cohesive, non-adhesive, machineable dough.

Abstract: A frozen French fried potato product possessing unique taste characteristics is manufactured by producing potato pieces having a desired shape, frying the potato pieces, freezing the potato pieces, and applying a topical addition to the frozen potato pieces. The topical addition is preferably an encapsulated topical addition in which a water soluble ingredient other than salt is encapsulated in an encapsulation material. To impart sweet taste characteristics to the frozen French fried potato product, the topical addition is an encapsulated sugar. The resulting frozen French fried potato product is constituted by potato pieces that have been fried and frozen, with the topical addition such as encapsulated sugar applied to the outer surface of the frozen French fried potato pieces.

Abstract: A method for applying an air suspension of minute solid particles of CIPC to a potato storage facility at ambient temperatures. The minute solid particles are produced from larger solid particles of solid CIPC by micronizing the larger particles.