Abstract: The method for processing of potatoes is characterized by the fact that the method is carried out in a potato processing plant, which comprises an oil separator, heating equipment and at least one enzyme reactor and which is modified in such a manner that it can also be used for processing of rape. It is not obvious that such modification is sufficiently small for achieving an economically sound method for processing of rape outside the potato season.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the production of a frozen, instant mashed potato product for dispensing onto ovenable trays transported by a high-speed frozen food packaging line. A slurry including a fat-containing ingredient or a fat-substitute and water is heated to a temperature above the gelatinization temperature of potato starch but below the boiling point of the slurry. Next, the heated slurry is mixed with dehydrated potato solids using a combination of a high-speed mixing element and a low-speed scraping element both located inside a closed mixing chamber. Hydration of the potato solids is then completed under static conditions. The thus formed mashed potatoes are dispensed into an ovenable product container. The container is further packaged and the mashed potato products frozen.

Abstract: Nondigestible fat compositions useful as replacements for triglyceride fats or oils in foods are disclosed. These compositions have relatively flat solid Fat Content (SFC) profile slopes between typical room temperature and body temperature. The nondigestible fat compositions comprise a liquid nondigestible oil and nondigestible solid polyol polyester particles dispersed in the oil in an amount sufficient to control passive oil loss. The solid polyol polyester particles of the composition herein comprise from about 10% to 50% polyol polyester polymer and from 50% to about 90% polyol polyester monomer. The polyol polyester material which forms these solid particles must contain a relatively high proportion of long chain saturated fatty acid ester groups. Edible fat-containing products comprising these nondigestible fats can be less waxy tasting due to the lower level of solids required for passive oil loss control.

Abstract: The invention presented is a high protein, low fat, nut-based snack product made from a dough base comprised of a defatted, roasted nut meal, a starch component and water. The individual product pieces have a nut content of at least about 40% based upon the total weight of the dough base. The particle size distribution in the meal is such that a major portion are relatively fine and a minor proportion relatively coarse.

Abstract: The present invention is a procedure for preparing cooked foods which involve the use of a gellan gum batter to coat a food substrate to impart qualities which are typically associated with fried foods, including crispness and juiciness. Food products resulting from the procedure of the present invention contain low levels of fat and yet have the desirable qualities of fried foods.

Abstract: A process for dehydrating food products particularly suited to the dehydration of potatoes for use in the preparation of hashbrown potatoes, and the product of said process. In accordance with the process of the invention, a food product is prepared into separate pieces for drying. The separate pieces are then coated with a dry mixture which includes a separation particulate which maintains separation between adjacent pieces such that the pieces may be more efficiently and effectively hot air dried. The dry mixture may also include ingredients which react with moisture on the food product surface to form the adhesive surface for adhering the dry mixture to the food product. For the preparation of hashbrown potatoes, the dry mixture may include spices, browning ingredients, and patty-binding ingredients. For the preparation of casserole potato dishes, the dry mixture may include spices, dehydrated vegetables and cheeses, and a thickening agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a hot-dispersible HMT-starch with delayed thickening by treating starch in the presence of moisture at an elevated temperature, whereby the treatment is carried out in the presence of grated potatoes, potato juice or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of a potato-on-a-stick, and methods for making the potato-on-a-stick, are disclosed. The potato-on-a-stick includes a pre-cooked potato, which is prepared by partial baking, an interruption in cooking to cool the potato, and then blanching, which allows a stick to be inserted without breakage of the potato and which causes the potato to adhere to the stick and hold the stick in place in the potato throughout further handling, freezing, thawing, finish-cooking, and eating. In one embodiment, the method of making the potato-on-a-stick product starts with the baking process for potato boats, in which whole potatoes are partially baked, cooled, cut, and scooped-out. The scooped-out potato centers are then blanched and cooled, and a wooden stick is inserted and secured by the adhesiveness of the potato contacting and holding the stick. The invented method produces a potato product which has a secured stick and has an uncrumbly, unbreaking texture and yet a pleasant, soft and palatable texture.

Abstract: Shelf-stable, intermediate-moisture potatoes are produced by blanching strips of raw potatoes in a heated infusion solution containing sugar and sodium chloride, draining and cooling the infused potato strips and drying the infused potato strips such that the strips have a water activity of below 0.85%. In one embodiment, blanching is performed by soaking the strips in an infusion solution from 1 to 3 minutes at a temperature of at least 200.degree. F. where the solution contains at least 5% sodium chloride and at least 12% sucrose.

Abstract: Shelf-stable, intermediate-moisture potatoes are produced by blanching pieces of raw potatoes in a heated infusion solution containing glycerol and sodium chloride, draining and cooling the infused potato pieces and drying the infused potato pieces such that the pieces have a water activity of below 0.85%. In one embodiment, blanching is performed by soaking the pieces in an infusion solution from 1 to 3 minutes at a temperature of at least 200.degree. F. (93.3.degree. C.) where the solution contains at least 5% sodium chloride and at least 10% glycerol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing frozen potato products, wherein raw potatoes are cut into a desired shape. The particular improvement which comprises the present invention is the added step of passing the potato pieces through an aqueous solution of food grade color, i.e. annatto or yellow dye. Such treatment provides potato pieces having a light golden yellow color upon emerging from said color solution. The colored pieces may then be additionally cooked and frozen for packaging and sale. Final preparation for consumption of the pieces is by reheating for a few minutes in an oven or deep frying.

Abstract: A process for the production of an edible food supplement preservative from a rootcrop by processing such rootcrop into dry powder, the process steps including, placing the rootcrop in a closable vessel, subjecting the rootcrop to chopping or cutting while the vessel is evacuated, effecting a primary drying followed by the injection of an inert gas thereinto, crushing the rootcrop, spraying a synergist onto the crushed mass, spraying a drying distillation liquid thereonto, effecting a secondary drying of the resulting mass and mixing the dried mass to a dispersed state.

Abstract: Nondigestible fat compositions useful as a replacement for triglyceride fats or oils in foods are disclosed. These compositions have relatively flat Solid Fat Content (SFC) profile slopes between typical room and body temperatures. The nondigestible fat compositions comprise a liquid nondigestible oil and nondigestible particles of solid polyol polyester material dispersed in the oil in an amount sufficient to control passive oil loss. The ester groups of the solid polyol polyester material comprise (i) at least about 15% ester groups formed from C.sub.20 -C.sub.26 long chain saturated fatty acid radicals, and (ii) ester groups formed from fatty or other organic acid radicals which are dissimilar said long chain saturated fatty acid radicals. The molar ratio of said dissimilar acid radicals to said long chain saturated fatty acid radicals ranges from about 0.1:7.9 to about 3:5. Moreover, the dissimilar acid radicals cannot consist solely of C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 short chain saturated fatty acid radicals, C.sub.

Abstract: A continuous process for making fat-free potato chips without using any cooking oil whatsoever. Chipping potatoes are prepared, sliced, continuously monolayered onto a conveyer and squeegeed to remove the excess starch and moisture. The slices are initial cooked on independently controlled conveyers in a primary 3-zone oven where they are first radiant heated and then subjected to two stages of forced air convection heating by driving the air into both surfaces of the slices simultaneously as the moisture content is reduced to 15%. The slices are then final cooked in a dielectric heater where an even controlled heat is applied in two tandem drying zones where the potato slices are subjected to long wavelength (65.8 ft.) radio frequency (15 mhz) waves from two 20 kw transmitters which reduce the moisture content of the finished slices to 7%. The finished potato chips are seasoned and packaged and have the texture, appearance and mouthful of deep-fat fried potato chips.

Abstract: Potato products are preserved for extended storage at refrigeration temperatures by a process wherein the potatoes are peeled, cut, cooked in a solution of heated water and preservatives, or a solution of steam and preservatives, dried, and then air cooled to between 30.degree. F. to 34.degree. F. The air cooled potato products are vacuum packaged in carbon dioxide and stored at refigeration temperature.

Abstract: Potatoes are blanched, washed, treated with amylase, dehydrated, hydrated to 12% to 30%, tempered to a uniform moisture and toasted at 140.degree. C. to 220.degree. C. to about 2% moisture. The resulting product is flavored, salted and may have controlled amounts of oil, preferably between 3% and 7% by final weight, added during the process, preferably after toasting.

Abstract: A composition that is a composite of cellulose and a surfactant. The composite is made by the process of coprocessing the cellulose with a surfactant. The composite can be used as a bulking agent in low-moisture or in oil phase compositions, and is especially useful in reduced-calorie foods.

Abstract: A batter mix for foodstuffs which provides a reconstituted food product having a tender and crisp exterior and a moist interior. A frozen food product comprising a foodstuff coated with the batter mix, like French fries, can be reconstituted by a variety of heat sources, including a microwave oven.

Abstract: The process for preparing fat-free frozen french fry style potatoes utilizes the steps of: preheating raw peeled potatoes; cutting the preheated and peeled potatoes; blanching the preheated, peeled and cut potatoes to remove excess sugars, to gelatinize starch, to remove the gelatinized starch, and to inactivate the enzymes during subsequent handling, freezing, and holding periods; drying the preheated, peeled, cut, and blanched potatoes; then freezing the reheated, peeled, cut, blanched and dried potatoes; and for convenient handling, packing the frozen potatoes in selected containers which are kept within frozen storage volumes until used in preparing a meal.

Abstract: A process for preparing potato chips, shoestring potatoes and other tuber chips in which no additional fat content is added to the potato and none of the natural foodstuffs are removed. The process comprises the steps of slicing a potato or other tuber to produce a plurality of slices or strips of the desired configuration, heating the slices or strips to a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to remove from about fifty to eighty percent of the moisture thereform, and microwave heating the slices or strips to produce a product having substantially the same flavor, color, crispness and slightly greasy appearance as deep-fried products. The slices or strips can be subjected to a second microwaving step at a reduced power level to reduce the moisture content of the product for a longer shelf life.

Abstract: A process for preparing frozen potato strips which remain crisp for an extended period of time after finish frying. Potatoes which have been cut into strips and blanched are contacted with an aqueous solution having a pH in the range of about 5.5 to 8.5 which contains a hydrolyzed starch product, such as dextrin or maltodextrin. The pH of the aqueous solution is maintained within the desired range by the addition thereto of a basic alkali salt. A conventional chelating agent and reducing sugar may also be included in the aqueous solution. After contact with the aqueous solution, such as by immersion, spraying, and the like, the potato strips may be partially dried in hot air and are then frozen. The frozen potato strips are prepared for consumption by finish frying under suitable time-temperature conditions. Contacting the blanched potato strips with an aqueous solution containing a hydrolyzed starch product and having a pH in the range of 5.5-8.

Abstract: Water blanched, cooked potato strips which normally discolor upon exposure to air, are treated with a combination of a calcium ion component and an oxidation inhibitor, to simultaneously complex the chlorogenic acid present on the surface of the potato strips with the calcium ions and to also complex the ferrous iron which is present on the surface of the potato strips to prevent oxidation and subsequent discoloration. Such pretreated potato strips are then partially fried to produce an improved potato product for french frying. Calcium acetate preferably is employed.

Abstract: Methods for treating produce to minimize browning upon subsequent processing, handling and/or storage wherein the processing involves exposing produce, such as fruits, vegetables and tubers, and particularly potatoes, to discoloration inhibitors including cysteine, calcium chloride, sodium acid pyrophosphate and/or a sulfiting agent in synergistic amounts so as to result with a treated product containing less than about 30 ppm sulfite, and preferably less than about 10 ppm or essentially no sulfite, which may be stored for extended periods of time without exhibiting browning which would otherwise occur unless the produce were treated to have a sulfite content substantially greater than 30 ppm. Dehydrated, storage stable produce containing less than about 30 ppm sulfite, and preferably less than about 10 ppm or essentially no sulfite.

Abstract: Increased stability of fruits, vegetables or fungi is achieved by coating with compositions comprising at least one polysaccharide polymer, a preservative and an acidulant. The compositions may also include at least one emulsifier, at least one plasticizer, at least one resin or rosin, at least one protein, at least one firming or sequestering agent, at least one antioxidant and at least one composition which is a plant growth regulator and/or a chilling injury protectant. Methods of making and using the aforementioned compositions, and fruits or vegetables or fungi coated with the compositions on the exterior surface are also disclosed. Fruits, vegetables or fungi, with or without a rind or peel or skin, or which have been cut or sliced can be coated with the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: A method of preparing a potato product which is moist on the inside and crispy on the outside including the steps of slicing raw potatoes into thin potato slices, steaming the potato slices until fully cooked, cooling the steamed potato slices, coating the steamed potato slices with an egg mixture after cooling, freezing the coated potato slices, and baking the frozen coated potato slices in a conventional oven until a desired browning color and crispness is achieved. The combined steps of steaming the potato slices, coating the steamed slices and freezing before final baking produce a potato product that is moist on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Abstract: A nondigestible fat which comprises a liquid nondigestible oil having a complete melting point below about 37.degree. C. and a sufficient amount of a hydrophobic silica to control passive oil loss of the liquid nondigestible oil is disclosed. This nondigestible fat is useful in the formulation of reduced calorie fat compositions useful as frying fats for obtaining reduced calorie foods, e.g. potato chips, french fries and other fat-containing foods. These fat compositions can also be used to provide reduced calorie cooking and salad oils that are clear at room temperature.

Abstract: A cooking process for food chip products that does not involve oil-based cooking. The process includes slicing and/or shaping food, washing starch from the sliced or shaped food with water and forming multiple layers of the food product. The multiple-layered food product is baked in an impingement oven under conditions sufficient to form a fluidized bed of layered food product. The pressure is varied within the impingement oven to further release moisture. After baking, the food chips are dried and optionally seasoned.

Abstract: A method of producing livestock feed from potato processing waste is disclosed that uses a starch-hydrolyzing enzyme, two fermenting yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida utilis, and the yeast Saccharomycopsis fibuliger. The enzyme and yeasts are added in a particular sequence to comminuted potato waste after the potato particles have been heated and cooled to certain temperatures.

Abstract: Microwavable french fries are prepared by with at least one step in which potato strips are treated in a hot water solution containing starch to form a starch layer in the top surface layer of the potato strips, and by subsequent frying and freezing. A box for cooking the microwave french fries includes top, bottom and side panels that have at least one susceptor board substantially covering them. Prepared potato strips are oriented in the box during packing to be parallel and the box opened and the strips spread across the top, bottom and side panels for exposure to microwave radiation. Indicia on the box instruct the method of microwave cooking.

Abstract: A flavored potato slice contains even distribution of flavoring, including even distribution of flavoring particles on the surface of the slice. Such potato slice is produced by a process in which the particles are suspended in a marinade in which the raw potato slices are immersed.

Abstract: A method for preventing cut pieces of agricultural products containing starch, particularly potatoes, from sticking to each other during the steps of drying and cooking, which includes washing the cut pieces with, or immersing the same in, a solution of an amylolytic enzyme, or an acidic or alkaline aqueous solution, or performing the washing or immersing treatment after blanching the cut pieces, thus saccharifying the starch existing on the surface of the cut pieces and removing the sugar thus formed from the cut pieces and thereby preventing the sticking of the cut pieces in the subsequent heating and drying steps.

Abstract: Reduced calorie french fries and other high moisture fat-coated foods having less greasiness are disclosed. Such products are typically obtained by applying to the surface of the french fry, or other food, reduced calorie fat compositions having particular fluid viscosity characteristics that correlate to reduced greasiness impressions. These reduced calorie fat compositions comprise a nondigestible fat, and optionally, a triglyceride fat or oil. The nondigestible fat in general comprises a liquid nondigestible oil and a sufficient amount of a nondigestible solid polyol polyester to control passive oil loss typically associated with the ingestion of liquid nondigestible oils.

Abstract: A process for preparing frozen par-fried potato strips which remain crisp for an extended period of time after finish frying. Potatoes which have been cut into strips and blanched are contacted with an aqueous solution having a pH in the range of about 5.5 to 8.5 which contains a hydrolyzed starch product, such as dextrin or maltodextrin. The pH of the aqueous solution is maintained within the desired range by the addition thereto of a basic alkali salt. A conventional chelating agent and reducing sugar may also be included in the aqueous solution. After contact with the aqueous solution, such as by immersion, spraying, and the like, the potato strips are par-fried and frozen, and are prepared for consumption by finish frying. Contacting the blanched potato strips with an aqueous solution containing a hydrolyzed starch product and having a pH in the range of 5.5-8.

Abstract: A food product, suitable for slicing into helical strips, comprising a whole fruit or vegetable having an outer surface, a longitudinal center axis and a plurality of penetration slots which extend radially inwardly from the outer surface to the longitudinal center axis.

Abstract: A process for preparing potato chips and shoestring potatoes in which no additional fat content is added to the potato and none of the natural foodstuffs are removed. The process comprises the steps of slicing a potato to produce a plurality of potato slices or strips of the desired configuration and microwave heating the slices or strips for a period of about six to nine minutes to produce a product having substantially the same flavor, color, crispness and slightly greasy appearance as deep-fried potato chips or shoestring potatoes. The potato slices or strips can be steamed or baked prior to microwave heating to reduce the microwave heating time and can be subjected to a second microwave heating step to reduce the moisture content therein for a longer shelf life.

Abstract: A process for making dehydrated potato products from potato flakes so that they can be sulfite-free by mixing the potato flakes with a sufficient amount of water to increase their moisture content to a predetermined level, lowering the temperature of the moistened potato flakes to a temperature and for a period of time sufficient for retrogradation of free soluble starch contained in the potato flakes, reducing the size of the potato flakes in a manner to minimize breakage of potato cell walls, and drying the resulting potato product. The dehydrated potato product can be reconstituted without using a boiling liquid to make a dough for french fries or to make a mashed potato product.

Abstract: A method of preparing and producing a nutritious, low calorie, low cholesterol, shelf-stable, expanded snack food product for humans and pets is disclosed. The process involves using a proteinaceous material, such as raw comminuted meats or mechanically separated meats, that are frozen or chilled. Prior to using the raw, frozen or chilled meat, it is further comminuted to relatively small particle size to provide optimum dispersion of the meat products with the farinaceous (starch) component of the mixture. This blend containing the raw, frozen or chilled meat products, is mixed with pregelatinized flour and is then subjected to elevated temperatures and shear pressure as it moves through the high-temperature, short-time, screw-type extruder. Flavorings, coloring, spices, and the like, may be blended with the ingredients or may be topically applied to the extrudate prior to packaging and after cutting to desired lengths.

Abstract: A method of preparing and producing a nutritious, low calorie, low cholesterol, shelf-stable, expanded snack food product is disclosed. The process involves using a proteinaceous material, such as raw comminuted meats or mechanically separated meats, that are frozen or chilled. Prior to using the raw, frozen or chilled meat, it is further comminuted to relatively small particle size to provide optimum dispersion of the meat products with the farinaceous (starch) component of the mixture. This blend containing the raw, frozen or chilled meat products, is mixed with pregelatinized flour and is then subjected to elevated temperatures and shear pressure as it moves through the high-temperature, short-time, screw-type extruder. Flavorings, coloring, spices, and the like, may be topically applied to the extrudate prior to packaging and after cutting to desired lengths.

Abstract: A method for producing reduced fat deep fried comestibles. The method particularly applies to preparing french fries from whole potatoes. The method involves coating the comestible with a mixture of ungelatinized amylose and calcium, blanching the coated comestible, dehydrating the blanched comestible to achieve about a 5% to a 30% total weight loss, and then parfrying the dehydrated comestible at about 270.degree. F. to about 340.degree. F. for up to about 3 minutes. The parfried comestible may then be frozen and then finish fried or alternatively may immediately be finish-fried. The resulting comestible has an appetizing flavor, texture and has up to a 40% reduced fat content as compared to conventionally prepared deep fried goods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a product of predetermined shape from a vegetable, in which a cylindrical core is cut from the vegetable, and a predetermined shape is cut laterally from the core. In another aspect of the invention a cylindrical plug is cut into the vegetable, a cylindrical pocket is cut in the plug, and the base of the plug is severed from the vegetable for form a cup.

Abstract: Flours prepared from white sweet potatoes, cassava, edible aroids, tropical yams, lotus, arrowhead, buckbean, and amaranth, and a variety of different food products prepared from them, are substitutes for wheat and other grains, legumes, milk, eggs, and a partial substitute for nuts.

Abstract: A process, and product thereof, for preparing French fried potatoes for heating in a microwave oven without suscepters. The process includes the steps of 1) cleaning, peeling, slicing, and sizing the potatoes; then 2) blanching the potatoes to affect a partial cook and preserve color stability; then 3) deep frying the potatoes in oil to further partially cook the potatoes; then 4) applying a cellulose derivative coat to the potatoes; then 5) at least partially drying the potatoes to at least partially fix the cellulose derivative coat; and then 6) deep frying the potatoes to further fix the cellulose derivative coat for frozen storage and subsequent reheating in the microwave oven. The preferred cellulose derivative is methylcellulose.

Abstract: A variety of different food products, prepared from edible roots, seeds, and starchy fruits including potatoes, arrowroot, water chestnut, jicama, buckwheat, legumes, millet, milo, barley, oats, corn, teff, rice, cotton seed meal, bread fruit, pumpkin, winter squash, white squash, plantain, banana, and jack fruit are substitutes for wheat and other grains, milk, eggs, and a partial substitute for nuts. A variety of starches, soluble fibers, and insoluble fibers may be combined to provide products that are substitutes for wheat and other grains, milk, eggs, and a partial substitute for nuts.

Abstract: A new method for fresh, refrigerated mashed potatoes is disclosed. The method features overcooking potatoes until they do not gel after cooling, with later grinding, blending, pasteurizing, chilling, injecting with an inert gas, packaging and refrigerated storing. The blending, pasteurizing, chilling and injecting steps are performed in a closed system wherein the potato mixture is not exposed to the open atmosphere in order to minimize contamination and maximize shelf life.

Abstract: The invention is a method for preparing a bran from wet distiller's grain (WDG) or distiller's dried grain with solubles (DDGS). In the method sodium bicarbonate, amino acid and potato starch are added to the wet, solid residue from the fermentation of grain. Then, the residue-additive mix is blended and dried to produce a bran which may be utilized on a 50-50 weight basis with wheat flour, for example, in the manufacture of noodles and baked goods.

Abstract: The process for producing a flake style food of the present invention comprises adding a dehydrated vegetable to a seasoning solution, emulsifying the obtained mixture by stirring at a high speed of from 1,000 to 10,000 rpm within a temperature zone of from 10.degree. to 80.degree. C. for 1 to 10 minutes and mixing the emulsified product thus obtained with fish meat, poultry meat, cattle meat or artificial meat.

Abstract: A method of preparing a rosin baked potato by wrapping a whole potato in a wrapper formed from a rosin impregnated cellulosic substrate laminated to a flexible sheet and having perforations provided to allow steam to vent as the potato is baked in a heating apparatus.

Abstract: A method, and product thereof, is described for reducing the amount of oil absorbed into a food during hot oil frying. The method involves coating the food, prior to deep fat frying, with a protein latex which forms a layer of hydrophobic protein having excellent barrier properties to hot oil.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for manufacturing potato chips using chemically treated frozen potatoes which exhibit the good quality of promptly harvested potatoes. Potato slices are dipped in a heated solution containing ultraphosphate. Subsequently, the dipped slices are frozen and stored. Eventually, the frozen slices are thawed and fried for consumption.

Abstract: Sliced potato products are prepared for refrigerated storage and distribution while retaining the characteristics of wholesome, freshly sliced potatoes for a minimum of 45 days. The potatoes may be peeled, or unpeeled, and cut into any sliced configuration, such as French fries, crinkle cuts, or homefries. The potato pieces are then washed, dewatered, and sterilized in a hot oil blanch. The cut potatoes are then mechanically chilled and packaged in an inert atmosphere which utilizes CO.sub.2 as a component. The packaged potatoes are stored and distributed under refrigeration until ready for use.