Abstract: A method for treating biomass including lignocellulosic polymers. The biomass is treated in a mixture of water with at least one oxidizing agent and steam at a temperature in a range of from about 130° C. to about 220° C. for a period from about 5 seconds to about 10 hours. The pH of the mixture is periodically measured for substantially an entire duration of the treating step. As necessary, based on the measured pH of the mixture, adjusting the pH of the mixture into a range of from about pH 4.5 to about pH 7.5 by adding a base to the mixture.

Abstract: A system and methodology for rehydrating perishable items (e.g., flowers, fresh food items, such as fruits, vegetables, other produce, and nuts) during storage and transportation thereof. The osmotic rehydration apparatus includes a pressurized chamber, a humidifier, an ozone generator, an electrostatic sprayer, a reservoir containing saline, and an air compressor. The perishable items are placed in the osmotic chamber under positive pressure. A film of saline solution is applied to the surface of the perishable items via an electrostatic sprayer. The saline/chlorine film on the perishable items is dried, and the osmotic chamber is saturated with ozone gas via an ozone generator. The osmotic chamber is then saturated with tiny pure water droplets via a humidifier or an electrostatic sprayer. The pressure within the chamber is raised to a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The osmotic chamber is then placed inside a cooler at a temperature slightly above freezing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ripening chamber and a method for fruit ripening. In particular, the present invention relates to a banana ripening chamber and a method for the artificial ripening of bananas (banana ripening technique). In a method according to the invention for ripening fruits, bananas, a respiration of the fruits is measured in a closed chamber containing the fruits to be ripened. A ripening chamber according to the invention is adapted to carry out a method according to the invention for ripening fruit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming a stabilized fat blend. Further aspects of the invention are a composition comprising a fat blend and micronized antioxidant-containing vegetable material. The invention also provides for the use of micronized antioxidant-containing vegetable material to protect a fat blend from oxidation, for example a fat blend with a low level of saturated fat.

Abstract: A method for producing a mixture of oil and fluid food product includes placing a funnel into a pressure tank such that a stem of the funnel extends at least halfway down into the pressure tank. The pressure tank is flushed with nitrogen. Oil flows into the pressure tank through the funnel. A flow of nitrogen into the pressure tank is maintained through a side inlet of the pressure tank. Oil is dispensed from a pressure tank into the transfer line flowing a flow of fluid food product from a batch tank. The dispensed oil is dispersed into the flow of fluid food product in a inline shear mixer creating oil-in-fluid food product droplets. The oil-in-fluid food product droplets flow to the batch tank with the flow of fluid food product. The oil-in-fluid food product droplets are distributed in a volume of fluid food product in the batch tank.

Abstract: Alcoholic spirits may be artificially aged under highly pressurized carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide may form carbonic acid, which may cause various esters to form in the presence of wood as well as to mellow the flavor when no wood is present. Wood may be pretreated with ozone, which may extract lignin which may further convert to vanillin during pressurized CO2 treatment, giving a vanilla note. After processing with pressurized CO2, a post-treatment of ozone may be given to the spirit, which may cause a mild oxidation and further mellowing of the spirit.

Abstract: A process for producing a composition from a biological source, which composition is preserved and, especially pathogen free and is storage stable, preferably at room temperature. Embodiments of the invention provide a process for producing a composition from eggs.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method to depolymerize a lignin comprising: (a) mixing a lignin, a chelator, and FeCl3 to produce a first solution, (b) optionally incubating the solution for a first suitable period of time, (c) introducing an oxidizing agent to the first solution to produce a second solution, and (d) optionally incubating the solution for a second suitable period of time; such that at least one aromatic ring of one lignin polymer is opened.

Abstract: A system for redistilling alcohol includes a heating vessel configured to receive a continuous stream of liquid white spirit and vaporize the liquid white spirit and a flavor vessel in direct fluid communication with and downstream of the heating vessel. The flavor vessel houses various botanicals and allows the vaporized white spirit to passes over the botanicals, thereby vaporizing volatile compounds of the botanicals and flavoring the vaporized white spirit. The system further includes a condenser in fluid communication with and downstream of the flavor vessel to obtain a redistilled alcohol product. Methods of redistilling an alcohol are also provided.

Abstract: Foamed meat or fish products and methods of producing the same are provided. The methods comprise feeding a raw material comprising comminuted meat or fish and connective tissue to a dispersing apparatus. A gas is also provided to the dispersing apparatus and the dispersing apparatus operated to provide the foamed meat or fish product. The foamed meat or fish products so produced include gas bubbles having an average size of 0.1 to 7 mm.

Abstract: A device for reducing the alcohol content of wines and other alcoholic beverages, comprising a distillation column (71) of the liquid to be treated, a first sensor (31) for measuring the temperature of the liquid, a heating resistance (41) for heating the liquid, a second sensor (55) for measuring the temperature of the vapors in the column (71) and an outlet pipe (60) of the vapors, which is connected to a condenser (18) and then reaches a collection container (24), inside of which the vacuum is provided by means of a setting solenoid valve (20) and a vacuum pump (21), which are connected to a pressure sensor (19); an electronic control circuit (16) detects the measurements made by the temperature sensors (31, 55) and by the pressure sensor (19) and adjusts the power of the heating resistance (41) and the opening of the setting solenoid valve (20).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for combing ozone and water to deliver ozonated water in a rinse stream. The ozone rain pan finds particular use for rinsing food products traveling along a conveyor line with ozonated water.

Abstract: A process for converting triacylglycerides-containing oils into crude oil precursors and/or distillate hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The process may include reacting a triacylglycerides-containing oil-carbon dioxide mixture at a temperature in the range from about 250° C. to about 525° C. and a pressure greater than about 75 bar to convert at least a portion of the triacylglycerides to a hydrocarbon or mixture of hydrocarbons comprising one or more of isoolefins, isoparaffins, cycloolefins, cycloparaffins, and aromatics.

Abstract: Heating an oil from a plant or animal while supplying oxygen at a dissolved oxygen supply speed of not less than 0.058 mg/L/min to the oil from plant or animal is a convenient production method of a material for food or drink, which is capable of imparting an aroma and/or a flavor, which are/is mellow and rich in variety, to a food or drink.

Abstract: Heating an oil from a plant or animal while supplying oxygen at a dissolved oxygen supply speed of not less than 0.058 mg/L/min to the oil from plant or animal is a convenient production method of a material for food or drink, which is capable of imparting an aroma and/or a flavor, which are/is mellow and rich in variety, to a food or drink.

Abstract: Protein concentrates and protein isolates, in addition to processes for the production of protein concentrates hydrolyzates thereof and protein isolates, are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure relates to a process for removing fiber from an oilseed meal, comprising: i) mixing an oilseed meal with a blending solvent, optionally water, saline solution, polysaccharide solution or protein containing solution, to form a mixture; ii) optionally adjusting the pH of the protein slurry to a pH of about 2 to about 10; iii) separating the mixture to form a protein slurry comprising soluble and insoluble proteins and an insoluble fiber fraction, and iv) extracting the protein slurry with an alcohol containing solvent to render soluble protein insoluble and separating and recovering the insoluble protein.

Abstract: An improved composition comprising substantial spherical UFP particles and an active agent, such as NBPT, and optionally other components is used as an additive for liquid and solid fertilizers, typically containing urea. Methods of making the compositions and their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for accelerating the ripening of bananas to a color stage of 3.0 to 3.5. Also provided herein are bananas ripened according to the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an ensiling agent comprising an acidifying formate for the treatment of unchopped beets. In addition, the invention relates to methods for sugar and ethanol production from sugar beets. By using the ensiling agent, sugar degradation can be significantly reduced in sugar beets during storage.

Abstract: A shelf-stable, non-refrigerated reduced-calorie beverage that contains about 8 to about 12% fruit juice by volume is provided. The beverage contains at least one nutritive sweetener and at least one non-nutritive sweetener. Preferably, the equivalent sucrose sweetness ratio of the at least one non-nutritive sweetener to all of the total sweeteners is from about 0.35 to about 0.45. Preferably, the at least one non-nutritive sweetener comprises aspartame and acesulfame potassium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a smoker with multiple separate drawers for smoking meat, fish, sausage, etc. In an example embodiment, one drawer may contain water and another drawer may contain smoking material such as wood chips. The sliding drawers enable the maintenance of a stable smoking temperature and offer a safer means to replenish water and/or wood during the actual smoking operation. The multiple drawers allow a user to add wood and/or water without opening the smoking chamber.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of processing oil, comprising providing a high shear device comprising at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; contacting a gas with an oil in the high shear device, wherein the gas is an inert gas or a reactive gas; and forming a product, wherein the product is a solution, a dispersion, or combination thereof. Herein also disclosed is a high shear system for processing oil, comprising; at least one high shear device, having an inlet and at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; a gas source fluidly connected to the inlet; an oil source fluidly connected to the inlet; and a pump positioned upstream of a high shear device, the pump in fluid connection with the inlet and the oil source.

Abstract: The invention is a depositing device (5) for depositing flowable food containing gas comprising a pressurized feed line conveying flowable food containing gas under pressure into the food; piston (60) means operatively connected to the feed line comprising a piston and a chamber (61); an outlet to deliver food at the atmospheric pressure into molds (85). The device comprises a pressure retaining means (9) arranged to retain the product in the chamber at the same pressure as the line pressure and to deliver the product through the outlet as pressure in the chamber increases from the line pressure upon descent of the piston in the chamber.

Abstract: A crisper drawer for postponing postharvest produce deterioration having a drawer housing that substantially defines the size and shape of the crisper drawer and fits within a residential refrigerator. A chamber within the drawer housing is cooled by the refrigerator. An ozone generator provides gaseous ozone to the chamber, and an ethylene scrubber reduces levels of ethylene in the chamber. An ozone level control with the ozone generator controls ozone levels.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for thermal treatment of olives or other oleaginous fruits are described. The method and apparatus are for crushing in controlled or modified atmosphere and for kneading in controlled or modified atmosphere, allowing to reduce the kneading times, improving the working capacity of the line, concomitantly preserving the quality of the product.

Abstract: There is provided a method of treating produce comprising the step of exposing said produce to an atmosphere containing (i) 100 ppb to 5,000 ppb by volume of one or more cyclopropene compound, and (ii) ethylene, wherein the ratio of ethylene concentration by volume to cyclopropene concentration by volume is from 0.1:1 to 8:1.

Abstract: A produce chamber (1) is provided to subject produce in a crate (7) to a controlled atmosphere. The chamber (1) has at least one inflatable/deflatable balloon seal structure (15) for sealingly engaging with a side wall of a produce crate (7) which has at least one opening (13) in a side wall (11) thereof. The balloon seal structure (15) has at least one discharge opening (19) that aligns with the at least one crate opening (13). Crates (7) with produce therein can be loaded in the chamber (1) with the balloon seal structure (15) deflated. The balloon seal structure (15) can then be inflated and controlled atmosphere allowed to circulate through the balloon seal structure (15) and discharged from the opening (19) and through the crate opening (13) to expose the produce to a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for producing dough which has reduced proofing time. The proofing time is at least 33% less that required in the absence of vacuum exercising. The method comprises mixing the dough ingredients, forming gas nucleation sites by proofing the dough, exercising the dough by subjecting the dough to cycles of differential pressure, allowing the dough to return to ambient pressure and then, optionally, baking the dough.

Abstract: A method of maintaining freshly harvested fruit in a fresh condition includes treating freshly picked highly-hydrated fruit with a composition comprising a lower alkyl naphthalene at a rate of less than about 10 ppm. Another method includes treating freshly picked berries en route to market with a vapor of 1,4 DMN.

Abstract: The process comprises of the drying, curing and conservation of solid and semi-solid foodstuffs through the application of pressure changes of a value equal, greater or less than atmospheric pressure, for the administration and control of an oxidising gas and subsequent extraction from the chamber. The installation is composed of a hermetically-sealed chamber or recipient with mechanisms to apply positive or negative pressure, along with systems of temperature and moisture control.

Abstract: A method of producing aroma enhanced gas for use in a beverage making machine, to make a beverage, includes producing an enhanced aroma solid gas source using at least an enhancing compound as part of an ingredient, forming an aroma precipitate through conversion of an aroma vapor released during a preparation process which utilizes at least the ingredient, and mixing predefined ratio of the aroma precipitate with a solid gas source to form an aroma enhanced solid gas source. Exemplary embodiments include allowing the aroma enhanced solid gas source to sublimate emitting an aroma enhanced gas, dissolving a portion of the aroma enhanced gas into the beverage diluent liquid, and mixing the beverage diluent liquid in predefined ratio with at least one of a beverage ingredient to form a beverage.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a food product-forming apparatus, with a movable form-body, in which the food product is formed, and a knock out cup, which executes a knock-out-movement, that removes the food product from the form-body, whereas the knock out cup comprises an at least partially permeable bottom, through which a fluid-medium can be ejected and whereas, during the knock-out movement, a fluid-medium cushion is created, at least temporarily beneath the permeable bottom. The present invention furthermore comprises a process for the production of food products.

Abstract: Provided is a carbonated drink having a high gas pressure which has improved bubble qualities and enhanced drinkability, is packaged in a container having a resealable cap, maintains a refreshing sensation, a light flavor and a pleasant cooling sensation expected in a carbonated drink having a high gas pressure even when opened and recapped and stored. The carbonated drink is a container-packaged carbonated drink, contains a condensed phosphate(s) in a concentration of 50 ppm or more and less than 2000 ppm, and has a gas pressure of 2.0 to 5.0 kg/cm2.

Abstract: An improved desolventizer toaster and methods are provided wherein a solvent vapor recycle system may be employed to recycle solvent vapor throughout a portion of the desolventizer portion of the apparatus housing. In other embodiments of the invention, a water vapor recycle system may be employed to recycle water vapor throughout a portion of the toaster portion of the apparatus housing. The solvent vapor recycle system may comprise an appropriate meal dust separator, blower and superheater. The water vapor recycle system may comprise an appropriate ejector or blower and superheater. Water vapor recovered in the solvent extraction process may be used as a water vapor feed to the heated water vapor recycling system.

Abstract: Container containing a gassed acidulated beverage capable of producing a foam when the container is opened and the beverage poured. The beverage contains an additive which reduces the rate of release of the gas from the beverage when the container has been opened, without the beverage being poured. The additive has one or more of the following: an HLB value in the range 7-16; a molecular weight in the range 200-3000; and it is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 100 mg/l.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for accelerating the ripening of bananas to a color stage of 3.0 to 3.5. Also provided herein are bananas ripened according to the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention discloses a shelf stable food product. The product comprises a continuous aqueous phase, liquid oil droplets dispersed in the continuous aqueous phase, and protein coated gas bubbles. The continuous aqueous phase constitutes from 20% to 80% by volume (or weight) of the food product and the liquid oil droplets and protein coated gas bubbles are from 0.5 ?m to 10 ?m in diameter. The protein comprises cysteine amino acid residues, but is not a hydrophobin. The invention also discloses a method of forming an aqueous dispersion of protein coated gas bubbles suitable for forming the above food product. The method comprises dissolving a protein capable of forming coated gas bubbles in water with stirring, sonicating the protein solution at a temperature below but within 6° C. of the protein's denaturation temperature in the presence of oxygen, and controlling the temperature within these limits. Any protein debris from the resultant dispersion of protein coated gas bubbles is separated out.

Abstract: A cooking device, having a cooking surface made of a solid corrugated panel that is positioned at a non-horizontal angle such that fats and greases drain first into natural troughs in the panel and then down into a drainage trough running along a lower front edge of the cooking surface.

Abstract: Cooking, smoking and aromatization device which consists of a casing or container (1) comprising a plurality of sealed compartments (2, 3, 4, 5) communicating with the main cooking chamber (6) by means of a plurality of channels or ducts (7) which are controlled by a plurality of valves (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d), there being at least one for each of the sealed compartments (2, 3, 4, 5) so that the contents of each of said sealed. compartments are supplied to the central cooking compartment (6) with a constantly controlled flow.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the efficient fractionation of lignocellulosic biomasses into cellulosic, hemicellulosic and lignin fractions, wherein concentrated organic acid vapors are applied to the biomass at elevated temperatures at the location(s) or near the location(s) where the biomass has been harvested and gathered, to at least partly depolymerize or substantially solubilize the hemicelluloses and lignins in the biomass. The organic acid-treated biomass is in either case then dried and pelletized for extended bulk storage and/or for shipment to a second facility some distance away. The organic acid-treated biomass may be processed into desired chemicals, fuels and/or fuel additives at the local processing site or at a second facility away from the local processing site, or the pelletized material may be used as a ruminant feed locally or at a feedlot some distance removed from the local processing site.

Abstract: A composition containing at least one essential oil, especially clove oil, and at least one of lactic acid ethyl ester and lactic acid n-butyl ester. A tuber having, on at least a part of a surface thereof, the disclosed composition. A method of applying the invention composition onto the surface of a tuber. A method of contacting a potato tuber “on the line” with at least one essential oil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing frozen dough which can be directly transferred from freezer to oven without a proofing or thawing step. The process comprises mixing the dough ingredients, forming gas nucleation sites, exercising the dough by subjecting to cycles of pressure differentials and freezing the dough. The frozen product can be transferred directly from the freezer to an oven for baking.

Abstract: Specifically, a dry corn fractionation system which operates to produce an endosperm fraction which can be concurrently of greater purity at greater yield than obtainable from corn milling or dry corn milling processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying starches. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of removing off-flavors, off-odors, and off-colors from starches by extraction of the components causing the off-flavors, off-odors, and off-colors with a fluid in the supercritical or liquid phase.

Abstract: A process for the production of cross-linked beadlets containing one or more active ingredients selected from the group of a fat-soluble vitamin active material, a carotenoid and a polyunsaturated fatty acid is provided. The process comprises treating a dry particulate form at a temperature in the range of from 90° C. to 140° C. for a time period of from 30 seconds to 30 minutes or from 1 minute to 10 minutes or from 3 minutes to 7 minutes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of dehydrating pieces of intact plant or animal tissue, said pieces containing at least 30 wt. % of water, the method comprising (i) contacting the pieces of intact tissue with a pressurized gas to reduce the water content of the pieces by at least 50%, said pressurized gas having a pressure of at least 0.5×Pc and a temperature of at least Tc?60° C., Pc representing the critical pressure of the gas and Tc representing the critical temperature of the gas, and (ii) separating the pressurized gas from the dehydrated pieces, wherein at least 80 wt. %, preferably at least 90 wt. % of the matter removed by the gas from the pieces of intact plant or animal tissue is water. The invention also provides a method of dehydrating a material containing at least 30 wt.

Abstract: Methods and systems for applying CIPC and/or other sprout-inhibiting substances to post-harvest potatoes and/or other vegetables are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of applying sprout inhibitor includes directing a first portion of an aerosol of the sprout inhibitor toward a top portion of a pile of potatoes, and then directing a second portion of the aerosol toward a bottom portion of the pile. In one aspect of this embodiment, directing the aerosol toward a top portion of the pile can include operating a facility fan at a flow rate of 6 SCFM or more in a first direction, and directing the aerosol toward a bottom portion of the pile can include operating the fan at a flow rate of 6 SCFM or more in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. In another aspect of this embodiment, the sprout inhibitor aerosol can include a mixture of CIPC and solvent (e.g., clove oil) that remains liquid at temperatures less than 105° F.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of carbon monoxide as a process aid to ameliorate the loss of red color of fat-beef-trimmings while they are heat treated to produce finely textured beef. Finely textured beef, sometimes known as fat reduced beef, is produced from trimmings. The finely textured beef may be exposed to an elevated level of carbon monoxide before, during, or after the finely textured beef is heated to improve the final color of the finely textured beef product.

Abstract: Aeration drying and disinfecting grain crops in bulk and pretreating seeds includes passing through a bulk of grain crops and seeds disinfecting and drying agents including an ozone and air mixture and surrounding air, subdividing the disinfecting and drying agents into a plurality of streams spaced from one another in a vertical direction, and passing the streams at different heights through levels located at corresponding heights of the bulk of grain crops and seeds transversely in a substantially horizontal direction.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing a shortening composition comprising the steps of blending a non-hydrogenated vegetable oil with an emulsifier to form a liquid mixture, the emulsifier comprising monoglycerides and diglycerides; utilizing a pre-determined minimum cooling rate, a nucleation temperature and a nucleation time for the mixture; blending an inert gas into the liquid mixture until the mixture comprises at least 5% by volume inert gas; pumping the mixture through a scraped surface heat exchanger to rapidly cool the mixture, wherein the temperature of the mixture changes at a rate of at least the minimum cooling rate; controlling the cooling rate of the mixture within the scraped surface heat exchanger such that the mixture is cooled to the nucleation temperature before the mixture exits the scraped surface heat exchanger; pumping the cooled mixture from the scraped surface heat exchanger to a working unit before the nucleation time has elapsed, wherein the nucleation time is measured from the moment a