Abstract:
A food piece with a first dough sheet having a first inner surface, a first outer surface, and a first peripheral edge. The food piece also includes a second dough sheet having a second inner surface, a second outer surface, and a second peripheral edge. The first peripheral edge of the first dough sheet is joined together with the second peripheral edge of the second dough sheet to define a perimeter. The food piece also includes an embossment positioned within the perimeter. The embossment extends upon at least one of the first outer surface and the second outer surface and includes at least one line along which the first and second dough sheets are joined.
Abstract:
A method for printing images on food and packaging for the food. The method includes the step of moving a plurality of food products along a first production line to a first printing station. The method also includes the step of moving a plurality of containers along a second production line to a second printing station. This step is performed during the step of moving the plurality of food products. The method also includes the step of printing a first image on at least one of the food products during the step of moving the plurality of food products. The method also includes the step of selecting a second image from a plurality of differing images in response to the first image. The second image is complementary to the first image. The method also includes the step of printing the second image on one of the containers during the step of moving the plurality of the containers. This step is performed concurrently with the step of printing the first image. As a result of the concurrent printing of the first and second images, a printed food product and a printed container, respectively, are produced. The second image on the printed container complements the first image printed on the food product.
Abstract:
A method of producing a raisin from a grape is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of diffusing a portion of natural sugar out of a grape. The grape has an outer skin enclosing pulp and liquid. The natural sugar is diffused to reduce a sweetness of the grape from an original level of sweetness. The method includes the step of infusing an alternative sweetener into the grape after the diffusing step. The amount of artificial sweetener infused by the grape substantially compensates for the loss of sweetness associated with the portion of natural sugar that was diffused out the grape during said diffusing step. The method includes the step of dehydrating the grape to produce a raisin having a sweetness defined by the combination of natural sugar and alternative sweetener.
Abstract:
A flexible container (10) for containing a quantity of pourable product is disclosed herein. The flexible container (12) includes a bag having a first closed end (14) and a second closed end (16) and a wall extending between the first closed end and the second closed end to define a closed cavity. The flexible container also includes a tearable score line (30) defining an intended opening (34) directly to the closed cavity. The tearable score line divides the wall into a first portion engaged with both of the first closed end and the second closed end and a second portion spaced from both of the first closed end and the second closed end. The tearable score line is exposed and directly graspable such that the bag is operable to function as a dish when the second portion is removed.
Abstract:
A seal assembly is disposed in a seal of a flexible bag. The seal assembly includes a first tab, a second tab, a middle layer of peelable adhesive sandwiched between the first tab and. the second tab, a first outside layer of adhesive that adheres to the first side of the bag, and a second outside layer of adhesive that is compatible with the second side of the bag such that second outside layer is heat sealed to the liner. The first tab and the second tab are easily grasped and may be pulled in opposite directions to break the middle layer of peelable adhesive. The middle layer is heat resistant such that the first tab and the second tab do not melt together during the formation of the seal.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for preparing an expanded, vacuum puffed, dried fruit product. The method includes infusing the fruit with a low Brix infusion solution and then expanding the fruit by subjecting it to a vacuum at elevated temperature followed by drying of the fruit under a vacuum at elevated temperature and finally cooling of the fruit under lowered temperature while maintaining the vacuum. The product produced by the method is light, crisp, and has a low water activity and a low buoyant density.
Abstract:
A method of forming an expandable food product having enhanced expandability is disclosed. In the method a cooked starchy farinaceous composition is treated by flash frying in a heated media for a period of from 1 to 15 seconds. The flash fry treatment leads to enhanced expandability, an enhanced percentage of expanded pieces, enhanced coating retention, and an enhanced high fat mouth feel to the food product. The flash fry media can be an edible oil, a paraffin, or a caustic bath of baking soda in water. The product produced has unique consumer appeal.
Abstract:
An aerated confection containing high levels of fruit solids and method for making the same is disclosed. The method allows the incorporation of fruit solids at a level of from 0.5 to 20.0% by weight on a dry weight basis making the aerated confection similar to that of most real fruits. The aerated confection includes hexametaphosphate as a gel-stiffening agent.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an apparatus for depositing a viscous flowable mass to coat or decorate the surface of a product (26). The apparatus has a linearly moveable manifold assembly (28) with at least one nozzle (42) for depositing the viscous material on the surface of a product (26) passing beneath the nozzle (42), a counterbalance eccentric drive system (44), and a linear motion assembly (46) connected to the drive system (44) and manifold assembly (28). At least one of the assembly (28) and nozzle (42) is heat traced and controlled so as to maintain the temperature of the viscous material in a range such that the material is flowable. By changing at least one of (a) the speed of the moving manifold assembly (28), (b) the speed of the product (26) under the nozzle (42), and (c) the stroke length, the product surface can be ornamented in a variety of ways. The apparatus is particularly useful for decorating a food product (26) with icing.
Abstract:
The invention provides for a ready-to-eat cereal product fortified with ferric EDTA as the iron source. The cereal product comprises about 0.1 to about 300 mg of ferric EDTA product per ounce of said cereal product, preferably 13 to 140 mg per ounce. The total iron content present is in the range of about 0.1 to about 39 mg per ounce of the cereal product, and preferably about 1.8 to 18 mg per ounce. The cereal product can also be fortified with a ferric EDTA complex in combination with an additional iron fortificant. The invention also provides for a method to prevent or treat iron-deficiency anemia by administering a ferric EDTA fortified ready-to-eat cereal.