Abstract:
A method of producing a ready to eat oatmeal product for consumption in a container of a desired size. A mixture of acid, salt, fruit juice concentrate, sweetener and water are added to a processing receptacle and heated and agitated at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time period. A selected amount of thick cut oats and the heated and agitated mixture are added to the container. The container is then sealed, pasteurized and cooled to ambient temperature. A fruit may be added to the container before it is sealed. A flavor and/or plant sterol may be added to the processing receptacle before the mixture is heated and agitated.
Abstract:
Within a data processing system, a user-entered data declaration within a program source file is inspected to determine whether a first qualifier is provided with or omitted from the user-entered data declaration. If the first qualifier is provided, an unreserved data storage location disposed within a data-processing integrated-circuit (IC) device is identified and allocated for storage of data associated with the user-entered data declaration.
Abstract:
A spreadable fruit preparation having a low content of soluble solids contains fruit, sugar, citric acid, and pectin. The percent by weight of total soluble solids of the spreadable fruit preparation is less than 50 percent, the sugar content of one mL of the spreadable fruit preparation is less than about 0.634 grams of sugar per mL of the spreadable fruit preparation, and the caloric content is less than about 2.536 kilocalories per mL of the spreadable fruit preparation.
Abstract:
A probiotic food item containing a beneficial amount of dry active probiotic cultures is provided. The food item also contains a substantial continuous fat-based coating with an effectively low water activity level. The food item is packaged in a substantially moisture impermeable package marked with a use by or sell by date, so as to ensure a desired minimal amount of probiotic colony forming units (CFUs) on the use by or sell by date. Methods for manufacturing the probiotic food product are also provided.
Abstract:
A satiety promoting beverage and a weight control regimen using it are described comprising: fiber, protein, sweetener and preferably calcium and a catechin, such as purified epigallocatechin gallate derived from green tea. The ingredients are employed in amounts sufficient that a single serving provides a feeling of satiety, both initially and after a period of at least one hour. In a preferred form, a serving of the beverage will comprise fiber in an amount sufficient to supply from 10 to 30% of the DV for fiber; milk protein in an amount sufficient to supply from 4 to 10 grams protein; calcium in an amount sufficient to supply from 10 to 40% of the DV for calcium; a low calorie sweetener and, preferably, the catechin in an amount sufficient to supply from 2 to 4 cup equivalents. The ingredients are homogenized and packaged to provide a smooth textured beverage with a creamy mouthfeel and from about 50 to about 150 calories per serving of from about 4 to 12 ounces. A Fullness Index of greater than 4, and preferably 5 is evidence of both very high volume to calorie and (fiber plus protein) to calorie ratios.
Abstract:
A nectarine juice drink and methods of producing a nectarine juice drink are described. The method involves (a) providing nectarines; (b) treating the nectarines with heated, moist air or heated water to produce heat treated nectarines; (c) pressing the heat treated nectarines through one or more filters to produce a nectarine juice solution and (d) combining the nectarine juice solution with one or more plant cell wall degrading agents to produce a nectarine juice drink.
Abstract:
A method for drying nuts that includes removing, acids, particularly tannins, and stopping enzymatic activity within the nut prior to drying provides a novel approach to processing nuts that has many useful characteristics. In one embodiment, walnuts are first blanched in water for 3 to 5 minutes to remove acids and stop enzymatic activity without causing the nut oils to react and are then reduced to a partially dehydrate state of 2% water. Nuts so prepared are dried without inducing rancidity producing reactions that normally occur when drying tannin-containing nuts and have less of a bitter taste associated with the tannins. Additionally, the nuts may be glazed to form a protective coating that inhibits oxidative reactions between the atmosphere and the nut, and which provides a convenient and tasty snack food.