Continuous extrusion for tortilla chip production
US4985269A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S426/808
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides a rapid and continuous process for making corn dough masa and tortilla chips by processing non-hydrated corn feed, an alkalizing agent, and water through a cooker-extruder under certain process parameters so as to make the masa and subsequently the finished tortilla product. The corn feed can be any form of corn ranging from whole kernel corn to finely ground corn flour. The extruder process conditions use a Specific Mechanical Energy input of 300 to 550 watt hours per kilogram of material fed to the extruder; a Residence Time Distribution of from about 175 to 400 seconds; a Shear Rate of 65 to 140 reciprocal seconds; and a Peak Temperature of 230.degree. F. to 270.degree. F.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.