Thermal gelation of foods and biomaterials using rapid heating
US7270842B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23L13/60
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention uses rapid heating to effect a material property change in a biomaterial. The biomaterial is heated to a predetermined real temperature, whereas the biomaterial's total thermal treatment is described by an equivalent temperature and an equivalent time defining a point above a minimum gel set temperature line, above a reduction in bacteria line, below a water loss line, and below a maximum gel set temperature line. According to one aspect of the invention, the biomaterial is heated by exposing the biomaterial to a relatively uniform electric field. The material is heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time in order to achieve a food product characterized by a preselected refrigerated shelf life of from about two weeks to about forty-two weeks. The food product may be packaged prior to the microwave exposure so as to sterilize the packaging and decrease product loss. According to another aspect of the invention, the material is heated to a predetermined real temperature T1 from time A to time B and a real temperature T2 from time B to time C. According to another aspect of the invention, the material is heated to a predetermined real temperature from…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.