The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 30, 1994
Filed:
May. 12, 1993
Edward C Schwab, New Brighton, MN (US);
Kristin L Thomas, Rosemount, MN (US);
George E Brown, Edina, MN (US);
Terry R Harrington, Albertville, MN (US);
General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
High intensity microwave heating methods for heat setting food foams are provided. The methods comprise the step of subjecting a quantity of edible foams to a brief exposure to high intensity (>110 V/cm) microwave field for about 5 to 30 seconds. The high intensity microwave heating heat sets the foam to provide a stable structure. Thereafter, the heat set structures are then dried using low temperature dried to desired moisture contents ranging from about 1% to 6%. The microwave heat set foam pieces exhibit a homogeneous (i.e., without voids or irregularities) texture and a crisp, light eating quality. The edible foam products exhibit extended bowl lives and find particular suitability for use as additives to ready-to-eat cereal products. Preferred embodiments comprise high levels of fruit puree solids which by virtue of the short heat setting and low temperature drying steps exhibit high natural flavor levels.