Provided herein are exemplary methods for creating high fibrousness, high moisture extrudates by selecting a raw material for use in an extruder, selecting an additive for use in the extruder, and selecting a parameter for operating the extruder. Further methods include opening the structure and surface of extrudate, applying a needle roller to the extrudate, adding gas, steam and/or water between the extruder and a die. Additionally, the extrudate may be cooked with high water absorption, increasing water absorption from approximately 40% to approximately 80%.

A process for producing a fat-encapsulated ingredient. A fat is metered into an extruder, the fat having a melting point of at least 50° C. The fat is heated in in the extruder during rotation of at least one screw. At least one ingredient is metered into a barrel of the extruder to produce a flowable mixture. The flowable mixture is cooled in a a downstream adjacent section of the extruder barrel. The mixture is subsequently discharged through an extruder die. After discharge, the mixture is comminuted.

An example modular meal system includes two or more modular meal components. Example modular meal components include a tray, a meal component disposed within the tray, and a sauce component disposed within the tray. The meal component is selected from a protein component, a starch component, a vegetable component, an appetizer component, and a dessert component. Each modular meal component is configured and/or formulated to reach at least 165° F. or at least 167° F. when heated from frozen for a heating time period within the range of from about 20 minutes to about 60 minutes and at a heating temperature within the range of about 350° F. to about 450° F.

A method for identifying a quantitative trait locus associated with desirable nutritional traits in canola includes: analyzing a population of canola plants or germplasm for desirable nutritional traits; determining the genotype of the canola plants or germplasm using at least one marker selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 through SEQ ID NO:111; mapping the canola plants or germplasm for the presence of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with the markers; and associating the QTL with the desirable nutritional trait. An isolated and/or recombinant nucleic acid includes a sequence associated with a quantitative trait locus (QTL), wherein the QTL is associated with a desirable nutritional trait in a canola plant or germplasm and wherein the QTL is further associated with at least one marker selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 through SEQ ID NO:111.

A process for optimizing the efficiency of extraction at room temperature of juice or puree from pulps of fruit and vegetables, responsive to their consistency. The pulps are first cut and softened in a first section of the machine, where a rotor applies pulses to the pulps in quick succession against a stator having protrusions on the inner surface. The softened product then passes through an extraction section, where the separation is carried out of a main product, which is conveyed in an outlet duct, from the waste solid parts, which are discharged through an outlet. The rotors are mounted on different shafts operated by motors. Both motors are operatively connected to a device that controls the speeds manually, or automatically, responsive to predetermined input parameters, according to the consistency of the product.

The present disclosure provides a method for increasing content of melatonin in a subject and regulating expression of TPH gene, DDC gene, AANAT gene, and ASMT gene, including administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising an effective amount of a longan flower extract, wherein the longan flower extract can effectively increase the content of melatonin in the subject, and can directly improve sleep disturbance and insomnia, as well as the sleep quality within a few days after taking the longan flower extract. The present disclosure can help activate the melatonin synthesis pathway.

Described are dried cranberries with reduced sugar content, while retaining a desired sweetness and texture, and methods of making such dried cranberries. Dried cranberries include erythritol and a sweetener that interferes with erythritol crystallization.

The disclosure provides for compositions and methods for the preservation of meat substitutes containing plant heme protein. In particular, small molecules that can fit in the unique heme pocket of plant heme proteins are provided to stabilize and preserve meat substitutes the products.

The disclosure provides for compositions and methods for the preservation of meat substitutes containing plant heme protein. In particular, small molecules that can fit in the unique heme pocket of plant heme proteins are provided to stabilize and preserve meat substitutes the products.

A combination is provided comprising an ellagitannin composition, and an enzymatic composition comprising one or more ellagitannin enzymes, where the one or more ellagitannin enzymes comprise a tannin acyl hydrolase enzyme, a gallate decarboxylase enzyme, or a combination thereof. Methods of making and using combinations disclosed herein are also provided.