The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules and their corresponding encoded polypeptides able confer the trait of improved plant size, vegetative growth, growth rate, seedling vigor and/or biomass in plants challenged with saline conditions. The present invention further relates to the use of these nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides in making transgenic plants, plant cells, plant materials or seeds of a plant having plant size, vegetative growth, growth rate, seedling vigor and/or biomass that are improved in saline conditions with respect to wild-type plants grown under similar conditions.

The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules and their corresponding encoded polypeptides able confer the trait of improved plant size, vegetative growth, growth rate, seedling vigor and/or biomass in plants challenged with saline conditions. The present invention further relates to the use of these nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides in making transgenic plants, plant cells, plant materials or seeds of a plant having plant size, vegetative growth, growth rate, seedling vigor and/or biomass that are improved in saline conditions with respect to wild-type plants grown under similar conditions.

The present invention lies in the food field. In particular the present invention relates to a novel food-seasoning product constituted by specific compounds of 100% natural origin, organic or non-organic, in defined proportions conferring thereon a homogeneous doughy consistency, rendering it a highly desirable product for the consumer. Currently, health and care of one's body are indispensable for the modem person and the availability of a product for seasoning food and containing solely components of 100% natural origin, organic or non-organic, renders it an attractive product for the consumer. In addition the novel product of the present invention exhibits improved stability and extended average life, does not require refrigeration prior to being opened and exhibits excellent organoleptic properties in comparison with commercially-available seasoning products. Additionally the present invention provides a novel process for obtainment of the seasoning product defined by a disposition of stages and specific reaction conditions such that the product possesses full advantages over conventional products of this type.

The invention comprises various embodiments of processes by which cookable food product may be prepared and the consumable product that may be made through the uses of those processes. Advantageously, a food product may be made through the processes that is lower starch and more nutritious than food product made through conventional food processes. The system and methods may be used to make a cookable food product and a consumable food product from plantain or another type of starchy fruit or vegetable.

The invention relates to a process for preparing a pea extract comprising fibres, the process comprising the following steps: (a) bringing shelled peas into contact with an aqueous solution in order to form an aqueous composition comprising peas; (b) leaving the peas to hydrate in said aqueous composition for at least 30 minutes and at most 15 hours; (c) grinding said peas in order to as a result obtain ground peas; and (d) fractionating said ground peas in order to obtain at least one pea extract comprising fibres.

The invention also relates to a pea extract that can be obtained according to the process of the invention. The invention also relates to an edible composition comprising the pea extract according to the invention.

A process for the application of a predetermined amount of oil to food pieces comprises: (a) providing or receiving a plurality of cut or shaped food pieces; (b) applying an oil-water emulsion to the food pieces for a time sufficient to provide a predetermined amount of oil to the food pieces and so that the food pieces have an initial moisture level after applying the oil-water emulsion; and (c) reducing the initial moisture level, in the absence of frying in oil, to a moisture level of from about 0.2 to about 80% by weight to provide a cooked food product, comprising said predetermined amount of oil, wherein step (c) does not comprises frying the food pieces in hot oil.

A food processing system is provided with: a heating unit equipped with a heating mechanism for indirectly heating food; a cooling unit equipped with an air blowing cooler for cooling the food heated by the heating unit; and a conveyor for transferring the food through the heating unit and the cooling unit. The integrated food processing system allows a large amount of sterilized food having a good texture, good taste and long shelf life to be provided.

A food processing system is provided with: a heating unit equipped with a heating mechanism for indirectly heating food; a cooling unit equipped with an air blowing cooler for cooling the food heated by the heating unit; and a conveyor for transferring the food through the heating unit and the cooling unit. The integrated food processing system allows a large amount of sterilized food having a good texture, good taste and long shelf life to be provided.

A food composition containing green banana and inulin and having a low glycemic index and/or a low glycemic load is described. The food composition is delicious and healthy, contains natural, whole ingredients, high amounts of dietary fiber, healthy fats, and no added sugar. Such a composition satisfies the desire for a sweet treat while nurturing the body.

A new lactic acid bacterium of the present invention produces, as an exopolysaccharide, a neutral polysaccharide having a structure in which N-acetylglucosamines are linked with each other via α-1,6 bond, is obtained from a fig, has a hyaluronidase inhibitory, an anti-alcoholic damage activity effect, and the like, and is therefore useful in a food and drink, a medicine, a feed, a cosmetic and the like exerting an antiallergy effect, an anti-alcoholic damage effect, and the like.