The present invention relates generally to methods of extraction and processing of polymethoxylated flavone (PMF) powder from Ortanique peels for commercial application.

The invention provides a composition rich in flavonoids based on natural extracts, comprising a flavonoid extract dispersed by melt mixing or extrusion and encapsulated in a polymer matrix. The invention is also a novel dietary supplement with the naturally occurring ingredient ()-epicatechin, cacao extracted, that could potentially prevent or reduce the risk of Atherosclerotic pathology. The use of ()-epicatechin is promising as a therapeutic agent due to its potential antioxidant activity and its diverse biological properties. ()-Epicatechins are chemically unstable and extensively degraded in fluids of near neutral or greater pH, such as intestinal juice and bile. Current technologies used for taste masking and modified release as spray drying, liposome entrapment, co-crystallization, freeze drying, among others, suffer from numerous shortcomings, including poor repeatability and limitations on target delivery.

Suggested is a food product comprising (a) juice, marrow, flesh or peels or other components of at least one citrus fruit, (b) at least one neoflavonoid as well as optionally (c) further flavoring agents or flavor preparations,
providing that the component (b) is present in a sufficient amount to improve the sour and/or bitter taste of the component (a).

The invention provides a composition rich in flavonoids based on natural extracts, comprising a flavonoid extract dispersed by melt mixing or extrusion and encapsulated in a polymer matrix. The invention is also a novel dietary supplement with the naturally occurring ingredient ()-epicatechin, cacao extracted, that could potentially prevent or reduce the risk of Atherosclerotic pathology. The use of ()-epicatechin is promising as a therapeutic agent due to its potential antioxidant activity and its diverse biological properties. ()-Epicatechins are chemically unstable and extensively degraded in fluids of near neutral or greater pH, such as intestinal juice and bile. Current technologies used for taste masking and modified release as spray drying, liposome entrapment, co-crystallization, freeze drying, among others, suffer from numerous shortcomings, including poor repeatability and limitations on target delivery.

The present invention describes a food product comprising (a) juice, marrow, flesh or peels or other components of at least one citrus fruit, (b) at least one neoflavonoid as well as optionally (c) further flavoring agents or flavor preparations, providing that the component (b) is present in a sufficient amount to improve the sour and/or bitter taste of the component (a).

Methods are disclosed for fortifying a beverage with one or more citrus phytochemicals while concealing the bitter taste of these compounds in the beverage. These methods comprise microencapsulating the citrus phytochemicals and adding the microencapsulated citrus phytochemicals to beverages. Also disclosed are beverages fortified with one or more microencapsulated citrus phytochemicals but which do not have the bitter taste characteristics of these compounds.

Methods are disclosed for fortifying a beverage with one or more citrus phytochemicals while concealing the bitter taste of these compounds in the beverage. These methods comprise microencapsulating the citrus phytochemicals and adding the microencapsulated citrus phytochemicals to beverages. Also disclosed are beverages fortified with one or more microencapsulated citrus phytochemicals but which do not have the bitter taste characteristics of these compounds.