A lattice-cut potato product is sliced so that the ridges (115) and grooves (122) on one surface of the slices are oriented transversely to the ridges (116) and grooves (124) on the opposite surface of the slices. The sizes and shapes of the ridges and grooves are particularly selected so that each point in the interior of a slice is no greater than a specified distance from an outer surface of the slice. These parameters enable a lattice-cut potato product to consistently achieve a crispy outer surface and a smooth and creamy interior when cooked by baking or microwaving.

The present invention relates to stable vegetable emulsions, particularly potato containing emulsions. These emulsions, providing a good taste and a sensory mouthfeel, without any graininess, are to be used in products like smoothies as fruit and vegetable containing beverages, soups, and sauces. Also a method to prepare the stable vegetable emulsion is presented.

A processed ingestible plant having a coating, and a method for coating an ingestible item. The coating imparts a long lasting texture to the ingestible item. The coating mimics the exterior tissue of an edible plant, and includes parts that are derived from multiple fragments of edible plant exterior tissues.

An anti-inflammatory combination for improving nutrient metabolisms, intestinal functions and intestinal microecology and an anti-inflammatory food containing the anti-inflammatory combination are disclosed. The anti-inflammatory combination includes inulin, galacto-oligosaccharide, polydextrose, and a water-insoluble dietary fiber. Furthermore, a weight ratio of inulin, galacto-oligosaccharide, polydextrose and water-insoluble dietary fiber is 10-30:5-30:10-40:10-50. The anti-inflammatory food includes cereal flour, and the ratio of the cereal flour to the anti-inflammatory combination is 65-95:35-5. The anti-inflammatory combination is capable of reducing intestinal permeability, blood endotoxins, heavy metals and inflammatory factors, enhancing immunity, improving intestinal microecology and body biochemical indicators, and preventing chronic diseases.

A method of manufacturing a starch-based snack food pellet for manufacturing an expanded snack food, the method comprising the steps of: feeding a first starch ingredient into a cooking device; inputting mechanical and thermal energy into the cooking device so as to cook and gelatinise the first starch ingredient in the cooking device, thereby to provide a processed starch component; adding a potato starch ingredient comprising native potato starch to the processed starch component to provide a starch mixture; and forming the starch mixture into pellets by extrusion. Also disclosed is a starch-based snack food pellet for manufacturing an expanded snack food.

A method of manufacturing a starch-based snack food pellet for manufacturing an expanded snack food, the method comprising the steps of: feeding a first starch ingredient into a cooking device; inputting mechanical and thermal energy into the cooking device so as to cook and gelatinise the first starch ingredient in the cooking device, thereby to provide a processed starch component; adding a potato starch ingredient comprising native potato starch to the processed starch component to provide a starch mixture; and forming the starch mixture into pellets by extrusion. Also disclosed is a starch-based snack food pellet for manufacturing an expanded snack food.

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.

A flavouring apparatus for coating product in flavouring is provided. The apparatus comprises a flavouring receptacle configured for receiving a portion of product and a dose of flavouring. The flavouring receptacle comprises an open first end arranged to receive the portion of product in use, a peripheral sidewall at least partly defining a flavouring volume extending from the first end of the flavouring receptacle, the flavouring volume for receiving the portion of product and dose of flavouring, and an ejecting member movable relative to the peripheral sidewall through the flavouring volume towards the first end for ejecting a flavoured portion of product out of the flavouring volume through the first end of the flavouring receptacle. The apparatus comprises a drive system configured to rotate at least the peripheral sidewall of the flavouring receptacle so as to cause mixing of the portion of product and the dose of flavouring in the flavouring volume. In use, the flavouring receptacle is arranged such that the portion of product and the dose of flavouring are retained in the flavouring volume during rotation of the peripheral sidewall. A corresponding method of coating product in flavouring is also provided.

A flavouring apparatus for coating product in flavouring is provided. The apparatus comprises a flavouring receptacle configured for receiving a portion of product and a dose of flavouring. The flavouring receptacle comprises an open first end arranged to receive the portion of product in use, a peripheral sidewall at least partly defining a flavouring volume extending from the first end of the flavouring receptacle, the flavouring volume for receiving the portion of product and dose of flavouring, and an ejecting member movable relative to the peripheral sidewall through the flavouring volume towards the first end for ejecting a flavoured portion of product out of the flavouring volume through the first end of the flavouring receptacle. The apparatus comprises a drive system configured to rotate at least the peripheral sidewall of the flavouring receptacle so as to cause mixing of the portion of product and the dose of flavouring in the flavouring volume. In use, the flavouring receptacle is arranged such that the portion of product and the dose of flavouring are retained in the flavouring volume during rotation of the peripheral sidewall. A corresponding method of coating product in flavouring is also provided.

A method of peeling tubers includes providing a peeler device defining a cavity surrounded by a peeling mechanism, inputting tubers to be peeled into the cavity, directing electromagnetic radiation from an illumination device into the cavity, detecting electromagnetic radiation reflected into lens of a camera from tubers located in the cavity during a peeling operation by the peeling mechanism, and operating the peeler device based on the reflected electromagnetic radiation detected by the camera. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the method.