The present invention is direct to an co-fruit pulp based edible composition in which an agricultural fruit byproduct base material, in conjunction with a hydrocolloid, is treated with pressure and/or heat to form an edible composition that is dimensionally stable, ambient stable for at least 9 months, has a moisture content greater than 50 wt. %, has a pH less than 4.5, has a water activity greater than 0.5, is commercially sterile, is free of artificial flavors and/or artificial colors, has a solids content greater than 10 wt. %, and does not exhibit syneresis or exhibits syneresis. Alternatively, the base material contains an edible fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut byproduct alone or in combination with the co-fruit pulp. Also provided is a method for preparation of the edible composition.

Edible colorant compositions containing a monoacylated anthocyanin of Compound I and methods of use are provided. The colorant compositions include at least the monoacylated anthocyanin colorant of Compound I extracted from red cabbage and a metal ion, and have a pH from about 6.0 to about 8.0. The colorant compositions can be derived from a non-artificial product and provide a stable, blue colorant that can be used in food products. Specifically, the monoacylated anthocyanin colorant provides color characteristics similar to those provided by the artificial blue colorant, FD&C Blue No. 1.

Edible colorant compositions containing a monoacylated anthocyanin of Compound I and methods of use are provided. The colorant compositions include at least the monoacylated anthocyanin colorant of Compound I extracted from red cabbage and a metal ion, and have a pH from about 6.0 to about 8.0. The colorant compositions can be derived from a non-artificial product and provide a stable, blue colorant that can be used in food products. Specifically, the monoacylated anthocyanin colorant provides color characteristics similar to those provided by the artificial blue colorant, FD&C Blue No. 1.

The present invention refers to a method and an equipment for the extraction of compounds from grapes by means of ultrasound in vinification processes generated through a sonoplate coupled to the walls of the pipe/duct through which the crushed grapes flow. During this extraction the transfer of phenols responsible for color from the solid portion (skin) to the liquid portion after crushing the grapes takes place as a consequence of the phenomenon known as cavitation, which allows the breaking of the skin cells and makes the phenolic compounds responsible for the color available to the liquid medium to be integrated in said liquid medium enhancing wine color.

The present invention refers to a method and an equipment for the extraction of compounds from grapes by means of ultrasound in vinification processes generated through a sonoplate coupled to the walls of the pipe/duct through which the crushed grapes flow. During this extraction the transfer of phenols responsible for color from the solid portion (skin) to the liquid portion after crushing the grapes takes place as a consequence of the phenomenon known as cavitation, which allows the breaking of the skin cells and makes the phenolic compounds responsible for the color available to the liquid medium to be integrated in said liquid medium enhancing wine color.

The present invention relates to dry particulate encapsulation compositions comprising a water-insoluble matrix comprising at least 70% by weight of proteins, based on the total weight of the matrix and a moisture content of about 5 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the matrix and an encapsulate encapsulated in the matrix, wherein the matrix once wetted in a clear colorless aqueous solution or in mineral oil has a lightness value (L*) greater than about 40, a color vividness or Chroma (C*) lower than about 33 and a hue angle between about 70 and 90. The encapsulation compositions of the present invention are useful in encapsulating dyes, medications and vitamins. Fine particulate encapsulation compositions comprising natural dyes can be used in lieu of artificial lakes in confectionery, cosmetics and caplets color coatings.

The present invention relates to dry particulate encapsulation compositions comprising a water-insoluble matrix comprising at least 70% by weight of proteins, based on the total weight of the matrix and a moisture content of about 5 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the matrix and an encapsulate encapsulated in the matrix, wherein the matrix once wetted in a clear colorless aqueous solution or in mineral oil has a lightness value (L*) greater than about 40, a color vividness or Chroma (C*) lower than about 33 and a hue angle between about 70 and 90. The encapsulation compositions of the present invention are useful in encapsulating dyes, medications and vitamins. Fine particulate encapsulation compositions comprising natural dyes can be used in lieu of artificial lakes in confectionery, cosmetics and caplets color coatings.

The present invention is direct to an co-fruit pulp based edible composition in winch an agricultural fruit byproduct base material, in conjunction with a hydrocolloid, is treated with pressure and/or heat to form an edible composition that is dimen-mortally stable, ambient stable for at least 9 months, has a moisture content greater than 50 wt. %, has a pH less than 4.5, has a water activity greater than 0.5, is commercially sterile, is free of artificial flavors and/or artificial colors, has a solids content greater than 10 wt. %, and does not exhibit syneresis or exhibits syneresis. Alternatively, the base material contains an edible fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut byproduct alone or in combination with the co-fruit pulp. Also provided is a method for preparation of the edible composition.

A drinking straw having an internal coating for delivery of an active agent when the straw is used to consume a beverage is provided. The active agent includes sweetener, flavour, a nutrient and/or a pharmaceutical and optionally colour. The coating is prepared by mixing a modified cellulose with water to form a paste or gel. The coating is then used to coat the inside sur face of a drinking straw to a thickness of up to 1 mm. The coating is dried to reduce the water content to less than 5% by weight. Li quid drawn through the straw breaks down the modified cellulose releasing the active agent into the liquid, for consumption.

A drinking straw having an internal coating for delivery of an active agent when the straw is used to consume a beverage is provided. The active agent includes sweetener, flavour, a nutrient and/or a pharmaceutical and optionally colour. The coating is prepared by mixing a modified cellulose with water to form a paste or gel. The coating is then used to coat the inside sur face of a drinking straw to a thickness of up to 1 mm. The coating is dried to reduce the water content to less than 5% by weight. Li quid drawn through the straw breaks down the modified cellulose releasing the active agent into the liquid, for consumption.