Natural and Nutritional Colorant for Food and Beverage, Method and Composition

Abstract

The present invention describes methods and compositions to add natural color and nutrients to food and beverage products, using the seed pulp (aril) of Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng (Gac, redmelon, gacmelon). The fruit contains high concentrations of carotenoids and antioxidants. Other nutrients are vitamin C, vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Due to high concentrations of carotenoids, the aril has an intense color, ranging from deep orange to red depending on dosage. The novelty of this invention is simultaneously enhancing color and nutrient values to food and beverage products without changing original flavor. This invention makes food and beverage products safer and more nutritious to consumers by replacing artificial colorant and adding carotenoids and antioxidants.

Claims

1. A method of simultaneously improving nutrient content (especially of carotenoids) and natural color of a food or beverage formulation by adding an effective amount of Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng (Gac) aril;

2. The method in claim 1 wherein the Gac aril is produced by removing seed pulp from a ripe Gac fruit, then separating the pulp from the seeds;

3. The method in claim 2 wherein the Gac aril component can be fresh or frozen puree, dried powder, or syrup;

4. The method in claim 3 wherein the added nutrients in the mixture are: antioxidants, carotenoids, pre-vitamin A, lycopene, lutein, vitamin C and vitamin E;

5. The method in claim 3 wherein concentration of total carotenoids in the mixture is at least 4 mg per 100 g of mixture;

6. The method in claim 3 wherein the color of the end mixture will change into the range of light orange to red;

7. The method in claim 3 wherein food product can be yogurt, pasta, rice, flour, candies, or condiments or sauces;

8. The method in claim 3 wherein drinkable liquid can be water, carbonated water, flavored, coconut water, non-dairy milk (coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk), breast milk, or dairy milk;

9. The method in claim 3 wherein food products include pet food;

10. The method in claim 3 wherein food products include baby food;

11. The method in claim 3 wherein drinkable liquid include infant formula;

12. The method in claim 3 wherein other ingredients can be sugar or sweeteners, or salt;

13. The method in claim 3 wherein other ingredients can be natural or artificial fruit extracts or flavors;

14. The method in claim 3 wherein other ingredients can include carbon dioxide, carbohydrate or an enzyme;

15. The method in claim 3 wherein other ingredients can include an emulsifier and/or a stabilizer, preservative, ascorbic acid, or citric acid;

Description

EXAMPLES

[0035] The following examples are given to illustrate various embodiments which have been made or may be made in accordance with the present invention. These examples are given by way of examples only, and it is to be understood that the following examples are not comprehensive or exhaustive of the many types of embodiments of the present invention which can be prepared in accordance with the present invention.

Example 1

[0036] Red rice high in vitamins

TABLE-US-00001 Ingredients Weight (g) Gac pulp puree 100 g Sweet rice 1 cup Coconut milk cups Water 1 cups

[0037] Mix gac pulp puree in coconut milk.

[0038] Soak rice in water overnight until all liquid is absorbed. Carefully mix wet rice with coconut milk and gac puree mixture until the rice is well colored. Pour the colored rice into a steamer and steam about 20 minutes until cooked.

Example 2

[0039] Antioxidant sport drink colored with Gac puree

TABLE-US-00002 Ingredients Weight (g) Gac pulp puree 100 g Liquid sucrose 485.5 Citric acid, anhydrous 3.745 Concentrated apple extract 30.0

[0040] Treated water Quantity sufficient for 1 liter total volume

[0041] A sport drink containing antioxidants can be prepared by dissolving the above ingredients with vigorous stirring in sufficient water to obtain 1 liter of syrup. The syrup was diluted with carbonated water in a 1 plus 5 throw (one volume of syrup plus five volumes of carbonated water) to produce a finished beverage. The beverage was then subjected to tunnel pasteurization at 155.degree. F. for 10 minutes. The beverage made according to this example has a pink color, a very refreshing taste, and highly nutritious.

[0042] Given the benefit of the above disclosure and description of exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous alternative and different embodiments are possible in keeping with the general principles of the invention disclosed here. Those skilled in this art will recognize that all such various modifications and alternative embodiments are within the true scope and spirit of the invention. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments. It should be understood that the use of a singular indefinite or definite article (e.g., a, an, the, etc.) In this disclosure and in the following claims follows the traditional approach in patents of meaning at least one unless in a particular instance it is clear from context that the term is intended in that particular instance to mean specifically one and only one. Likewise, the term comprising is open ended, not excluding additional items, features, components, etc.

[0043] The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the forgoing description.

9. REFERENCES

References Cited [Referenced By]

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