POWDER COMPRISING WATER-CONTAINING BETA-MALTOSE CRYSTALS AND PRODUCTION PROCESS AND USE THEREOF

摘要

The object of the present invention is to provide a powdery product comprising crystalline beta -maltose monohydrate which is powderized by spray method, and has a high-solubility in aqueous solvents and a satisfactory handleability, and to its preparation and uses. The present invention solves the above object by establishing a powdery product comprising crystalline beta -maltose monohydrate which comprises 7% (w/w) or more but less than 14% (w/w) alpha -anomeric maltose, and has a crystallinity of 62% or more but less than 72%; a process for producing thereof which comprises the steps of producing a massecuite from an aqueous maltose solution comprising 86% (w/w) or more but less than 93% (w/w) of maltose and 2% (w/w) or more of glucose, on a dry solid basis, powderizing by a spray method, keeping in a relatively low humidity and a relatively high temperature, and further keeping in a relatively high humidity- and a relatively low temperature-condition; and uses thereof for various compositions such as foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.