METHOD FOR PROCESSING PHYTOGENIC MATERIALS TO CHANGE THEIR TEXTURE, APPARATUS THEREFOR, AND RESULTING MATERIALS

摘要

PCT No. PCT/FR94/00975 Sec. 371 Date Jul. 12, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Jul. 12, 1996 PCT Filed Aug. 3, 1994 PCT Pub. No. WO95/04466 PCT Pub. Date Feb. 16, 1995Materials, for example, plant-based food products, are subjected to heat and pressure in a processing enclosure, wherein the pressure is greater than the pressure of the atmosphere. The heated, pressurized materials are then subjected to a pressure-reduction phase during which the pressure in the processing enclosure is reduced at a rate greater than 500 millibars per second and by an amplitude greater than 1 bar. The rapid pressure-reduction phase of the invention contributes to the production of processed materials having a slightly spongy structure that is due to the presence of micro-cavities that promote the recapture of subsequent moisture.