High intensity microwave puffing of thick r-t-e cereal flakes

摘要

Microwave methods for puffing thick ready-to-eat cereal flake pieces are provided in full or partial substitution for conventional toasting and puffing methods. The methods comprise the step of subjecting a thick (>0.025 inch) cereal base piece to a brief exposure to a high intensity (>125 V/cm) microwave field for about 5 to 25 seconds. The microwave puffed cereal pieces exhibit superior puffed volume and a lighter texture compared to finished products toasted and puffed by known methods. The present methods are particularly suitable for puffing thicker flakes fabricated from whole grain, e.g., whole wheat based cooked cereal doughs.