MICROWAVE-PUFFABLE HALF-PRODUCTS OF STARCH-CONTAINING MATERIAL AND THEIR PRODUCTION PROCESS

摘要

Half products expandable or puffable by microwave or convection heat energy are prepared by a) preparing a starch-containing material having a moisture content of not more than about 25%, b) extruding the moisture-tempered material at a temperature of about 80 to 110 DEG C without causing expansion thereby producing a hot melt in a rope or piece form, and c) cooling the extrudate without substantially lowering the moisture content for a time necessary to harden up. The half-products contain not more than about 25% of moisture in a glass-like rope or piece form and are shelf stable without preservatives. Substantial savings can be achieved in manufacture, storage, shipping, and handling because of the low processing temperature and the storage stability of the dense and hard products.