GB966050A - - Google Patents

Abstract

966,050. Reconstituting dehydrated, especially freeze-dried, foods. H. J. HEINZ CO. Ltd., V. J. JANOVTCHIK, J. R. BARTLETT, and F. A. GEORGE. May 7, 1963 [May 7, 1962], No. 17469/62. Heading A2D. [Also in Division B8] Dehydrated foodstuff, particularly freezedried potatoes, potato fingers or chips, is reconstituted by supplying water at a controlled rate initially to only a part of the surface of the foodstuff whereby the air or other gas contained in the pores of the foodstuff will be displaced from the pores through the still-dry portion of the foodstuff by the penetration of the water until the whole of the foodstuff is permeated with water; the rate of supply of water is substantially no greater than the maximum rate at which the foodstuff can absorb it. A packaging container 10, Figs. 1 to 3, fabricated in waxed card or plastic is provided with holes 11 in or near its bottom wall of such a size e.g. between 3 and 5 mm., that water may be introduced through the holes from a water-filled utensil 13 at the required rate; the container may float on the water. In another construction, the container 14, Figs. 4 to 6, has glued to its bottom wall one or more cups or funnelshaped receivers 16 for water having holes through which water may pass at the required rate. The receivers may be collapsible and when in the erected position, see Fig. 6, may hold sufficient water for completely reconstituting the foodstuff. In a further construction, Fig. 7, flaps 19 with openings 21 may be fitted to provide troughs for receiving the water for the gradual wetting of the foodstuff. The containers may have a lid, a wrapping of plastic film and an outside envelope of card, wood or plastic.