Patent ID: 6716465
Filing Date: 2004-04-06
Classification: A23L

Abstract:
The method of preparing an aqueous extract of water-soluble components of dry almond hulls, comprising the following steps in the order recited:(a.) comminuting said almond hulls, while dry, to particles between about 5 and about 100 mesh (ASTM); (b.) soaking the particles from step (a) in water until the water content of the hulls is between about 30% and about 80% by weight; (c.) utilizing counter-current extraction techniques involving counter-current flow of process water through advancing particles from step (b) to provide a solution of soluble components of said hulls, along with said residue of said hulls; (d.) physically separating the said solids from said solutions; (e.) ultrafiltering the solution from step (d) to remove remaining solids, yeasts, and bacteria; while maintaining the product in steps (a)-(d) at temperatures between about 40 degrees C. and about 75 degrees C.