Patent ID: 7833994

Claim:
A process for extracting sterols from corn fiber comprising: obtaining a corn fiber having a moisture content from about 20 weight percent to 50 weight percent solids; thermochemically processing said corn fiber at a solids level of 20 to 50 weight percent solids to produce a hydrolyzed corn fiber, wherein said thermochemical processing includes heating said corn fiber from about 130 degrees Centigrade to about 190 degrees Centigrade for at least one minute; dewatering said hydrolyzed corn fiber to achieve a residual corn fiber having moisture content from about 30 to 80 weight percent solids; washing said residual corn fiber; dewatering said washed, hydrolyzed corn fiber to achieve a residual corn fiber having a moisture content from about 30 to 80 weight percent solids; and extracting said residual corn fiber with ethanol and separating at least one sterol.