DE102020119365A1 - Activated colored carrot fiber - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an activated colored carrot fiber and a process for its production. The invention also relates to the use of the activated colored carrot fiber as a thickening or structuring agent in various industrial products. Furthermore, the invention relates to a food product, feed product, dietary supplement, beverage, cosmetic product, pharmaceutical product or medical product which has been produced using the activated colored carrot fiber according to the invention. Ultimately, the invention relates to a method for coloring activated fruit fibers, in particular citrus, apple or carrot fibers.

Description

The present invention relates to an activated colored carrot fiber and a process for its production. The invention also relates to the use of the activated colored carrot fiber as a thickening or structuring agent in various industrial products. Furthermore, the invention relates to a food product, feed product, dietary supplement, beverage, cosmetic product, pharmaceutical product or medicinal product which has been produced using the activated colored carrot fiber according to the invention. Ultimately, the invention relates to a method for coloring activated fruit fibers, in particular citrus, apple or carrot fibers.

Background of the Invention

Dietary fibers are largely indigestible food components, mostly carbohydrates, which are mainly found in plant foods. For the sake of simplicity, dietary fiber is divided into water-soluble dietary fiber such as pectin and water-insoluble dietary fiber such as cellulose. Fiber is considered an important part of human nutrition.

The consumption of dietary fiber is considered to be good for your health. The water-soluble fiber in the diet increases the volume of the food without significantly increasing the energy content. If they are not sufficiently swollen before ingestion, they absorb more water in the stomach. The resulting increase in volume leads to an increase in the feeling of satiety. In addition, dietary fibers extend the retention time of the chyme in the intestine or stomach. Water-soluble dietary fibers such as pectin bind bile acids from the cholesterol metabolism in the intestine and thus lead to a reduction in cholesterol levels.

It is the soluble fiber that is said to decrease glucose absorption, slow down glucose adsorption and starch processing, and control postprandial serum glucose levels. Anyone who consumes a lot of fiber has a reduced risk of numerous lifestyle diseases, especially obesity, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, diabetes and various gastrointestinal diseases. Accordingly, the German Society for Nutrition e. V. (DGE) as a guideline for the daily intake of at least 30 g fiber.

The use of carrot fiber as dietary fiber in food production is becoming increasingly important. One reason for this lies in the fact that the carrot fibers are a mixture of insoluble dietary fibers such as cellulose and soluble dietary fibers such as pectin and thus ideally result in the health-promoting spectrum of effects listed above. Carrot fibers can thus replace other unacceptable or even harmful additives in food and, as substances that are not E-classified, lead to simpler product labeling and thus to increased product acceptance. Since carrot fibers only contain a small amount of pectin, they only have a limited ability to texturize food to increase viscosity compared to functionalized citrus or apple fibers.

There is therefore a need for new processes for producing functionally improved carrot fibers and the carrot fibers produced thereby.

The object of the present invention is to improve the prior art or to offer an alternative to it.

Summary of the Invention

1. (a) Bereitstellen eines karottenhaltigen Pflanzenmaterials in Form von Trockenmaterial oder Feuchtmaterial;
2. (b) Im Falle des Trockenmaterials Hydratisierung durch Inkubation des Trockenmaterials mit einer wässrigen Flüssigkeit und Abtrennung der wässrigen Flüssigkeit von dem hydratisierten Trockenmaterial;
3. (c) In-Kontakt-Bringen des Feuchtmaterials aus Schritt (a) oder der hydratisierten Trockenmaterials aus Schritt (b) mit einer Extraktionszusammensetzung, die ein wassermischbares organisches Lösungsmittel beinhaltet, um Farbstoffe aus dem karottenhaltigen Pflanzenmaterial zu extrahieren, mit anschließender Inkubation für mindestens 5 Minuten und Abtrennen der farbstoffhaltigen Flüssigkeit von dem karottenhaltigen Pflanzenmaterial, um ein zumindest partiell entfärbtes Material zu erhalten;
4. (d) Optionale enzymatische Behandlung des entfärbten Materials aus Schritt (c) in wässriger Suspension mit Cellulase und/oder mit Pektinmethylesterase zum Erhalten eines enzymatisch behandelten Materials;
5. (e) Mindestens zweimaliges Waschen des entfärbten Materials aus Schritt (c) oder des enzymatisch behandelten Materials aus Schritt (d) mit einem wassermischbaren organischen Lösungsmittel und jeweils anschließender Trennung des gewaschenen Materials von dem wassermischbaren organischen Lösungsmittel;
6. (f) Trocknen des gewaschenen Materials aus Schritt (e) umfassend eine Trocknung bei Normaldruck oder eine Vakuumtrocknung, wobei die Trocknung unter Zugabe einer farbstoffhaltigen Lösung erfolgt, zum Erhalten der aktivierten gefärbten Karottenfaser.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the task at hand is a method for producing an activated colored carrot fiber, which comprises the following steps:

1. (a) providing a carrot-containing plant material in the form of dry material or wet material;
2. (b) in the case of the dry material, hydration by incubating the dry material with an aqueous liquid and separating the aqueous liquid from the hydrated dry material;
3. (c) contacting the wet material from step (a) or the hydrated dry material from step (b) with an extraction composition comprising a water-miscible organic solvent to extract colorants from the carrot-containing plant material, followed by incubating for at least 5 minutes and separating the colorant-containing liquid from the carrot-containing plant material to obtain an at least partially decolorized material;
4. (d) optionally enzymatically treating the deinked material from step (c) in aqueous suspension with cellulase and/or with pectin methyl esterase to obtain an enzymatically treated material;
5. (e) washing the deinked material from step (c) or the enzymatically treated material from step (d) at least twice with a water-miscible organic solvent and then separating the washed material from the water-miscible organic solvent each time;
6. (f) drying the washed material from step (e) comprising normal pressure drying or vacuum drying, wherein the drying is carried out with addition of a dye-containing solution, to obtain the activated dyed carrot fiber.

The production process according to the invention leads to colored carrot fibers with a large inner surface, which also increases the water-binding capacity and is associated with good viscosity formation.

These fibers are activated fibers that have sufficient strength in an aqueous suspension so that no additional shearing forces are required in use in order for the user to obtain the optimum rheological properties such as viscosity or texturing.

As the inventors have found, the colored carrot fibers produced by the process according to the invention have good rheological properties. The fibers of the invention can be easily rehydrated and the advantageous rheological properties are retained even after rehydration.

The production process according to the invention leads to colored carrot fibers which are largely tasteless and odorless and are therefore advantageous for use in the food sector. The aroma of the other ingredients is not masked and can therefore develop optimally.

The dyeing process as part of the manufacturing process according to the invention leads to a surprisingly stable dyeing of the fibers. Thus, the colored activated carrot fibers show no significant signs of discoloration when incubated in a buffer system, even over a broad pH range from pH 2 to pH 9.

The production process according to the invention allows controlled coloring of the activated carrot fibers, so that in addition to the natural color of the original carrot fibers, lighter or darker colored carrot fibers can also be produced depending on the intended use.

In the usual processes for the production of carrot fibers, the intrinsic colorants are broken down or removed from the carrot in the course of the process, so that essentially decolored carrot fibers result. In the method according to the invention, the dyes are gently removed before the dye-critical production steps and can be added to produce a controlled-dyed fiber in the final drying step without the process-related fiber activation being seriously impaired.

When dyeing during the drying step, the functional properties of the activated fibers are essentially retained.

The carrot fibers according to the invention are obtained from carrots and are therefore natural ingredients with well-known positive properties.

Vegetable processing residues such as carrot pomace can be used as raw material in the production process according to the invention. These processing residues are inexpensive, plentiful and provide a sustainable and environmentally sound source of the activated colored carrot fiber of the present invention.

Carrot fibers are established and accepted in the food industry, so that corresponding compositions can be used immediately and internationally without a lengthy approval process.

The invention in detail

According to the invention, a carrot-containing plant material and preferably processing residues from carrots are used as the raw material.

This carrot-containing plant material can be used on the one hand as dry material, for example in the form of dried carrot pomace. A dry material in the context of the invention is understood to mean a carrot-containing plant material which has less than 15%, preferably less than 10% and more preferably less than 8% moisture. The use of dried plant material allows production independent of the season.

In the event that the carrot-containing plant matter is in the form of dry matter, it must be hydrated by incubation with an aqueous liquid. Here, the plant material forms a suspension of the carrot pieces or carrot particles in the aqueous solution. This suspension represents a suspension insofar as a heterogeneous mixture of substances is present here, consisting of a liquid and carrot particles (preferably finely) distributed therein. Since the suspension tends to sedimentation and phase separation, the particles are suitably kept in suspension by shaking or stirring. There is therefore no dispersion in which the particles are comminuted by mechanical action (shearing) in such a way that they are finely dispersed. Following the incubation with the aqueous liquid, the hydrated dry material is separated from the aqueous liquid by a solid-liquid separation. This is preferably done using a decanter. Alternative separation methods are a sieve drum, a separator or a press.

The carrot-containing plant material is subjected to a dye extraction in step (c). Here it is brought into contact with a water-miscible organic solvent and incubated for a sufficient period of time. This primarily extracts the lipophilic carotenoids, which are the carrot’s coloring agents. An extensive class of naturally occurring fat-soluble pigments is referred to as carotenoids, which chemically have a tetraterpene as their basic structure in common. Their system of conjugated double bonds absorbs short-wavelength light and, depending on the number, position and side chain in the carotenoid, gives it a yellowish to reddish hue. The now more than 800 known carotenoids are divided into carotenes and the oxygen-containing xanthophylls. Carotenoids belong to the isoprenoids. Carrots contain numerous carotenoids, with the most important carotenoids in decreasing concentration being: β-carotene (IUPAC nomenclature: β,β-carotene), α-carotene (IUPAC nomenclature: β,ε-carotene), lutein (IUPAC -Nomenclature: 4-[18-(4-Hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-cyclohex-2-enyl)-3,7,12,16-tetramethyl-octadeca-1,3,5,7,9, 11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]-3,5,5-trimethyl-cyclohex-3-enol E 161b) and zeaxanthin.

The plant material decolorized by extraction can be subjected to an enzymatic treatment in step (d). This enzymatic treatment involves de-esterification of the highly esterified pectin present in the carrot material by a pectin methyl esterase and/or partial degradation of the cellulose present in the carrot material by a cellulase.

In a further step (e), the decolorized material from step (c) or the decolorized enzymatically treated material from step (d) is washed several times, ie at least twice, with an organic solvent. This multi-stage washing with alcohol initially improves the functional fiber properties and thus makes a decisive contribution to the activation of the carrot fibre. In addition, disruptive accompanying substances are removed from the material, thus ensuring that the end product is sensorially neutral. This applies to both olfactory and gustatory substances.

The drying from the alcoholic phase that takes place in step (f) is essential for the subsequent functional properties, since the fibers dry open-pored and result in good swelling and wetting properties that would not be present if they were dried from the aqueous phase, since the individual fibers then crust over hydrogen bonds. The water-soluble pectin is also present in a precipitated state and can therefore not additionally clog the fibers during drying. The dried fiber material produced according to the process according to the invention is an activated carrot fiber, insofar as it is an open-cell fiber with good swelling and wetting properties properties, which is also reflected in advantageous functional properties such as high viscosity, good water-binding capacity and particular strength.

According to the invention, a dye-containing solution is added during drying, so that the material firmly binds the added dye when the liquid is removed and is to a certain extent impregnated with the dye, so that after the end of drying step (f) an activated colored carrot fiber is present.

A plant material containing carrots and preferably processing residues from carrots are used as the raw material or starting material.

Here, the expert can fall back on a wide variety of carrot materials. In an advantageous embodiment, the carrot-containing plant material is selected from the group consisting of carrot pomace, carrot flour, carrot pomace flour, carrot semolina and carrot puree, it also being possible to use a mixture of the aforementioned materials. The use of carrot pomace, both in the form of dry pomace and in the form of moist pomace, has proven to be particularly advantageous.

A “carrot-containing plant material” according to the invention is comminuted carrots, so that no whole carrots are used, but at least carrot grit, or even fine-particle carrots in the form of carrot flour.

According to the invention, "carrot pomace" is defined as the comminuted solid residues resulting from carrot processing. Processing typically involves juicing. The carrot pomace initially occurs here as moist pomace. In order to achieve a pomace material with an improved shelf life, it is usually dried and can then be stored and further processed as dry pomace.

Step (b): Hydration

During hydration, the dry material is rehydrated by being brought into contact with and incubated with an aqueous liquid and is thus prepared for the subsequent processing steps. The mixture of carrot dry material to be hydrated and aqueous liquid is also referred to below as aqueous incubation solution.

During hydration, the incubation with the aqueous liquid takes place at a temperature between 20°C and 70°C, advantageously at a temperature between 25°C and 65°C and particularly advantageously at a temperature between 30°C and 60°C. Elevated temperature in particular accelerates rehydration.

The aqueous liquid used in the hydration can be an aqueous buffer or water. To set controlled hydration conditions, the use of demineralized water is preferred.

Conveniently, hydration is effected by incubation with the aqueous liquid for a period of from 10 minutes to 4 hours, advantageously for a period of from 20 minutes to 3 hours, and most advantageously for a period of from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

The dry mass in the aqueous incubation solution is expediently between 0.25% by weight and 20% by weight, preferably between 0.5% by weight and 15% by weight, and particularly preferably between 1% by weight and 10% by weight.

The hydration is advantageously carried out while stirring or shaking the aqueous suspension. This speeds up the hydration process and contributes to more even hydration.

Following the incubation with the aqueous liquid, the hydrated dry material is separated from the aqueous liquid by a solid-liquid separation. This is preferably done using a decanter. Alternative separation methods are a sieve drum, a separator or a press.

Step (c): Dye Extraction

The extraction basically takes place in three steps:

Step 1: First, the wet material from step (a) or the hydrated dry material from step (b) is contacted with an extraction composition. This extraction composition comprises a water-miscible organic solvent capable of extracting the carotenoid pigments from the plant material containing carrot.

The wet material from step (a) or the hydrated dry material from step (b) is preferably in the form of a slurry or aqueous suspension. In an alternative embodiment, it can be present as a wet material, as is typically obtained after separation of the aqueous liquid after rehydration of a dry material.

Step 2: The mixture is then incubated for at least 5 minutes to achieve sufficient extraction of the carotenoids.

Step 3: The extraction step is completed by a separation step in which the colorant-containing extraction composition is separated as a liquid from the carrot-containing plant matter. The material thus decolorized is then further processed to produce the activated carrot fiber. The dye-containing liquid obtained can be used elsewhere or returned to the process to dye the fiber again during drying.

The extraction composition within the scope of the invention is a composition which is liquid at room temperature and comprises a water-miscible organic solvent and preferably consists essentially of this solvent. A solvent here means at least one solvent, so that two, three or more water-miscible organic solvents can also be present.

Water-miscible, thermally stable, volatile solvents containing only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, such as alcohols, ethers, esters, ketones and acetals, are particularly suitable for carrying out the process according to the invention. Ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, methyl ethyl ketone, 1,2-butanediol-1-methyl ether, 1,2-propanediol-1-n-propyl ether or acetone are preferably used.

An organic solvent is referred to herein as “water-miscible” when it is in a 1:20 (v/v) mixture with water as a single-phase liquid.

In general, it is expedient to use solvents which are at least 10% water-miscible, have a boiling point below 100° C. and/or have fewer than 10 carbon atoms.

The organic water-miscible solvent is preferably an alcohol, advantageously selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol and isopropanol, and especially isopropanol.

The incubation with the extraction composition is expediently carried out for a period of 5 minutes to 10 hours, preferably for a period of 15 minutes to 2 hours and particularly preferably for a period of 20 minutes to 40 minutes.

Incubation with the extraction composition can be at a temperature of between 10°C and 70°C. Temperatures of ≧20° C. have proven to be particularly suitable for the extraction with the organic solvent, since the improvement in solubility that can be achieved by the organic solvent is even more pronounced at elevated temperatures; the upper limit of the process temperature is of course the boiling point of the solvent in question, but this is generally not reached in terms of process engineering. In the process according to the invention, the particularly suitable temperature range for the extraction is therefore between 20°C and 60°C and particularly preferably between 30°C and 50°C.

The extraction conditions are expediently selected such that a +a* value of less than 14, preferably less than 5, more preferably less than 3 and particularly preferably less than 2 is achieved for the plant material to be decolorized in the L*a*b color space . This ensures that most of the dye has been removed and the fiber no longer has any appreciable red coloration.

In one embodiment, the dye extraction occurs at a pH of between 3.5 to 5.5, and preferably at a pH of between 4.0 to 5.0.

It has been found that reducing dry matter promotes extraction. Thus, the dry matter in the extraction batch can be between 3% by weight and 20% by weight, preferably between 4% by weight and 15% by weight, and particularly preferably between 5% by weight and 12% by weight.

According to one embodiment, the proportion of the water-miscible organic solvent, which is preferably an alcohol, in the extraction composition is more than 90% by volume, advantageously more than 95% by volume, particularly advantageously more than 98% by volume and in particular more than 99% by volume. %.

Starting from the moist or resuspended solid starting material, preferably 4-10 times, preferably 4.5 to 9 times and particularly preferably 5 to 8 times the volume of extraction composition are added.

As a result, mixing with the residual amount of water in the plant material results in the so-called extraction approach, which thus specifies the extraction conditions. Accordingly, the proportion of the water-miscible organic solvent, which is preferably an alcohol, in the extraction mixture is between 70 and 95% by volume, advantageously between 80 and 90% by volume and particularly advantageously between 83 and 88%.

The dye extraction is preferably carried out while stirring or shaking the extraction mixture.

The separation of the dye-containing liquid, which is a mixture of water and the organic solvent, from the decolorized material takes place by means of a decanter or a separator.

After the color-containing liquid has been separated off, for example by decanting, the carrot material is processed further in the process as an extraction residue, i.e. either treated enzymatically or fed directly to a multi-stage washing process with an organic solvent.

Step (d): Enzymatic treatment

According to one embodiment, the carrot-containing plant material can be subjected to an enzymatic treatment with a pectin methyl esterase in step (d) of the method, which is also synonymously referred to as “enzymatic de-esterification”.

The pectin material contained in the plant fiber is typically high methylester pectin.

A pectin according to the application is defined as a vegetable polysaccharide which, as a polyuronide, essentially consists of α-1,4-glycosidically linked D-galacturonic acid units. The galacturonic acid units are partially esterified with methanol. The degree of esterification describes the percentage of the carboxyl groups in the galacturonic acid units of the pectin which are present in the esterified form, e.g. as methyl ester.

According to the invention, a high esterified pectin is understood to mean a pectin which has a degree of esterification of more than 50%. The degree of esterification describes the percentage of the carboxyl groups in the galacturonic acid units of the pectin which are present in the esterified form, e.g. as methyl ester. The degree of esterification can be determined using the method according to JECFA (Monograph 19-2016, Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives).

The methyl esters of the galacturonic acid groups in the pectin are hydrolyzed by the pectin methyl esterase to form poly-galacturonic acid and methanol. The resulting low methylester pectins can form a gel in the presence of polyvalent cations even without sugar and can also be used in a wide pH range.

A pectin methylesterase (abbreviation: PME, EC 3.1.1.11, also: pectin demethoxylase, pectin methoxylase) is a common enzyme in the cell wall of all higher plants and some bacteria and fungi, which splits the methyl ester of pectins and thereby forms poly-galacturonic acid and methanol releases. The PME has been isolated in many isoforms, all of which can be used for enzymatic deesterification according to the invention. Many isoforms of PME have been isolated from plant-pathogenic fungi such as Aspergillus foetidus and Phytophthora infestans as well as from higher plants such as tomatoes, potatoes and oranges. The fungal PME develop the optimum activity between pH 2.5 and 5.5, while the plant PME have pH optima between pH 5 and 8. The molecular weight is between 33,000 and 45,000. The enzyme is present as a monomer and is glycosylated. The K _M value is between 11 and 40 mM pectin for fungal PME and 4-22 mM pectin for plant PME. The commercially available PME preparations are obtained either from the supernatants of the fungal mycelium cultures or, in the case of plants, from fruits (orange and lemon peels, tomatoes). The pectin methylesterases that are preferably used have an optimum pH between 2 and 5 and an optimum temperature of 30 to 50°C, with significant enzyme activity already being observed from 15°C, depending on the enzyme.

The following table gives some examples of commercially available PMEs with their reaction optima: product name Manufacturer optimum Rapidase PEP DSM pH = 4 - 5; T = 50°C Pectinase 872 L biocatalysts pH = 4 - 5; T = 30 - 50°C Fructozyme Flot Erbsloh pH = 3 - 5; T > 15°C

At least one pectin methyl esterase (EC 3.1.1.11) is added to the aqueous suspension for enzymatic deesterification. In one embodiment, exactly one isoform of a PME is added to the suspension. Alternatively, a mixture of different isoforms can also be used.

The duration of the incubation with the pectin methylesterase is advantageously between one hour and 10 hours, particularly advantageously between 2 hours and 5 hours.

The pectin methyl esterase is preferably added to the aqueous suspension in such a way that a total PME activity of 1000 to 10,000 units/l, advantageously of 3000 to 7500 units/l, and particularly advantageously of 4000 to 6000 units/l results. For example, the total PME activity can be 1200, 1400, 1600, 1800, 2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, 2800, 3000, 3200, 3400, 3600, 3800, 4000, 4200, 4400, 4600, 400.00, 500.00, 5200.00, 5200.00 5600, 5800, 6000, 6200, 6400, 6600, 6800, 7000, 7200 or 7400 units/L.

The person skilled in the art will adapt the temperature to the PME isoform(s) used. Typically, the enzymatic treatment is carried out at a temperature of between 10°C and 70°C, preferably between 20°C and 60°C and more preferably between 30°C and 50°C.

Accordingly, the person skilled in the art will set the optimum pH value for the de-esterification, depending on the pectin methyl esterase used in each case. A pH of between 3.5 and 5.5 is preferred here, and particularly preferably between 4.0 and 5.0. For this purpose, if necessary, the pH is adjusted before the enzymatic deesterification by adding an acid or a buffer system working in an acidic environment.

To set an acidic pH, the person skilled in the art can use any acid or acidic buffer solution known to him. For example, an organic acid such as citric acid can be used. Alternatively or in combination with this, a mineral acid can also be used. Examples which may be mentioned are: sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid or sulphurous acid. Sulfuric acid is preferably used.

For satisfactory deesterification, the dry matter content of the aqueous suspension must not be too high and advantageously less than 10% by weight. In one embodiment, the dry matter content is between 0.5% by weight and 6% by weight, preferably between 1% by weight and 4% by weight, and particularly preferably between 2% by weight and 3% by weight.

The enzymatic deesterification can be carried out while stirring or shaking the aqueous suspension, care being taken that the enzyme does not foam. This is preferably done in a continuous manner to keep the particles in suspension in suspension.

The plant material containing carrots is present as an aqueous suspension during enzymatic de-esterification. According to the invention, a suspension is a heterogeneous mixture of substances consisting of a liquid and solids (particles of raw material) finely distributed therein. Since the suspension tends to sedimentation and phase separation, the particles are suitably kept in suspension by shaking or stirring. There is therefore no dispersion in which the particles are comminuted by mechanical action (shearing) in such a way that they are finely dispersed.

According to one embodiment, the carrot-containing plant material can be subjected to an enzymatic treatment with a cellulase in step (c) of the method, which is also synonymously referred to as “enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis”.

A cellulase is an enzyme capable of cleaving the β-1,4-glycosidic bond of cellulose, releasing glucose. Carrot material consists largely of cellulose, which is accordingly fragmented by the cellulase treatment. It has been found that the cellulase treatment surprisingly improves carrot fiber functionality in terms of water binding and viscosity build.

The group of cellulases consists of three different types of enzymes, the interaction of which enables the efficient digestion of the huge cellulose molecules (3000 - 15000 linked glucose molecules): Endoglucanases (EC 3.2.1.4) split cellulose into larger sections. The endoglucanases, the first type of enzyme, are the only ones that can work within the cellulose chains, but only within what are known as amorphous areas, where the cellulose molecules lie in a disordered manner relative to one another and therefore do not build up any crystalline areas. As a result, they create a larger number of chain ends. Many molecules of the second type of enzyme, the exoglucanases (EC 3.2.1.91), can then work on them simultaneously and continuously shorten the cellulose chains by always separating two sugar molecules as the double sugar (disaccharide) cellobiose. The molecules of the third enzyme type, cellobiase or β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) can thus work simultaneously again and, at the end of the decomposition process, finally hydrolyze the β-glycosidic connection between the two glucose molecules of cellobiose and thus release two glucose molecules.

Cellulase is added to the aqueous suspension for the enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis. In one embodiment, exactly one cellulase enzyme type can be added, ie either an endoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.4), an exoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.91) or a β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21).

In a preferred embodiment, two or more preferably all three cellulase enzyme types are used.

The cellulase treatment expediently only leads to a partial hydrolysis of the cellulose present in the carrot pulp. Excessive hydrolysis leads to irreversible degradation of the cellulose in the fiber material, which has a negative effect on the fiber functionality.

In the case of enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis, the aqueous suspension expediently contains the cellulase or the cellulase mixture with a total activity of 100 to 3000 units/l, advantageously 150 to 2000 units/l, furthermore advantageously 200 to 1000 units/l, and especially advantageously from 250 to 400 units/L. The total cellulase activity can be, for example, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1200, 1400, 1600, 1800, 2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, 2800, 3000, 6800, 7000, 7200 or 7400 units/L.

In one embodiment, the incubation with cellulase in the aqueous suspension takes place for a period of 30 minutes to 4 hours and preferably of 1 to 3 hours.

The person skilled in the art will adapt the temperature to the cellulase used. Typically, the cellulose hydrolysis occurs at a temperature of between 30°C and 80°C, preferably between 35°C and 75°C and most preferably between 40°C and 70°C.

Accordingly, the person skilled in the art will set the optimal pH value for the cellulose hydrolysis, depending on the particular cellulase used. A pH of between 3.0 and 7.0 and particularly preferably of between 3.5 and 6.0 is preferably provided here. For this purpose, if necessary, the pH is adjusted before the enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis by adding an acid or a buffer system working in an acidic environment.

To achieve an acidic pH, the person skilled in the art can use any acid or acidic buffer solution known to him. For example, an organic acid such as citric acid can be used. Alternatively or in combination with this, a mineral acid can also be used. Examples which may be mentioned are: sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid or sulphurous acid. Sulfuric acid is preferably used.

For a satisfactory hydrolysis of the cellulose, the dry matter content of the aqueous suspension must not be too high and should advantageously be less than 10% by weight. In one embodiment, the dry matter content is between 0.5% by weight and 6% by weight, preferably between 1% by weight and 4% by weight, and particularly preferably between 2% by weight and 3% by weight.

The enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis can be carried out while stirring or shaking the aqueous suspension, care being taken to ensure that the enzyme does not foam. This is preferably done in a continuous manner to keep the particles in suspension in suspension.

The mass containing carrots is present as an aqueous suspension during the enzymatic hydrolysis of the cellulose. According to the invention, a suspension is a heterogeneous mixture of substances consisting of a liquid and solids (particles of raw material) finely distributed therein. Since the suspension tends to sedimentation and phase separation, the particles are suitably kept in suspension by shaking or stirring. There is therefore no dispersion in which the particles are comminuted by mechanical action (shearing) in such a way that they are finely dispersed.

According to one embodiment, the carrot-containing plant material can be enzymatically treated with either pectin methyl esterase or alternatively with cellulase.

In an advantageous embodiment, the carrot-containing plant material is enzymatically treated with both pectin methyl esterase and cellulase. The enzymatic treatment with cellulase and pectin methyl esterase can be carried out simultaneously or sequentially.

Step (e): Multi-step washing with organic solvent

In step (e), a washing step then takes place, which is carried out with an organic solvent. This involves washing at least twice with an organic solvent, which is preferably a water-miscible organic solvent.

The organic solvent is advantageously an alcohol, which can preferably be selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol and isopropanol. Isopropanol is particularly preferably used here.

The washing step suitably takes place at a temperature between 40°C and 75°C, preferably between 50°C and 70°C and particularly preferably between 60°C and 65°C.

The period of contacting with the organic solvent is advantageously for a period of between 60 minutes and 10 hours and preferably between 2 hours and 8 hours.

Each organic solvent washing step involves contacting the material with the organic solvent for a specified period of time followed by separating the material from the organic solvent. A decanter or a press is preferably used for this separation.

When washing with the organic solvent, the dry mass in the washing solution is advantageously between 0.5% by weight and 15% by weight, preferably between 1.0% by weight and 10% by weight, and particularly preferably between 1.5% by weight. % and 5.0% by weight.

The washing with the organic solvent is preferably carried out with mechanical agitation of the washing mixture. The washing is preferably carried out in a tank with an agitator.

When washing with the organic solvent, a device for making the suspension more uniform is advantageously used. This device is preferably a toothed ring disperser.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the washing with the organic solvent takes place in a countercurrent process.

In one embodiment, washing with the organic solvent involves partial neutralization by adding Na or K salts, NaOH or KOH.

In addition, in the washing with the organic solvent, decolorization of the material can also be carried out. This decolorization can be done by adding one or more oxidizing agents. The oxidizing agents chlorine dioxide and hydrogen peroxide, which can be used alone or in combination, should be mentioned here as examples.

According to an advantageous embodiment, when washing with an organic solvent at least twice, the final concentration of the organic solvent in the solution increases with each washing step. This incrementally increasing proportion of organic solvent reduces the proportion of water in the fiber material in a controlled manner so that the rheological properties of the fibers are retained during the subsequent steps of solvent removal and drying and the activated fiber structure does not collapse.

The final concentration of the organic solvent is preferably between 60 and 70% by volume in the first washing step, between 70 and 85% by volume in the second washing step and between 80 and 90% by volume in an optional third washing step.

Step (f): drying with addition of dye

In step (f), the washed material from step (e) is dried, in one embodiment drying comprising vacuum drying and preferably consisting of vacuum drying. During vacuum drying, the washed material is exposed to a vacuum as a drying item, which reduces the boiling point and thus leads to evaporation of the water even at low temperatures. The heat of vaporization continuously withdrawn from the material to be dried is suitably fed from the outside until the temperature is constant. Vacuum drying has the effect of lowering the equilibrium vapor pressure, which favors capillary transport. This has proven to be particularly advantageous for the present carrot fiber material, since the activated, open fiber structures and thus the rheological properties resulting therefrom are retained. The vacuum drying preferably takes place at a reduced pressure of less than 400 mbar, preferably less than 300 mbar, further preferably less than 250 mbar and particularly preferably less than 200 mbar.

In an alternative embodiment, the drying in step (f) comprises drying under atmospheric pressure. Examples of suitable drying methods are fluidized bed drying, moving bed drying, belt dryers, drum dryers or paddle dryers. Fluid bed drying is particularly preferred here. This has the advantage that the product is dried loosely, which simplifies an optional subsequent grinding step. In addition, this type of drying avoids damage to the product due to local overheating thanks to the easily adjustable heat input.

The drying step according to the invention is characterized in that the dissolved dye is supplied to the activated fibers and the fiber is impregnated with the dye as a result of the drying of the dye solution on the fiber that has not yet dried completely. As the inventors have found, the functionality of the fiber is essentially retained when a dye is added during fiber drying. The activation state of the fiber is not seriously affected.

Here, the dye-containing solution meets a partially dried or moist fiber material, which on the one hand has good absorbency for the dye-containing solution and on the other hand, as a material that has not yet dried through, the open fiber structure does not collapse due to rewetting.

For this purpose, the fiber material preferably has a moisture content of more than 80%, preferably more than 85%, particularly preferably more than 90% and particularly preferably between 90 and 95%.

In a preferred embodiment, the dye-containing solution is a carotenoid-containing solution. These represent the carrot's own color class and can give the carrot its original appearance again. According to the invention, it has proven to be particularly suitable if this dye-containing solution is the dye solution extracted in step (c) or is derived from it.

However, other non-carrot carotenoids can also be used or added to the colorant solution extracted from carrots. Other possible carotenoids are annatto (main components: bixin, norbixin), paprika extract (main components: capsanthin, capsorubin), lycopene and beta-apo-8'-carotenal (E 160 a).

In an alternative embodiment, dyes other than the carotenoids disclosed above are also used. These are preferably soluble in a water-miscible organic solvent and are approved as a food coloring. Without claiming to be complete, the following are mentioned here as examples: Allura red AC (E 129), amaranth (E 123), anthocyanins (E 163), azorubine (E 122), betanine (E 162), brown HAT (E 155), brilliant blue FCF ( E 133), brilliant black BN (E 151), canthaxanthin (E 161), quinoline yellow (E 104), chlorophyll (E 140), cochineal red A (E 124), curcumin (E 100), erythrosine (E 127), sunset yellow S (E 110), green S (E 142), indigo carmine (E 132), cochineal (E 120), copper-containing complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins (E 141), lithol rubin BK (E 180), lutein (E 161 b), patent blue V (E 131), riboflavin (lactoflavin, vitamin B2), riboflavin-5-phosphate (E 101), tartrazine (E 102), caramel (E 150 a), sulfite caustic caramel (E 150 b), ammonia caramel ( E 150 c) and sulphite ammonia caramel (E 150 d).

According to the invention, the substance class of “coloring foodstuffs” should also belong to the coloring agents. These are lipophilic plant extracts and/or concentrates from vegetables, such as carrots, paprika, spinach or apples, which have a coloring effect and can therefore also be used as part of a dye-containing solution within the scope of the method according to the invention. Of course, mixtures of dyes can also be used.

In one embodiment, an apple extract containing polyphenols can be used, which leads to a dark brown coloration in a concentrated form. Such an extract has the advantage that it is stable in storage, does not crystallize and is obtained from apples and, depending on the extract, also contains the flavorings of the apple, so that the fiber can be colored and its taste adapted. Such an extract is commercially available, for example, under the name “Herbarom®” (Herbstreith & Fox, Neuenbürg, Germany).

In the context of the invention, a "dye-containing solution" is defined as a liquid in which the dye or dyes are in dissolved form. It is therefore not a suspension or dispersion of pigment particles in a liquid. A dissolved dye is necessary for a homogeneous, permanent and activity-retaining dyeing of the fibres.

A dye solution derived therefrom is understood as meaning a solution which has been chemically and/or physically treated starting from the dye solution obtained in step (c). Possible physical treatment methods are concentration, dilution or filtration. Possible chemical treatment methods are oxidation or reduction of the dyes. The addition of further dyes or the targeted extraction of dyes from a mixture also falls under the derivation of the dye solution according to the invention.

For staining, it has proven to be particularly suitable to use a carotenoid-containing solution as the dye-containing solution, which is a concentrate of the dye solution extracted in step (c) of the process according to the invention. This represents an ecologically and economically advantageous recycling step and the dye has also been freshly isolated and is therefore of optimal quality.

The dye-containing solution is expediently based on a solvent which is a water-miscible organic solvent.

In one embodiment, the organic solvent, which is preferably a water-miscible organic solvent and particularly preferably an alcohol, is in the dye-containing solution a concentration of 70 to 95% by volume, preferably between 80 and 90% by volume and particularly preferably between 83 and 87% by volume in the dye-containing solution.

Advantageously, the dye-containing solution consists essentially of an organic solvent, in the sense that it represents at least 95% by volume of the solvent. The dye-containing solution particularly advantageously consists of an organic solvent.

A solvent here means at least one solvent, so that two, three or more water-miscible organic solvents can also be present.

Water-miscible, thermally stable, volatile solvents containing only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, such as alcohols, ethers, esters, ketones and acetals, are particularly suitable for carrying out the process according to the invention. Ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, methyl ethyl ketone, 1,2-butanediol-1-methyl ether, 1,2-propanediol-1-n-propyl ether or acetone are preferably used.

An organic solvent is referred to herein as “water-miscible” when it is in a 1:20 (v/v) mixture with water as a single-phase liquid.

In general, it is expedient to use solvents which are at least 10% water-miscible, have a boiling point below 100° C. and/or have fewer than 10 carbon atoms.

The organic water-miscible solvent is preferably an alcohol, advantageously selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol and isopropanol, and especially isopropanol.

The degree of staining can be set in a targeted manner in a simple manner by the ratio of liquid containing dye to fiber material. It has proven particularly suitable here if the dye-containing solution, which is preferably a carotenoid-containing solution, is added in a weight ratio of between 4:1 and 1:2.5, based on the material to be colored.

All the techniques known from dyeing technology are available to the person skilled in the art for bringing the dye-containing solution into contact, with the fiber being impregnated with the dye-containing solution or particularly preferably sprayed onto the fiber with the dye-containing solution.

In the process according to the invention, it has proven to be advantageous if, during drying under normal pressure, which is preferably multi-stage assembly line drying, the dye-containing solution is added between two drying stages in such a way that remoistening of the material to be dyed results. Here, the dye-containing solution encounters a partially dried fiber material which, on the one hand, has good absorbency for the dye-containing solution and, on the other hand, as a material that has not yet dried through, does not show any collapse of the open fiber structure due to rewetting.

In the case of vacuum drying, which can be carried out as an alternative, the dye-containing solution can be added before or during vacuum drying. Addition before vacuum drying is preferred here.

According to an advantageous embodiment, after the drying in step (f), the method additionally comprises a comminuting, grinding or screening step. This is advantageously designed in such a way that, as a result, 90% of the particles have a grain size of less than 400 μm, preferably a grain size of less than 350 μm and in particular a grain size of less than 300 μm. With this particle size, the fiber is easy to disperse and shows an optimal swelling capacity.

In a second aspect the invention provides an activated colored carrot fiber obtained or obtainable by the production process according to the invention.

In a third aspect, the invention provides an activated colored carrot fiber which, due to the activation, has advantageous properties, especially with regard to rheological parameters such as yield point, dynamic Weissenberg number, strength, water binding capacity and viscosity. The prominent content of water-soluble pectin should be emphasized here, which - without being bound to a specific theory - is assumed to make a decisive contribution to the advantageous water binding and viscosity build-up. Furthermore, the fiber also qualifies in terms of moisture, grain size and Brightness value for wide use in the production of food and non-food products.

• Die aktivierte gefärbte Karottenfaser hat in einer 2,5 Gew.%igen Suspension eine Fließgrenze II (Rotation) von zwischen 15 und 30 Pa, vorteilhafterweise von zwischen 17,5 und 27,5 Pa und besonders vorteilhaferweise von zwischen 20 und 25 Pa. Vorzugsweise ist diese aktivierte gefärbte Karottenfaser durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren erhältlich oder wird dadurch erhalten.

This activated carrot fiber according to the invention according to the third aspect has one or more of the following properties:

• In a 2.5% by weight suspension, the activated colored carrot fiber has a yield point II (rotation) of between 15 and 30 Pa, advantageously between 17.5 and 27.5 Pa and particularly advantageously between 20 and 25 Pa. Preferably, this activated colored carrot fiber is obtainable or obtained by the process of the present invention.

In a 2.5% by weight dispersion, the activated colored carrot fiber has a yield point I (rotation) of between 15 and 30 Pa, advantageously between 17.5 and 27.5 Pa and particularly advantageously between 20 and 25 Pa. Preferably, this activated colored carrot fiber is obtainable or obtained by the process of the present invention.

In a 2.5% by weight suspension, the activated colored carrot fiber has a yield point II (Cross Over) of between 20 and 35 Pa, advantageously between 22.5 and 32.5 Pa and particularly advantageously between 25 and 30 Pa. Preferably, this activated colored carrot fiber is obtainable or obtained by the process of the present invention.

In a 2.5% by weight dispersion, the activated colored carrot fiber has a yield point I (Cross Over) of between 25 and 35 Pa, advantageously between 20 and 30 Pa and particularly advantageously between 22.5 and 27.5 Pa. Preferably, this activated colored carrot fiber is obtainable or obtained by the process of the present invention.

The activated colored carrot fiber has a dynamic Weissenberg number of between 5 and 11 Pa, advantageously between 6 and 10 Pa and most advantageously between 7 and 9 Pa, in a 2.5% by weight suspension. Preferably, this activated colored carrot fiber is obtainable or obtained by the process of the present invention.

In a 2.5% by weight dispersion, the activated colored carrot fiber has a dynamic Weissenberg number of between 5 and 11 Pa, advantageously between 6 and 10 Pa and particularly advantageously between 7 and 9 Pa. Preferably, this activated colored carrot fiber is obtainable or obtained by the process of the present invention.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the activated colored carrot fiber has a strength of between 320 g and 510 g, preferably between 350 g and 480 g and particularly preferably between 380 and 450 g in a 4% by weight aqueous suspension. Preferably, the activated colored carrot fiber characterized by this strength is obtainable or obtained by the process of the present invention.

The activated colored carrot fiber preferably has a viscosity of 800 to 1800 mPas, preferably 1000 to 1600 mPas, and particularly preferably 1200 to 1400 mPas, the activated colored carrot fiber being dispersed in water as a 2.5% by weight solution and the viscosity is measured at a shear rate of 50 s ^-1 at 20°C. Preferably, the activated colored carrot fiber characterized by this viscosity is obtainable or obtained by the process of the invention.

To determine the viscosity, the carrot fiber is dispersed in demineralized water using the method disclosed in the examples as a 2.5% by weight solution and the viscosity is measured at 20° C. and four shear sections (first and third section = constant profile; second and fourth section = linear ramp; measurement in each case at a shear rate of 50 s ^-1 ) (rheometer; Physica MCR series, measuring body CC25 (corresponds to Z3 DIN), Anton Paar, Graz, Austria). An activated carrot fiber with this high viscosity has the advantage that smaller amounts of fibers are required to thicken the end product. The fiber also creates a creamy texture.

The activated colored carrot fiber advantageously has a water binding capacity of between 25 and 50 g/g, preferably between 30 and 45 g/g, particularly preferably between 32.5 and 42.5 g/g, and particularly preferably between 35 and 40 g /G. Such an advantageously high water-binding capacity leads to a high viscosity and, via this, to lower fiber consumption in the case of creamy Texture. The activated colored carrot fiber characterized by the water-binding capacity can preferably be obtained by the process according to the invention or is obtained thereby.

According to one embodiment, the activated colored carrot fiber has a moisture content of less than 15%, preferably less than 10% and more preferably less than 8%. Preferably, the activated colored carrot fiber characterized by this moisture is obtainable or obtained by the process of the present invention.

It is also preferred that the activated dyed carrot fiber has a pH of 3.5 to 5.0, preferably 3.9 to 4.5, in 1.0% aqueous solution. Preferably, the activated colored carrot fiber characterized by this pH range is obtainable or obtained by the process of the invention.

The activated colored carrot fiber advantageously has a particle size in which at least 90% of the particles are smaller than 250 μm, preferably smaller than 200 μm and in particular smaller than 150 μm. Preferably, the activated colored carrot fiber characterized by this grain size is obtainable or is obtained by the process of the invention.

Advantageously, the activated carrot fiber has a dietary fiber content of 80 to 95%. The activated carrot fiber characterized by this dietary fiber content is preferably obtainable or obtained by the process according to the invention.

Due to the production method according to the invention, the pectin content of the activated colored carrot fiber has been reduced, so that the pectin-containing carrot fiber has a water-soluble pectin content of 2 to 10% by weight, advantageously from 2 to 8% by weight and particularly advantageously from 2 to 6% by weight. having. The content of water-soluble pectin in this carrot fiber may be, for example, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% by weight.

This residual pectin is highly esterified pectin. According to the invention, a high esterified pectin is understood to mean a pectin which has a degree of esterification of more than 50%. The degree of esterification describes the percentage of the carboxyl groups in the galacturonic acid units of the pectin which are present in the esterified form, e.g. as methyl ester. The degree of esterification can be determined using the method according to JECFA (Monograph 19-2016, Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives).

In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to the use of the activated colored carrot fiber according to the invention as a thickening or structuring agent in a food product, a feed product, a drink or food supplement, a cosmetic product, a pharmaceutical product or a medicinal product.

In a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a mixture comprising the activated carrot fiber according to the invention and a soluble pectin, which is preferably a low ester pectin, a high ester pectin or a low ester amidated pectin, or a mixture thereof.

In a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a food product, a dietary supplement, a feed product, a drink, a cosmetic product, a pharmaceutical product or a medical product which has been produced using the activated colored carrot fiber according to the invention.

1. A. Bereitstellen einer Suspension aus aktivierten Fruchtfasern in einer Lösung umfassend Wasser und ein wassermischbares organisches Lösungsmittel, das bevorzugt ein Alkohol ist; oder
2. B. Bereitstellen von feuchten aktivierten Fruchtfasern,
3. C. Bereitstellen einer farbstoffhaltigen Lösung, wobei die farbstoffhaltige Lösung ein wasserlösliches organisches Lösungsmittel und mindestens einen gelösten Farbstoff umfasst,
4. D. In-Kontakt-Bringen der Suspension aus Schritt A oder der feuchten aktivierten Fruchtfaser aus Schritt B mit der farbstoffhaltigen Flüssigkeit aus Schritt C zum Erhalten von angefärbten Fruchtfasern;
5. E. Trocknen der angefärbten Fruchtfasern unter Normaldruck oder unter Vakuum zum Erhalten von aktivierten gefärbten Fruchtfasern.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for dyeing activated fruit fibers, in particular citrus, apple or carrot fibers, comprising the following steps:

1. A. Providing a suspension of activated fruit fibers in a solution comprising water and a water-miscible organic solvent, which is preferably an alcohol; or
2. B. Providing moist activated fruit fibers,
3. C. providing a dye-containing solution, the dye-containing solution comprising a water-soluble organic solvent and at least one dissolved dye,
4. D. Contacting the suspension from step A or the wet activated fruit fiber from step B with the colorant-containing liquid from step C to obtain colored fruit fiber;
5. E. Drying the colored fruit fibers under normal pressure or under vacuum to obtain activated colored fruit fibers.

This aspect of the invention is based on the finding that moist or not thoroughly dried activated fruit fibers can be colored in an efficient and lasting manner by bringing them into contact with a dye-containing solution, without the activation as a functionalization being impaired in any relevant way.

According to step A, a suspension of activated fruit fibers in a solution comprising water and a water-miscible organic solvent, which is preferably an alcohol, is provided. It is preferred here if the solution essentially consists of the water-miscible organic solvent or alcohol. In the presence of this solvent, the functionalization is preserved and the dye can stain the fiber without precipitating.

Alternatively, according to step B, the fiber can be provided as moist activated fruit fiber. For this purpose, the activated fruit fiber preferably has a moisture content of more than 80%, preferably more than 85%, particularly preferably more than 90% and particularly preferably between 90 and 95%.

According to step C, a dye-containing solution is provided, this dye-containing solution comprising a water-soluble organic solvent and at least one dissolved dye. In the context of the invention, a "dye-containing solution" is defined as a liquid in which the dye or dyes are in dissolved form. It is therefore not a suspension or dispersion of pigment particles in a liquid. A dissolved dye is necessary for a homogeneous, permanent and activity-retaining dyeing of the fibres.

According to step C, the suspension from step A or the moist activated fruit fiber from step B is brought into contact with the colorant-containing liquid from step C in order to color the activated fruit fibers.

According to step D, the colored fruit fibers are dried under normal pressure or under vacuum to form the activated colored fruit fibers.

In a preferred embodiment, the bringing into contact according to step C takes place as part of the drying according to step D.

A "fruit fiber" according to the present invention is a plant fiber isolated from a fruit. In the context of the present invention, the term “fruit” means all of the organs of a plant that emerge from a flower, including both the classic fruit fruits and fruit vegetables. The term "fruit" on its own also includes mixtures of fruits from two or more different plants, such as e.g. B. apple tree and cherry tree, so plant species, and / or mixtures of two or more different varieties of a fruit, such as two or more strawberry varieties.

Without claiming to be exhaustive, fruit fibers that can be used according to the invention are mentioned here by way of example: citrus fiber, apple fiber, carrot fiber, sugar beet fiber, oat fiber, bran fiber, barley fiber, wheat fiber, rye fiber, rice fiber, corn fiber, pea fiber, pear fiber, plum fiber, tomato fiber and psyllium fiber and sunflower fiber.

Citrus fiber can be isolated from a wide variety of citrus fruits. In a non-limiting manner, the following are listed here by way of example: Tangerine (Citrus reticulata), Clementine (Citrus × aurantium Clementine group, syn.: Citrus clementina), Satsuma (Citrus × aurantium Satsuma group, syn.: Citrus unshiu), Mangshan (Citrus mangshanensis), orange (Citrus × aurantium orange group, syn.: Citrus sinensis), bitter orange (Citrus × aurantium bitter orange group), bergamot (Citrus × limon bergamot group, syn.: Citrus bergamia), grapefruit (Citrus maxima) , grapefruit (Citrus × aurantium grapefruit group, syn.: Citrus paradisi) pomelo (Citrus × aurantium pomelo group), lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia), common lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia, syn.: Citrus latifolia), kaffir lime ( Citrus hystrix), Rangpur lime (Citrus × jambhiri), lemon (Citrus × limon lemon group), citron (Citrus medica) and kumquats (Citrus japonica, syn.: Fortunella). Orange (Citrus×aurantium orange group, syn.: Citrus sinensis) and lemon (Citrus×limon lemon group) are preferred here.

Apple fibers can be obtained from all cultivated apples (malus domesticus) known to those skilled in the art. Processing residues from apples can advantageously be used here as the starting material, namely apple peel, core casing, cores or pulp, or a combination thereof. In particular, apple pomace is used as the starting material, i.e. the pressed residue from apples, which typically also contain the above-mentioned components in addition to the peel.

In a preferred embodiment, the dye-containing solution is a carotenoid-containing solution. Carotenoids represent the carrot's own class of pigments and can give the carrot its original appearance again. According to the invention, it has proven to be particularly suitable if this dye-containing solution is an extracted dye solution, as is generated in step (c) of the present method for producing activated carrot fibers.

However, other non-carrot carotenoids can also be used. Possible carotenoids are annatto (main components: bixin, norbixin), paprika extract (main components: capsanthin, capsorubin), lycopene and beta-apo-8'-carotenal (E 160 a).

In an alternative embodiment, dyes other than the carotenoids disclosed above are also used. These are preferably soluble in a water-miscible organic solvent and are approved as a food coloring. Without claiming to be complete, the following are mentioned here as examples: Allura red AC (E 129), amaranth (E 123), anthocyanins (E 163), azorubine (E 122), betanine (E 162), brown HAT (E 155), brilliant blue FCF ( E 133), brilliant black BN (E 151), canthaxanthin (E 161), quinoline yellow (E 104), chlorophyll (E 140), cochineal red A (E 124), curcumin (E 100), erythrosine (E 127), sunset yellow S (E 110), green S (E 142), indigo carmine (E 132), cochineal (E 120), copper-containing complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins (E 141), lithol rubin BK (E 180), lutein (E 161 b), patent blue V (E 131), riboflavin (lactoflavin, vitamin B2), riboflavin-5-phosphate (E 101), tartrazine (E 102), caramel (E 150 a), sulfite caustic caramel (E 150 b), ammonia caramel ( E 150 c) and sulphite ammonia caramel (E 150 d).

According to the invention, the substance class of “coloring foodstuffs” should also belong to the coloring agents. These are lipophilic plant extracts and/or concentrates from vegetables, such as carrots, paprika, spinach or apples, which have a coloring effect and can therefore also be used as part of a dye-containing solution within the scope of the method according to the invention. Of course, mixtures of dyes can also be used.

In one embodiment, an apple extract containing polyphenols can be used, which leads to a dark brown coloration in a concentrated form. Such an extract has the advantage that it is stable in storage, does not crystallize and is obtained from apples and, depending on the extract, also contains the flavorings of the apple, so that the fiber can be colored and its taste adapted. Such an extract is commercially available, for example, under the name “Herbarom®” (Herbstreith & Fox, Neuenbürg, Germany).

In the context of the invention, a "dye-containing solution" is defined as a liquid in which the dye or dyes are in dissolved form. So it is not a suspension or dispersion of pigment particles in a liquid. A dissolved dye is necessary for a homogeneous, permanent and activity-retaining dyeing of the fibres.

A dye solution derived therefrom means a solution which is chemically and/or physically treated starting from the dye solution obtained in step (c) of the process for the production of activated colored carrot fibers. Possible physical treatment methods are concentration, dilution or filtration. Possible chemical treatment methods are oxidation or reduction of the dyes. The addition of further dyes or the targeted extraction of dyes from a mixture also falls under the derivation of the dye solution according to the invention.

For coloring fruit fibers, it has proven to be particularly suitable to use a carotenoid-containing solution as the coloring agent-containing solution, which is a concentrate of the coloring agent solution extracted in step (c) of the process according to the invention. This represents an ecologically and economically advantageous recycling step and the dye has also been freshly isolated and is therefore of optimal quality.

The dye-containing solution is expediently based on a solvent which is a mixture comprising water and an organic solvent.

In one embodiment, the organic solvent, which is preferably a water-miscible organic solvent and particularly preferably an alcohol, is in the dye-containing solution in a concentration of 70 to 95% by volume, preferably between 80 and 90% by volume and particularly preferably between 83 and 87% by volume in the dye-containing solution.

Advantageously, the dye-containing solution consists essentially of an organic solvent, in the sense that it represents at least 95% by volume of the solvent. The dye-containing solution particularly advantageously consists of an organic solvent.

A solvent here means at least one solvent, so that two, three or more water-miscible organic solvents can also be present.

Water-miscible, thermally stable, volatile solvents containing only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, such as alcohols, ethers, esters, ketones and acetals, are particularly suitable for carrying out the process according to the invention. Ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, methyl ethyl ketone, 1,2-butanediol-1-methyl ether, 1,2-propanediol-1-n-propyl ether or acetone are preferably used.

An organic solvent is referred to herein as “water-miscible” when it is in a 1:20 (v/v) mixture with water as a single-phase liquid.

In general, it is expedient to use solvents which are at least 10% water-miscible, have a boiling point below 100° C. and/or have fewer than 10 carbon atoms.

The organic water-miscible solvent is preferably an alcohol, advantageously selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol and isopropanol. In a particularly preferred manner it is isopropanol.

The degree of staining can be set in a targeted manner in a simple manner by the ratio of liquid containing dye to fiber material. It has proven particularly suitable here if the dye-containing solution, which is preferably a carotenoid-containing solution, is added in a weight ratio of between 4:1 and 1:2.5, based on the material to be colored.

All the techniques known from dyeing technologists are available to the person skilled in the art for bringing the dye-containing solution into contact, with the fiber being soaked in the dye-containing solution or particularly preferably sprayed onto the fiber with the dye-containing solution.

In the process according to the invention, it has proven to be advantageous if, during drying under normal pressure, which is preferably multi-stage assembly line drying, the dye-containing solution is added between two drying stages in such a way that remoistening of the material to be dyed results. Here, the dye-containing solution encounters a partially dried fiber material which, on the one hand, has good absorbency for the dye-containing solution and, on the other hand, as material that has not yet dried through, does not show any collapse of the open fiber structure as a result of rewetting.

In the case of vacuum drying, which can be carried out as an alternative, the dye-containing solution can be added before or during vacuum drying. Addition before vacuum drying is preferred here.

In step D, the colored material from step C is dried, in one embodiment drying comprising vacuum drying and preferably consisting of vacuum drying. During vacuum drying, the washed material is exposed to a vacuum as a drying item, which reduces the boiling point and thus leads to evaporation of the water even at low temperatures. The heat of vaporization continuously withdrawn from the material to be dried is suitably fed from the outside until the temperature is constant. Vacuum drying has the effect of lowering the equilibrium vapor pressure, which favors capillary transport. This has proven to be particularly advantageous for the present carrot fiber material, since the activated, open fiber structures and thus the rheological properties resulting therefrom are retained. The vacuum drying preferably takes place at a reduced pressure of less than 400 mbar, preferably less than 300 mbar, further preferably less than 250 mbar and particularly preferably less than 200 mbar.

In an alternative embodiment, the drying in step D comprises drying under atmospheric pressure. Examples of suitable drying methods are fluidized bed drying, moving bed drying, belt dryers, drum dryers or paddle dryers. Fluid bed drying is particularly preferred here. This has the advantage that the product is dried loosely, which simplifies an optional subsequent grinding step. In addition, this type of drying avoids damage to the product due to local overheating thanks to the easily adjustable heat input.

In the method according to the invention, the dissolved dye is added to the activated fruit fibers and the fiber is impregnated with the dye as a result of the drying of the dye solution on the fiber that has not yet dried completely. As the inventors have found, the functionality of the fiber is essentially retained when a dye is added during fiber drying. The activation state is not seriously affected.

definitions

A carrot fiber according to the application is a mainly fibrous component isolated from a nonlignified vegetable cell wall of a carrot and consists mainly of cellulose. The term fiber is somewhat misnomer because carrot fibers do not appear macroscopically as fibers but are a powdered product. Other components of carrot fiber include hemicellulose and pectin.

A pectin according to the application is defined as a vegetable polysaccharide which, as a polyuronide, essentially consists of α-1,4-glycosidically linked D-galacturonic acid units. The galacturonic acid units are partially esterified with methanol. The degree of esterification describes the proportion of carboxyl groups in the galacturonic acid units of the pectin which are present in esterified form, e.g. as methyl ester.

According to the invention, a high esterified pectin is understood to mean a pectin which has a degree of esterification of more than 50%. A low ester pectin, on the other hand, has a degree of esterification of less than 50%. The degree of esterification describes the percentage of the carboxyl groups in the galacturonic acid units of the pectin which are present in the esterified form, e.g. as methyl ester. The degree of esterification can be determined using the method according to JECFA (Monograph 19-2016, Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives).

At this point it should be explicitly pointed out that features of the solutions described above or in the claims and/or figures can also be combined if necessary in order to be able to implement or achieve the explained features, effects and advantages in a cumulative manner.

All features disclosed in the application documents are claimed to be essential to the invention, provided they are new compared to the prior art, either individually or in combination with one another.

It should also be expressly pointed out that in the context of the present patent application, indefinite articles and numbers such as "one", "two" etc. should generally be understood as "at least" information, i.e. as "at least one..." , "at least two..." etc., unless it is expressly stated from the respective context or it is obvious or technically imperative for the person skilled in the art that only "exactly one...", "exactly two..." etc .

Further advantages, special features and expedient developments of the invention result from the subclaims and the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the illustrations.

exemplary embodiments

The embodiments shown here only represent examples of the present invention and should therefore not be understood to be limiting. Alternative embodiments contemplated by those skilled in the art are equally encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

1. Description of the manufacturing process with assembly line drying using a flow diagram

In 1 1 is a flow chart showing a process for producing the colored activated carrot fiber according to the present invention. Starting from the moist carrot pomace, the pomace is subjected in the first step to colorant extraction (“colorant isolation”). The dyes extracted using isopropanol are concentrated by driving off the isopropanol in a rotary evaporator. The decolorized fibers (“decolorization”) occurring after the extraction are washed (“washing”) by carrying out two alcohol washing steps, each with subsequent solid-liquid separation (not shown separately here) using a decanter. In the 1st drying step, the fibers are partially dried by fluidized bed drying and then the partially dried fibers are remoistened with the above-described concentrated dye-containing solution. In a second drying step, which also represents fluidized bed drying, the fibers are then completely dried (ie to a moisture content of less than 10%). Finally, the colored fibers are further comminuted by a grinding step to then obtain the activated colored carrot fiber of the present invention.

2. Description of the manufacturing process with vacuum drying using a flow chart

In 2 Figure 1 is a schematic flow diagram of an alternative process of the present invention for producing the colored activated carrot fiber. Starting from the moist carrot pomace, the pomace is subjected in the first step to colorant extraction (“colorant isolation”). The dyes extracted using isopropanol are used as a dye solution without concentration in the subsequent drying step. The decolorized fibers (“decolorization”) occurring after the extraction are washed (“washing”) by carrying out two alcohol washing steps, each with subsequent solid-liquid separation (not shown separately here) using a decanter.

The drying of the alcohol-moist fibers from the washing step takes place in a rotary evaporator with the addition of the previously extracted dye-containing solution. Finally, the colored fibers are further comminuted by a grinding step to then obtain the activated colored carrot fiber of the present invention.

3. Preparation of a 2.5% by weight fiber dispersion

Recipe:

• 2.50 g fibers
• 97.5 g demineralized water (room temperature)
• Sprinkle duration: 15 seconds

In a 250 ml beaker, the respective amount of the. Water (room temperature) presented. The exactly weighed amount of fibers is with the agitator running (Ultra Turrax) at 8000 rpm. (Level 1) slowly sprinkled directly into the stirring suction. The sprinkling time depends on the amount of fibers, it should last 15 seconds per 2.5 g sample. Then the dispersion is exactly 60 seconds at 8000 rpm. (Stage 1) stirred. If the sample is to be used to determine the viscosity or to determine the yield point I (rotation), the yield point I (crossover) or to determine the dynamic Weissenberg number, it is placed in a water bath at 20°C.

To measure the viscosity or to measure the yield point I (rotation), the yield point I (crossover) or to measure the dynamic Weissenberg number, the sample is carefully filled into the measuring system of the rheometer after exactly 1 hour and the respective measurement is started. If the sample settles, it is carefully stirred with a spoon immediately before filling.

4. Preparation of a 2.5% by weight fiber suspension

Recipe:

• 2.50 g fibers
• 97.5 g demineralized water (room temperature)

In a 250 ml beaker, the respective amount of the. Water (room temperature) submitted. The precisely weighed amount of fibers is slowly sprinkled in while stirring constantly with a plastic spoon. Then the suspension is stirred until all the fibers are wetted with water. If the sample is to be used to determine the viscosity or to determine the yield point II (rotation), the yield point II (crossover) or to determine the dynamic Weissenberg number, it is placed in a water bath at 20°C.

To measure the viscosity or to measure the yield point II (rotation), the yield point II (crossover) or to measure the dynamic Weissenberg number, the sample is carefully filled into the measuring system of the rheometer after exactly 1 hour and the respective measurement is started. If the sample settles, it is carefully stirred with a spoon immediately before filling.

5. Test method for determining the yield point (rotational measurement)

Measuring principle:

This yield point provides information about the structural strength and is determined in the rotation test by increasing the shear stress acting on the sample over time until the sample begins to flow.

Shear stresses that are below the yield point only cause an elastic deformation, which only leads to yielding if the shear stresses are above the yield point. In this determination, this is measured by exceeding a specified minimum shear rate γ̇. According to the present method, the yield point τ _o [Pa] is exceeded at the shear rate γ̇ ≥ 0.1 s ^-1. Measuring device: Rheometer Physica MCR series (e.g. MCR 301, MCR 101) Measuring system: Z3 DIN or CC25 Measuring cup: CC 27 P06 (ribbed measuring cup) Number of measurement sections: 3 Measuring temperature: 20°C Measurement parameters:

1st section (rest phase):

Section Settings: - Default size: shear stress [Pa] - Worth: 0 Pa constant - Section duration: 180s - Temperature: 20°C

2nd section (determination of the yield point after rotation measurement):

Section Settings: - Default size: shear stress [Pa] - Profile: ramp log. - Start value: 0.1Pa - final value: 80 Pa - Section duration: 180s - Temperature: 20°C

Evaluation:

The yield point τ _o (unit [Pa] is read in Section 2 and is the shear stress (unit: [Pa]) at which the shear rate is γ̇ ≤ 0.10 s ^-1 for the last time.

The yield point measured with the rotation method is also referred to as “yield point (rotation)”.

The flow limit (rotation) was measured using a fiber suspension (simply stirring in the fiber with a spoon=corresponds to a fiber that was not additionally activated) and is also referred to as “yield limit II (rotation)” within the scope of the invention. The yield point was also measured using a fiber dispersion (stirred in under the action of high shear forces; e.g. with Ultra Turrax = corresponds to an additionally activated fiber) and is also referred to as “yield point I (rotation)” within the scope of the invention.

6. Test method for determining the yield point (oscillation measurement)

Measuring principle:

This yield point also provides information about the structural strength and is determined in the oscillation test by increasing the amplitude at a constant frequency until the sample is destroyed by the ever-increasing deflection and then begins to flow.

Below the yield point, the substance behaves like an elastic solid, i.e. the elastic parts (G') lie above the viscous parts (G''), while when the yield point is exceeded, the viscous parts of the sample increase and the elastic parts decrease .

By definition, the yield point is exceeded for the amplitude when the same number of viscous and elastic components are present G' = G'' (Cross Over), the associated shear stress is the corresponding measured value. Measuring device: Rheometer Physica MCR series (e.g. MCR 301, MCR 101) Measuring system: Z3 DIN or CC25 Measuring cup: CC 27 P06 (ribbed measuring cup)

Measurement parameters:

Section Settings: - amplitude defaults: Deformation [%] - Profile: ramp log. - Worth: 0.01 - 1000% - Frequency specifications: Frequency [Hz] - Profile: constant - Frequency: 1.0Hz - Temperature: 20°C

Evaluation:

With the help of the Rheoplus rheometer software, the shear stress at the cross-over is evaluated after exceeding the linear-viscoelastic range.

The yield point measured with the oscillation method is also known as the “yield point (cross over)”.

The yield point (crossover) was measured using a fiber suspension (simply stirring in the fiber with a spoon=corresponds to a fiber that was not additionally activated) and is also referred to as “yield point II (crossover)” within the scope of the invention. The yield point was also measured using a fiber dispersion (stirred in under the action of high shearing forces; e.g. with Ultra Turrax = corresponds to an additionally activated fiber) and is also referred to as "Yield point I (Cross Over)" within the scope of the invention.

Importance:

If one considers the yield point for the fiber suspension according to the invention stirred in with a spoon (corresponding to a fiber that is not additionally activated) with the fiber dispersion according to the invention stirred in with high shear forces, e.g. Ultra Turrax (corresponding to an additionally activated fiber), one can draw conclusions about the advantage/necessity of activation meeting. The measurement results are summarized in the following table. As expected, the yield point increases in each case due to the shear activation in the dispersion. However, the fiber suspension also has a yield point which, at τ _o II >1.5 Pa, is sufficiently high to achieve a creamy texture. Therefore activation of the carrot fiber is not absolutely necessary. fiber rotation Cross over activation τ _o II[Pa] suspension τ _o [Pa] dispersion τ _o [Pa] suspension τ _o I [Pa] dispersion Carrot fiber according to the invention 23.3 22.5 28.6 25.3 not necessarily required

7. Test method for determining the dynamic Weissenberg number

Measuring principle and meaning of the dynamic Weissenberg number:

The dynamic Weissenberg number W' (Windhab E, Maier T, Lebensmitteltechnik 1990, 44: 185f) is a derived variable in which the elastic components (G') determined in the oscillation test in the linear-viscoelastic range are compared with the viscous components (G'') be compared: $$W\text{'}=\frac{G\text{'}\left(\omega \right)}{G\text{'}\text{'}\left(\omega \right)}=\frac{1}{tan\mathrm{\delta }}$$

The dynamic Weissenberg number gives a value that correlates particularly well with the sensory perception of the consistency and can be considered relatively independently of the absolute strength of the sample.

A high value for W' means that the fibers have built up a predominantly elastic structure, while a low value for W' indicates structures with clearly viscous parts. The creamy texture typical of fibers is achieved when the W' values are in the range of approx. 6 - 8, with lower values the sample is judged to be watery (less heavily thickened).

Material and methods:

Measuring device: Rheometer Physica MCR series, e.g. MCR 301, MCR 101 Measuring system: Z3 DIN or CC25 Measuring cup: CC 27 P06 (ribbed measuring cup)

Measurement parameters:

Section Settings: - amplitude defaults: Deformation [%] - Profile: ramp log - Worth: 0.01 - 1000% - Frequency: 1.0Hz - Temperature: 20°C

Evaluation:

The phase shift angle δ is read in the linear viscoelastic range. The dynamic Weissenberg number W' is then calculated using the following formula: $$W\text{'}=\frac{1}{tan\mathrm{\delta }}$$

Measurement results and their meaning:

If one considers the dynamic Weissenberg number W' for the fiber suspension according to the invention stirred in with a spoon (corresponding to a fiber that is not additionally activated) with the fiber dispersion according to the invention stirred in with high shear forces, e.g. Ultra Turrax (corresponding to an additionally activated fiber), one can draw conclusions about the texture and in addition to meet the need for activation. The measurement results are summarized in the following table. With the W' values of 7.9 in the suspension and 8.1 for the dispersion, the carrot fiber according to the invention is in the ideal range and thus has an optimal texture. In both cases it has a creamy texture. The results for the dynamic Weissenberg number also show that activation of the fiber is not absolutely necessary. fiber W' suspension W' dispersion texture Carrot fiber according to the invention 7.9 8.1 creamy with and without activation, viscosity/yield point is regulated by the dosage

8. Test Method for Determining Strength

Execution:

150 ml of distilled water are placed in a beaker. Then 6.0 g of carrot fibers are stirred into the water with a spoon without lumps. This fibre-water mixture is allowed to stand for 20 minutes to allow it to swell. The suspension is transferred to a vessel (Ø 90 mm). Then the strength is measured by the following method.
Measuring device: Texture Analyzer TA-XT 2 (from Stable Micro Systems, Godalming, UK)
Test method/option: Measurement of the force in the direction of compression / simple test Parameter: - Test Speed: 1.0mm/s - Travel: 15.0mm/s Measuring tools: - P/50

According to the present method, the strength corresponds to the force that the measuring body needs to penetrate 10 mm into the suspension. This force is read from the force-time diagram.

9. Test method for determining grain size

Measuring principle:

In a screening machine, a set of screens, the mesh size of which constantly increases from the bottom screen to the top, is arranged one above the other. The sample is placed on the top sieve - the one with the largest mesh size. The sample particles with a diameter larger than the mesh size remain on the sieve; the finer particles fall through to the next sieve. The proportion of the sample on the different sieves is weighed out and reported as a percentage.

Execution:

The sample is weighed to two decimal places. The screens are provided with screening aids and built up one on top of the other with increasing mesh size. The sample is quantitatively transferred to the top sieve, the sieves are clamped and the sieving process proceeds according to defined parameters. The individual sieves are weighed with sample and sieve aid and empty with sieve aid. If only a limit value in the grain size spectrum is to be checked for a product (e.g. 90% < 250 µm), then only a sieve with the appropriate mesh size is used.

Measurement specifications:

sample amount: 15g sieving aids: 2 per sieve tray screening machine: AS 200 digit, Retsch GmbH sieve movement: three dimensional vibration level: 1.5mm sieving time: 15 minutes

The screen construction consists of the following mesh sizes in µm: 1400, 1180, 1000, 710, 500, 355, 250 followed by the bottom.

The grain size is calculated using the following formula: $$Anteip\mathrm{right}OSiebin\%=\frac{A\mathrm{and}swaaGeinGa\mathrm{and}f\mathrm{i.e}emSieb\times 100}{P\mathrm{right}ObeeinwaaGeinG}$$

10. Test method for determining the water binding capacity

Execution:

The sample is allowed to swell with an excess of water at room temperature for 24 hours. After centrifugation and subsequent decanting of the supernatant, the water binding capacity in g H ₂ O/g sample can be determined gravimetrically. The pH value in the suspension must be measured and documented.

The following parameters must be observed:

sample weight:

- Plant fiber: 1.0 g (in centrifuge tube) - water addition: 60ml - Centrifugation: 4000×g - Centrifugation time 10 mins 20 minutes after the start of centrifugation (or 10 minutes after the end of centrifugation), the supernatant water is separated from the swollen sample. The sample with the bound water is weighed out.

The water binding capacity (WBV) in g H ₂ O / g sample can now be calculated using the following formula: $$\mathbf{WBV}\left(G{H}_{2}O/GP\mathrm{right}Obe\right)=\frac{P\mathrm{right}ObemitGeb\mathrm{and}n\mathrm{i.e}enemWasse\mathrm{right}\left(G\right)-1,0\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="G"\; filenames="DE102020119365A1\_0006.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">G</figure-callout>}}{1,0G}$$

11. Test method for determining viscosity

Measuring device: Physica MCR series (e.g. MCR 301, MCR 101) Measuring system: Z3 DIN or CC25 (Note: The measuring systems Z3 DIN and CC25 are identical measuring systems) Number of Sections: 4

Measurement parameters:

1st section:

Section Settings: - Default size: Shear rate [s ^-1 ] - Profile: constant - Worth: 0s ^-1 - Section duration: 60s - Temperature: 20°C

2nd section:

Section Settings: - Default size: Shear rate [s ^-1 ] - Profile: ramp left - Worth: 0.1 - 100s ^-1 - Section duration: 120s - Temperature: 20°C

3rd section:

Section Settings: - Default size: Shear rate [s ^-1 ] - Profile: constant - Worth: 100s ^-1 - Section duration: 10s - Temperature: 20°C

4th section:

Section Settings: - Default size: Shear rate [s ^-1 ] - Profile: ramp left - Worth: 100-0.1s- ¹ - Section duration: 120s - Temperature: 20°C

Evaluation:

The viscosity (unit [mPas]) is read as follows: 4th section at = 50 s ^-1

12. Test method for determining dietary fiber content

This method is substantially consistent with the method published by the AOAC (Offical Method 991.43: Total, Soluble and Insoluble Dietary Fiber in Foods; Enzymatic-Gravimetric Method, MES-TRIS Buffer, First Action 1991, Final Action 1994.). Only isopropyl alcohol was used here instead of ethanol.

13. Test method for determining moisture and dry matter

Principle:

The moisture content of the sample is understood to mean the decrease in mass determined according to defined conditions after drying. The moisture content of the sample is determined by means of infrared drying using the Sartorius MA-45 moisture analyzer (from Sartorius, Goettingen, Germany).

Execution:

Approximately 2.5 g of the fiber sample is weighed into the Sartorius moisture analyzer. The settings of the device can be found in the corresponding factory measurement specifications. For determination, the samples should be at about room temperature. The moisture content is automatically given by the device as a percentage [% M]. The dry matter is automatically given by the device as a percentage [% S].

14. Test method for determining color and brightness

Principle:

The color and brightness measurements are carried out with the Minolta Chromameter CR 300 or CR 400. The spectral properties of a sample are determined using standard color values. The color of a sample is described in terms of hue, lightness and saturation. With these three basic properties, the color can be represented three-dimensionally:

The hues lie on the outer shell of the color body, the lightness varies on the vertical axis and the degree of saturation runs horizontally. Using the L*a*b* measurement system (say L-star, a-star, b-star), L* represents lightness, while a* and b* represent both hue and saturation. a* and b* indicate the positions on two color axes, where a* is assigned to the red-green axis and b* to the blue-yellow axis. For the color measurement displays, the device converts the standard color values into L*a*b* coordinates.

Carrying out the measurement:

The sample is sprinkled on a white sheet of paper and leveled with a glass stopper. For the measurement, the measuring head of the chromameter is placed directly on the sample and the trigger is pressed. A triplicate measurement is carried out on each sample and the mean value is calculated. The L*, a*, b* values are specified by the device with two decimal places.

15. Test method for the determination of water-soluble pectin in fibrous samples

Principle:

The pectin contained in fibrous samples is converted into the liquid phase by means of an aqueous extraction. By adding alcohol, the pectin is precipitated from the extract as an alcohol insoluble substance (AIS).

Extraction:

10.0 g of the sample to be examined are weighed into a glass bowl. 390 g boiling dist. Water is placed in a beaker and the previously weighed sample is stirred in using an Ultra-Turrax for 1 minute at the highest level.

The sample suspension, cooled to room temperature, is divided into four 150 ml centrifuge beakers and centrifuged at 4000 x g for 10 min. The supernatant is collected. The sediment from each beaker is resuspended in 50 g distilled water and centrifuged again at 4000 x g for 10 min. The supernatant is collected, the sediment is discarded.

The combined centrifugates are added to about 4 l of isopropanol (98%) to precipitate the alcohol-insoluble substance (AIS). After ½ hour, it is filtered through a filter cloth and the AIS is pressed off manually. The AIS is then added to about 3 l of isopropanol (98%) in the filter cloth and loosened up by hand using gloves.

The squeezing process is repeated, the AIS is removed quantitatively from the filter cloth, loosened up and dried in a drying cabinet at 60° C. for 1 hour.

The pressed, dried substance is weighed out to the nearest 0.1 g to calculate the Alcohol Insoluble Substance (AIS).

Calculation:

The water-soluble pectin is calculated based on the fibrous sample using the following formula, with the water-soluble pectin occurring as an alcohol-insoluble substance (AIS): $$AISin\mathrm{i.e}e\mathrm{right}P\mathrm{right}ObeinGew.\text{\%}\left(\frac{G}{100G}\right)=\frac{Get\mathrm{right}OckneteAIS\left[G\right]\times 100}{P\mathrm{right}ObeneinwaaGeinG}$$

Claims (21)

A process for producing an activated colored carrot fiber, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a carrot-containing plant material in the form of dry material or wet material; (b) in the case of the dry material, hydration by incubating the dry material with an aqueous liquid and separating the aqueous liquid from the hydrated dry material; (c) contacting the wet material from step (a) or the hydrated dry material from step (b) with an extraction composition comprising a water-miscible organic solvent to extract coloring matter from the carrot-containing plant material, followed by incubation for at least 5 minutes and separating the colorant-containing liquid from the carrot-containing vegetable material to obtain an at least partially decolorized material; (d) optionally enzymatically treating the deinked material from step (c) in aqueous suspension with cellulase and/or with pectin methyl esterase to obtain an enzymatically treated material; (e) washing the deinked material from step (c) or the enzymatically treated material from step (d) at least twice with a water-soluble organic solvent and then separating the washed material from the water-soluble organic solvent each time; (f) drying the washed material from step (e) comprising normal pressure drying or vacuum drying, wherein the drying is carried out with addition of a dye-containing solution, to obtain the activated dyed carrot fiber. procedure according to claim 1 , characterized in that the carrot-containing plant material is selected from the group consisting of carrot pomace, carrot flour, carrot pomace flour, carrot semolina and carrot puree or a mixture thereof. procedure according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the hydration of the dry material in step (b) satisfies one or more of the following conditions: i. the hydration takes place by incubation with the aqueous liquid at a temperature between 20°C and 70°C, advantageously at a temperature between 25°C and 65°C and more advantageously at a temperature between 30°C and 60°C; ii. the aqueous liquid is an aqueous buffer or water; iii. the hydration is effected by incubation with the aqueous liquid for a period of from 10 minutes to 4 hours, advantageously for a period of from 20 minutes to 3 hours and more advantageously for a period of from 30 minutes to 2 hours; IV. the dry mass in the aqueous incubation solution is between 0.25% by weight and 20% by weight, preferably between 0.5% by weight and 15% by weight, and particularly preferably between 1% by weight and 10% by weight; v. the hydration is carried out while stirring or shaking the aqueous suspension. procedure according to claim 1 until 3 , characterized in that the dye extraction in step (c) satisfies one or more of the following conditions: vi. the water-miscible organic solvent is an alcohol, advantageously selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol and isopropanol; vii. the incubation with the extraction composition is carried out for a period of 5 minutes to 10 hours, preferably 15 minutes to 2 hours and particularly preferably 20 minutes to 40 minutes; viii. the incubation with the extraction composition is at a temperature of between 10°C and 70°C, preferably between 20°C and 60°C and more preferably between 30°C and 50°C; ix. the extraction conditions are selected such that a +a* value of less than 14, preferably less than 5, more preferably less than 3 and particularly preferably less than 2 is achieved for the plant material to be decolorized in the L*a*b color space; x. the dye extraction is carried out at a pH of between 3.5 to 5.5 and preferably between 4.0 to 5.0; xi. the dry matter in the extraction mixture is between 3% by weight and 20% by weight, preferably from between 4% and 15% by weight, and more preferably between 4% and 12% by weight; xiii. the proportion of organic solvent, which is preferably an alcohol, in the extraction batch is between 70 and 95% by volume, advantageously between 80 and 90% by volume and particularly advantageously between 83 and 88%; xiii. the dye extraction is carried out while stirring or shaking the extraction batch; xiv. the separation of the dye-containing liquid, which is a mixture of water and the organic solvent, from the decolorized material takes place by means of a decanter or a separator. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the enzymatic treatment with pectin methylesterase in step (d) satisfies one or more of the following conditions: i. at least one pectin methyl esterase (EC 3.1.1.11) is added to the aqueous suspension; ii. the aqueous suspension containing at least one pectin methylesterase with a total activity of 1000 to 10000 units/L, advantageously 3000 to 7500 units/L, and particularly advantageously 4000 to 6000 units/L; iii. the incubation with the at least one pectin methylesterase in the aqueous suspension takes place for a period of 1-10 hours and preferably of 2 to 5 hours; IV. the enzymatic treatment is carried out at a temperature of between 10°C and 70°C, preferably between 20°C and 60°C and more preferably between 30°C and 50°C; v. the enzymatic treatment is carried out at a pH of between 3.5 to 5.5 and preferably between 4.0 to 5.0; vi. the dry matter in the aqueous suspension is between 0.5% and 6% by weight, preferably between 1% and 4% by weight, and particularly preferably between 2% and 3% by weight; vii. the enzymatic treatment is carried out while stirring or shaking the aqueous suspension. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the enzymatic treatment with cellulase in step (d) satisfies one or more of the following conditions: i. cellulase is added to the aqueous suspension as an enzyme; ii. the enzymatic treatment with cellulase leads to a partial hydrolysis of the cellulose; iii. the cellulase is a mixture of at least two cellulases selected from the group consisting of endoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.4), exoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.91) and β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21); IV. the aqueous suspension containing cellulase in a total activity of from 100 to 3000 units/L, advantageously from 150 to 2000 units/L, and particularly advantageously from 200 to 1000 units/L; v. the incubation with cellulase in the aqueous suspension is for a period of from 30 minutes to 4 hours and preferably from 1 to 3 hours; vi. the enzymatic treatment is carried out at a temperature of between 30°C and 80°C, preferably between 35°C and 75°C and more preferably between 40°C and 70°C; vii. the enzymatic treatment is carried out at a pH of between 3.0 to 7.0 and preferably between 3.5 to 6.0; viii. the dry matter in the aqueous suspension is between 0.5% and 6% by weight, preferably between 1% and 4% by weight, and particularly preferably between 2% and 3% by weight; ix. the enzymatic treatment is carried out while stirring or shaking the aqueous suspension. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step (d) the enzymatic treatment with cellulase and pectin methyl esterase takes place simultaneously or sequentially. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least twice washing with a water-soluble organic solvent in step (e) satisfies one or more of the following conditions: i. the water-soluble organic solvent is an alcohol and is preferably selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol and isopropanol; ii. the washing step takes place at a temperature between 40°C and 75°C, preferably between 50°C and 70°C and more preferably 60°C and 65°C; iii. the period of time of contacting with the organic solvent is for a period of between 60 minutes and 10 hours and preferably between 2 hours and 8 hours; IV. each washing step involves a separation of the washed material from the organic solvent, preferably using a decanter or a press; v. the dry matter in the washing solution of between 0.5% and 15% by weight, preferably between 1.0% and 10% by weight, and particularly preferably between 1.5% and 5.0% by weight .% is; vi. the washing is carried out in a tank with an agitator, vii. during washing, a device is used to make the suspension more uniform, which is preferably a toothed ring disperser; viii. washing is carried out in a countercurrent process. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the at least two-time washing with a water-soluble organic solvent the final concentration of the water-soluble organic solvent in the solution increases with each washing step, it being preferably between 60 and 70% by volume in the first washing step. , in the second washing step between 70 and 85% by volume and in an optional third washing step between 80 and 90% by volume. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the addition of the dye-containing solution in step (f) satisfies one or more of the following conditions: i. the dye-containing solution is a carotenoid-containing solution, which is preferably or derived from the dye solution extracted in step (c); ii. the dye-containing solution is a carotenoid-containing solution which is a concentrate of the dye solution extracted in step (c); iii. the dye-containing solution is based on a solvent which is a mixture comprising water and organic solvent, the organic solvent, which is preferably an alcohol, in a concentration of 70 to 95% by volume, preferably of between 80 and 90% by volume and more preferably between 83 and 87% by volume; IV. the dye-containing solution, which is preferably a carotenoid-containing solution, is added in a weight ratio of between 4:1 and 1:2.5 based on the material to be dyed; v. the dye-containing solution is sprayed onto the material to be dyed, vi. during drying under normal pressure, which is preferably multi-stage assembly line drying, the dye-containing solution is added between two drying stages in such a way that remoistening of the material to be dyed results; vii. in the case of vacuum drying, the dye-containing solution is added before or during vacuum drying. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the drying in step (f) the method additionally comprises a comminution, milling or sieving step, particles smaller than 300 µm being preferably obtained. Activated colored carrot fiber, characterized in that it is obtained by a method according to any one of Claims 1 until 11 is available or will be obtained. Activated colored carrot fiber, characterized in that it has one or more of the following properties: a. a yield point II (rotation) in the fiber suspension of between 15 and 30 Pa, advantageously between 17.5 and 27.5 Pa and more advantageously between 20 and 25 Pa; b. a yield point I (rotation) in the fiber dispersion of between 15 and 30 Pa, advantageously between 17.5 and 27.5 Pa and more advantageously between 20 and 25 Pa; c. a yield point II (Cross Over) in the fiber suspension of between 20 and 35 Pa, advantageously between 22.5 and 32.5 Pa and more advantageously between 25 and 30 Pa; i.e. a yield point I (Cross Over) in the fiber dispersion of between 25 and 35 Pa, advantageously between 20 and 30 Pa and more advantageously between 22.5 and 27.5 Pa; e. a dynamic Weissenberg number in the fiber suspension of between 5 and 11 Pa, advantageously between 6 and 10 Pa and more advantageously between 7 and 9 Pa; f. a dynamic Weissenberg number in the fiber dispersion of between 5 and 11 Pa, advantageously between 6 and 10 Pa and most advantageously between 7 and 9 Pa; G. a strength in a 4% by weight aqueous suspension of between 320 g and 510 g, preferably between 350 g and 480 g and more preferably between 380 and 450 g; H. a viscosity from 800 to 1800 mPas, preferably from 1000 to 1600 mPas, and particularly preferably from 1200 to 1400 mPas, the activated carrot fiber being dispersed in water as a 2.5% by weight solution and the viscosity with a shear rate of 50 s ^{-1 is} measured at 20°C; i. a water binding capacity of between 25 and 50 g/g, preferably between 30 and 45 g/g, particularly preferably between 32.5 and 42.5 g/g, and particularly preferably between 35 and 40 g/g; j. a humidity of less than 15%, preferably less than 10% and most preferably less than 8%; k. in a 1.0% by weight aqueous solution, a pH of from 3.5 to 5.0 and preferably from 3.9 to 4.5; I. a grain size in which at least 90% of the particles are smaller than 400 μm, preferably smaller than 350 μm and in particular smaller than 300 μm; m. a dietary fiber content of from 80 to 95%; n. the activated carrot fiber has water-soluble pectin at a level of from 2 to 10% by weight, advantageously from 2 to 8% by weight and most advantageously from 2 to 6% by weight. Activated colored carrot fiber according to Claim 13 , characterized in that by a method according to any one of Claims 1 until 11 is available or will be obtained. Use of an activated colored carrot fiber according to any one of Claims 12 until 14 as a thickening or structuring agent in a food product, a feed product, a beverage, a dietary supplement, a cosmetic product, a pharmaceutical product or a medical device. Mixture comprising an activated carrot fiber according to any one of Claims 12 until 15 and a soluble pectin, which is preferably a low ester pectin, a high ester pectin, a low ester amidated pectin, or a mixture thereof. Food product, dietary supplement, feed product, beverage, cosmetic product, pharmaceutical product or medicinal product manufactured using the activated colored carrot fiber according to any one of Claims 12 until 14 . Process for dyeing activated fruit fibers, in particular citrus, apple or carrot fibers, comprising the following steps: A. Providing a suspension of activated fruit fibers in a solution comprising a water-miscible organic solvent, which is preferably an alcohol; or B. Providing moist activated fruit fibers, C. providing a dye-containing solution, the dye-containing solution comprising a water-miscible organic solvent and at least one dissolved dye, D. Contacting the suspension from step A or the moist activated fruit fiber from step B with the liquid containing the dye from step C to obtain colored fruit fiber; E. Drying the colored fruit fibers under normal pressure or under vacuum to obtain activated colored fruit fibers. procedure according to Claim 18 , characterized in that the dye-containing solution in step B satisfies one or more of the following conditions: i. the colorant-containing solution is a carotenoid-containing solution, which is preferably or derived from a colorant solution extracted from carrots; ii. the colorant-containing solution is a carotenoid-containing solution which is a concentrate of a colorant solution extracted from carrots; iii. the dye-containing solution comprises a solvent which is a mixture comprising water and organic solvent, the organic solvent, which is preferably an alcohol, in a concentration of 70 to 95% by volume, preferably of between 80 and 90% by volume and especially preferably between 83 and 88% by volume. procedure according to Claim 18 or 19 , characterized in that the contacting in step D satisfies one or more of the following conditions: i. the dye-containing solution, which is preferably a carotenoid-containing solution, is added in a weight ratio of between 4:1 and 1:2.5, based on the fiber material to be dyed; ii. the dye-containing solution is sprayed onto the material to be dyed. Method according to one of claims 18 until 20 , characterized in that the drying of the colored fruit fibers in step E satisfies one or more of the following conditions: i. during drying under normal pressure, which is preferably multi-stage assembly line drying, the dye-containing solution is added between two drying stages in such a way that remoistening of the material to be dyed results; ii. in the case of vacuum drying, the dye-containing solution is added before or during vacuum drying.

Images