EP3764812A1

EP3764812A1 - Production of spice plant part particles

Info

Publication number: EP3764812A1
Application number: EP18712135.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jens-Michael Hilmer; Alexander KINDEL; Günter Kindel
Original assignee: Symrise AG
Current assignee: Symrise AG
Priority date: 2018-03-13
Filing date: 2018-03-13
Publication date: 2021-01-20
Also published as: WO2019174722A1; US20210022382A1

Abstract

The invention pertains to the field of food aromatization and relates to dried fermented spice plant part particles, to a method for producing the spice plant part particles according to the invention, to an aroma extract of the dried fermented spice plant part particles, to the use of the dried fermented spice plant part particles, to the aroma extract of the dried fermented spice plant part particles, and to products which comprise the spice plant part particles or the aroma extract of the dried fermented spice plant part particles according to the invention. The invention focuses in particular on obtaining spice plant part particles with a high yield of flavoring substances.

Description

Preparation of spice plant particles

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention is in the field of flavoring foodstuffs and relates to a process for the preparation of dried fermented spice plant particles, dried fermented spice plant particles, aroma extracts from the dried fermented spice plant particles, the use of the dried fermented spice plants. Particles as well as the aroma extracts from the dried fermented spice plant part particles as well as products comprising the spice plant part particles according to the invention or the aroma extract from the dried fermented spice plant part particles. The focus of the present invention is in particular to obtain spice plant particles with a high yield of flavorings.

State of the art

The production of natural flavorings, natural flavors and aroma extracts is becoming increasingly important economically, which is particularly the use in industrially processed foods. Consumers' desire for conscious nutrition, sustainability and authentic products continues to create a need for natural flavors, natural flavors and extracts.

Natural flavors, natural flavors and aroma extracts can be used as food additives. Manufacturers use them to make processed foods more intense in taste. On the other hand, parts of the flavor lose their application due to the further processing of food. With natural flavorings, flavors and aroma extracts you can consequently maintain the taste intensity of a food product.

Natural flavorings or natural flavors are flavorants or a mixture of flavorings made by physical (e.g., distillation or extraction), enzymatic or microbiological processes from plant, animal or microbiological sources. Both the starting materials and the manufacturing processes are natural. Natural flavors must be naturally present and have been detected in nature. Natural flavorings include, for example, natural vanillin.

The aroma of the dried and fermented pods of the spiced vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) is one of the highest quality and the most commonly used flavors worldwide. It is used for the flavoring of numerous foods such as ice cream, dairy products, desserts, chocolate products, baked goods, spirits, etc. Dried and fermented vanilla beans contain, in addition to other flavorings, about 0.4 to 2.4% of the flavoring agent vanillin, which owing to its aroma properties is regarded as the most important characteristic lead substance of the natural vanilla aroma.

Usually, dried and fermented vanilla pods have a recovery of vanillin of only 40 to 60%, based on the vanillin originally contained in the green vanilla pods as vanillin or glucovanillin (vanillin precursor) (see, eg, IL Gatfield, J.-M. Hilmer B. Weber, F. Hammerschmidt, I. Reiß, G. Poutot, H.-J. Bertram and D. Meier, 2007, Chemical and biochemical changes during the traditional madagascan vanilla curing process, Perfumer & Flavorist, 32, 20 - 28).

EP 2 375 918 describes a process by which green vanilla pods are comminuted and at a temperature of 65 ° C to 120 ° C to a water content of <10% dried. After a further comminution step and possible extraction, enzyme addition (β-glucosidase) takes place to convert the glucovanillin contained in vanillin. The transformation rates, ie proportion of converted glucovanillin to vanillin, for this step are given as 80 and 85%, respectively.

The US 2835591 describes the preparation of an extract of green vanilla pods with subsequent concentration to dryness under vacuum. There is no information about the transformation rates.

CN 103981029 describes the freezing of green vanilla pods

- 40 ° C to - 80 ° C, thawing at 20 ° C to 30 ° C and subsequent enzyme treatment with pectinase. This is followed by solvent extraction for use of the extract for perfume applications. There is no information about the transformation rates.

The MX 2007007866 discloses the freezing of vanilla pods at -1 ° C to

- 30 ° C for 24 to 96 hours. Subsequently, the vanilla pods are mixed with 0.5% ethanol and thawed at 2 ° C to 8 ° C for 0.5 to 6 hours. Then the vanilla pods are heated to 20 ° C to 45 ° C for 1 to 12 hours. Finally, these vanilla pods at a temperature of max. 60 ° C within max. 10 days dried to a water content of 25 to 30%. There are no details about the transformation rates.

[0011] EP 0 555 466 describes the preparation of a natural vanilla flavor from crushed green vanilla pods which are treated with an enzyme system. These enzyme preparations should contain enzymes from the group of pectinases, cellulases, hemicellulases or cellobiases which have one or more β-glucosidase activities. At a stated starting concentration of vanillin of 0.355 g / kg of plant material, no increase in vanillin concentration is detected without enzyme addition (0.319 g / kg). Upon addition of the enzymes, the vanillin content increases to up to 6.5 g / kg of plant material. The reworking results in a transformation rate of 61, 3%. EP 1 613 178 describes the preparation of a vanilla extract from green vanilla pods which are subjected to an accelerated browning process, followed by an extraction followed by enzyme treatment with cellulase or hemicellulase activity. For this, the green vanilla pods are first frozen at a temperature of -10 ° C to -30 ° C and then thawed at a temperature of 2 ° C to 8 ° C for 0.5 to 7 days. Alternatively, the accelerated browning proceeds by heating the green vanilla pods in hot water from 60 to 65 ° C for 3 minutes and then storing at 15 ° C to 45 ° C for 0.5 to 7 days. This is followed by the extraction of the browned vanilla pods with water-ethanol solutions (20 to 80% (v / v)). This is followed by enzyme addition with a cellulase activity in the range of 2000 to 6000 IU / g. Finally, a cleaning with hydro-alcoholic solutions follows. As a starting material, green vanilla beans with a glucovanine content of 1.19% (w / w) and a vanillin content of 0.1% (w / w) are mentioned by way of example. At the end of the process 6.29 g of vanillin / kg of plant material (= 0.629%) corresponding to 93.7% of the vanillin originally contained are stated as the yield.

FR 2634979 relates to the production of a natural vanilla flavor from green vanilla pods. For this, the green vanilla pods are frozen at a temperature of -5 ° C to -30 ° C, then heated to 30 ° C to 50 ° C for 2 to 4 hours and then extracted. It is a vanillin content of up to 3.40 to 4.68%, based on the dry matter vanilla bean, given, and a Glucovanillingehalt 0.04 to 1, 76%, based on the dry matter vanilla bean, with a thawing time of 3 to 5 H. Accordingly, vanilla beans produced by the traditional method have a content of 2 to 2.5% vanillin. The starting contents are 1 1, 31% glucovanillin and 0.55% vanillin, based on the dry matter vanilla bean. This corresponds to a potential vanillin content of the green starting vanilla pods of (1 1, 31% ^* 0.46 + 0.55%) 5.75% vanillin. The above-mentioned vanillin content of 4.68% (= maximum value of the above-mentioned examples) thus corresponds to a transformation rate of 81%. In addition, in recent years, the quality of the green vanilla pods has decreased significantly, which is because the vanilla pods are already harvested in the immature state and thus have a lower vanillin content, since less flavors have formed up to the time of harvesting.

The object of the present invention was to provide a process for the preparation of dried fermented spice plant particles having improved flavor recovery in the dried fermented spice plant particles, i. a higher yield to develop the flavorings contained in the spice plant particles. In particular, it was an object of the present invention to provide a process for producing dried fermented vanilla pods having a better recovery rate, i. a higher yield to provide the flavorings contained in the vanilla pods.

Description of the invention

The present task is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments will become apparent from the wording of the subclaims and the following description.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a process for producing dried fermented spice plant particles comprising the steps of:

(a) providing freshly harvested spice plant parts;

(b) crushing the freshly harvested spice plant parts;

(c) freezing the minced spice plant parts;

(d) thawing the frozen comminuted spice plant parts;

(e) drying the thawed comminuted spice plant parts in a closed system to obtain dried fermented spice plant part particles; and (f) if applicable. Crushing the dried fermented spice plant particles.

Another object of the present invention relates to the aforementioned method for producing dried fermented spice plant parts, wherein from the condensate water phase, which is formed in the drying step (e), a flavor extract is obtained, and which comprises the further steps :

(g) collecting the condensate water phase from the drying step (e); and

(h) recovering the flavorants contained in the condensate water phase, wherein the recovery of the flavorings from the condensate water phase comprises the steps of:

(i) providing the flavorant-containing condensate water phase;

(ii) providing an adsorbent material;

(iii) passing the condensate water phase from step (i) through a device with adsorbent material from step (ii) to adsorb the flavors on the adsorbent material;

(iv) providing at least one food grade organic solvent or a solvent mixture comprising at least one food grade organic solvent;

(v) desorbing the flavorants from the adsorbent material of step (iii) with the at least one solvent or the solvent mixture of step (iv) to obtain a flavor extract; and

(vi) if applicable. Concentrating the flavor extract obtained from step (v).

Another object of the present invention relates to dried fermented spice plant part particles, in particular dried fermented vanilla pod particles, obtainable by the process according to the invention.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a flavor extract, in particular a vanilla flavor extract, obtainable by the method according to the invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to dried fermented vanilla pod particles, wherein the yield of vanillin is at least 70%, based on the total vanillin content originally present in the green unfermented vanilla pods as vanillin or vanillin precursor.

In addition, the present invention relates to a process for producing a vanilla extract from the above-mentioned dried fermented vanilla bean particles according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

(i) providing the shredded, dried fermented vanilla bean particles;

(ii) providing at least one food-grade organic extraction solvent or an extraction-solvent mixture comprising at least one food-grade organic extraction solvent;

(iii) extracting the vanilla bean particles with the extraction solvent or the extraction solvent mixture;

(iv) filtering the extract to remove the solids; and

(v) if applicable. Concentrating the obtained vanilla extract.

Another object of the present invention is a vanilla extract or are ground extracted ausextrahierte vanilla pod particles or extracted vanilla powder, obtainable by the latter inventive method for producing a vanilla extract from the aforementioned dried fermented vanilla pods particles ,

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the aforementioned dried fermented spice plant part particles or the aforementioned aroma extract, in particular vanilla flavor extract, or the aforementioned dried fermented vanilla bean particles or the aforementioned vanilla extract or previously mentioned ground extracted extract particles of vanilla bean or extracted extract of vanilla powder for production, in particular for the flavoring or reconstitution of the aroma, of foods, semi-luxury foods, beverage products, semi-finished products, hygiene products, tobacco products, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products and products for animal nutrition.

Finally, the present invention relates to food, semi-luxury foods, beverage products, semi-finished products, hygiene products, tobacco products, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products and products for animal nutrition, the aforementioned dried fermented spice plant particles or the aforementioned aroma extract, in particular vanilla flavor extract, or the aforementioned dried fermented vanilla bean particles or the aforementioned vanilla extract or the aforesaid ground extracted extractive vanilla pod particles or the extracted vanilla powder, and wherein the foodstuff is selected from the group consisting of dairy products, sweets, dietary supplements , dietetic foods and food surrogates.

Description of the figures

FIG. 1 is a flow chart with an overview of the processes according to the invention and the products resulting therefrom on the example of freshly harvested vanilla pods.

Figure 2 is a graph showing the sensor profiles for a vanilla extract according to the prior art and a vanilla extract according to the invention, which was obtained from the dried fermented vanilla bean particles according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Preparation of Dried Fermented Spice Plant Particle Particles In the process for producing dried fermented spice plant particles, freshly harvested spice plant parts are provided as starting material in a first step. The starting product is not pretreated.

The term "freshly harvested" means that the spice plant parts used in the method according to the invention were neither dried before being used nor processed or fermented in any other way. The spice plant parts can be used immediately after the harvest or a few days later, if they are stored in a dry and if necessary. be stored in a ventilated place.

Spices are used because of their natural content of flavors and odors as flavoring or flavoring ingredients in the preparation of food and drink of all kinds. In addition, spices have not only flavor benefits, but are also used to preserve foods and drinks.

By definition, the term "spice" includes only parts of plants, such as, for example, leaves (dried herbs, laurel leaves, crab I rl ette r), buds, flowers or flower parts (saffron, cloves, capers), bark (cinnamon) , Plant roots, rhizomes, onions (ginger, turmeric, horseradish, wasabi, onion, garlic) and fruits or seeds (nutmeg, pepper, paprika, juniper berries, vanilla, caraway, anise).

In the process of the invention, the freshly harvested spice plant parts are selected from the group consisting of vanilla pods, tea leaves, clove buds, tonka beans, peppercorns, coffee beans, cocoa tree seeds, saffron threads, ginger, turmeric, capers, anise, nutmeg, paprika and petals. Freshly harvested vanilla pods are particularly preferably used in the process according to the invention. The vanilla pods are capsule fruits ("pods") of various species of the orchid genus Vanilla. The genus Vanilla includes about 110 species, of which provide 15 aromatic capsules. The most important species for the production of vanilla pods is the spiced vanilla (Vanilla planifolia). The spice vanilla is originally from Mexico, but today is mainly harvested on Madagascar, Reunion and other islands of the Indian Ocean. The spice vanilla is commercially available under the names bourbon vanilla and Mexican vanilla. In addition to the spiced vanilla, only the Tahitian vanilla (Vanilla tahitensis) and the Guadeloupe vanilla (Vanilla pompona) are of commercial importance. The Tahitian vanilla is cultivated in the South Pacific. It is a close relative of the spiced vanilla, but differs from it in the aroma. The Tahitian vanilla contains less vanillin, but higher levels of other aromatic substances that give the pods a floral flavor. The Guadeloupe vanilla comes from Central and South America and is now grown commercially on the West Indies. It has similar aromatic properties as the Tahitian vanilla, which is why these two varieties are used primarily in perfumery.

The up to 30 cm long vanilla pods have a green to yellow-green color in the mature state. The fresh fruits do not yet have the typical dark brown color, flavor and taste of the finished product known to consumers, ie the fermented vanilla pods. The oily liquid surrounding the seeds within the capsule contains a large proportion of the aroma and taste. To obtain the vanilla as a highly aromatic spice, the green vanilla pods must first be subjected to a maturation, ie a fermentation, which is accompanied by a browning of the vanilla pods. This process is called "curing" in professional circles and the vanilla beans thus obtained are called "cured vanilla beans". During the fermentation takes place on the one hand a release of glucovanillin (vanillin glucoside), a precursor of vanillin (vanillin precursors), and on the other hand a release of endogenously occurring in the green vanilla pods ß- Glucosidases. By the ß-glucosidases, the glucovanillin is enzymatically converted into vanillin by hydrolysis. Subsequently, the drying takes place.

The freshly harvested spice plant parts are then comminuted in a further step of the method according to the invention by means of commercially available comminution devices known to the person skilled in the art, such as cutting mills or shredders, into small pieces with a size of approximately 10 to 20 mm, for example cut, chopped, chopped, shredded, ground or chopped. The use of comminuted spice plant parts facilitates the subsequent process steps. It will be appreciated that the finer the spice plant clippings and the larger the surface area of the minced spice plant parts, the easier the subsequent maturation or fermentation of the spice plant parts, of course taking into account the limitations associated with the industrial implementation of such a process are connected. Preferably, the comminuted spice plant particles have a size of 1 to 50 mm. At a greater degree of comminution than the above, the spice plant clippings become too pasty and complicates the subsequent process steps such as the drying of the comminuted spice plant parts.

After the comminution of the spice plant parts, the comminuted spice plant parts are packed in plastic bags, plastic bags or other suitable containers, etc. Conceivable are all types of containers that are suitable for freezing the crushed spice plant parts. The filled plastic bags, plastic bags or containers are closed and frozen. For this purpose, the comminuted spice plant parts in a commercial and intended for this purpose freezer, for example, in a refrigerator, to a temperature of - 1 ° C to - 80 ° C, frozen. The freezing of the comminuted spice plant parts preferably takes place at a temperature of -10.degree. C. to -30.degree. The duration during which the comminuted spice plant parts remain frozen has little effect on the yield of the flavorings. It can be one day, one week or even several months. Preferably, the minced spice plant parts remain frozen for a period of at least 1 day.

The speed of freezing does not necessarily have to be fast. The freezing can also be done slowly by lowering the temperature for a few hours. During the freezing process, the water contained in the minced spice plant parts, in particular comminuted vanilla pods, expands and solidifies into ice crystals. The ice crystals destroy the cell tissue and the flavorings and their precursors are released.

After freezing, the frozen comminuted spice plant parts are thawed. The thawing of the minced spice plant parts takes place over a period of usually at least 1 day. Thawing consists of placing the frozen shredded spice plant parts packed in the sealed plastic bags or other containers at ambient temperature, i. stand at outdoor temperature, from about 15 ° C to 35 ° C and thaw slowly. The thawing thus takes place without tempering the frozen cuttings.

Alternatively, the thawing of the frozen comminuted spice plant parts can take place in a suitable tempering device. There are, for example, the possibilities of thawing in a warming cabinet, a drying oven, an oven or a dryer, etc.

The thawing of frozen crushed spice plant parts is preferably carried out in the closed plastic bags, plastic bags or containers, ie in the absence of air, so that no loss of flavorings by evaporation or oxidation, resulting on the one hand to a lower yield of flavorings and on the other hand negative impact on the sensor profile. In the case of vanilla pods as a particular embodiment of the present process, the freshly harvested green vanilla pods are comminuted immediately after harvest or a few days later in the manner described above. By using a clippings, it is possible to facilitate the later fermentation. The finer the clippings, the easier it is for fermentation to take into account, even in this case, the limitations associated with the industrial implementation of the method according to the invention.

In the subsequent freezing, ice crystals, which break up the cell membrane, form from the water occurring in the vanilla pods. By breaking up the cell membrane, glucovanillin and the endogenous β-glucosidases present in vanilla pods, which are located in different compartments of the plant cells, are released from the plant cells.

During the subsequent heating or thawing of the frozen comminuted vanilla pods at ambient temperature of about 15 ° C to 35 ° C is achieved by enzymatic flydrolyse of the liberated ß-glucosidases whose enzyme activity reaches its maximum in a temperature range of 25 ° C to 40 ° C. , the glucovanillin in vanillin, the main flavoring agent of vanilla beans, converted. The time required for the exhaustive hydrolysis and thus maximum conversion of glucovanillin to vanillin depends on the rate of heating, the temperature at which the frozen shredded vanilla pods are thawed, and the amount of shredded vanilla pods to be thawed. The person skilled in the art is familiar with these process parameters.

In the frozen crushed vanilla pods thawing is preferably carried out in sealed plastic bags, plastic bags or containers, etc., ie in the absence of air, so that no loss of flavorings by evaporation or oxidation, resulting on the one hand to a lower yield and on the other hand a negative impact on the Sensor profile would lead.

Thus, during thawing, as little as possible liquid phase, i. Plant cell fluid, and thus flavorings, from the solid phase, i. the shredded spice plant parts, in particular the crushed vanilla pods emerges, the clippings in the plastic bags, plastic bags or containers during the thawing process is thoroughly mixed several times. By mixing the liquid phase is absorbed by the solid phase. The mixing is done for example by simply turning or shaking the plastic bag, plastic bags or containers or mixing in a different suitable container. Another possibility is to trap the leaked cell liquid, i.e. "defrosting liquid", and to add it to the dry matter in the course of the subsequent drying process.

Surprisingly, it was found that particularly high yields of flavorings are obtained when in a subsequent step of the process according to the invention the thawed crushed spice plant parts, in particular crushed vanilla beans, hereinafter also referred to as to be dried clippings are dried in a closed system, where they Water is withdrawn. As the final product of the drying process, dried fermented spice plant part particles, in particular dried fermented vanilla pod particles, are obtained. The drying process of the vanilla pods in the presence of atmospheric oxygen in the closed system leads to further browning and thus to the formation of the typical dark brown color of the vanilla pods.

Under a closed system according to the invention a device or a chamber understood that is designed so that their interior no

Exchange with the environment allowed. In the drying of the thawed crushed spice plant parts, especially the thawed crushed

Vanilla pods, in such a device or such a chamber takes place neither an entry of air or oxygen into the device or the chamber, nor applying components of the cuttings to be dried from the device or chamber.

By the closed system prevents, for example, ingredients of the clippings to be dried, such as flavorings, come into contact with air or oxygen of the external environment and thus oxidatively degraded and thus to a reduction in the yield of flavor on the one hand and to a change the composition of the aroma. In addition, it is prevented by the closed system that, for example, flavoring flavoring substances of the spice plant parts, which sublime during drying, can escape and thus lead to a reduction in the flavor yield in the minced spice plant parts.

A closed system is furthermore understood to mean a device which at the same time enables rapid drying of the cut material. Rapid drying, in turn, according to the invention, is understood to mean a drying process in which, compared with drying in air according to the prior art, a faster removal of water takes place.

The drying process of the thawed comminuted spice plant parts, in particular thawed comminuted vanilla pods, in the process according to the invention takes place at a temperature in a range from 20 ° C to 70 ° C, preferably at a temperature in the range from 40 ° C to 60 ° C and most preferably at a temperature in the range of 45 ° C to 55 ° C.

If the drying operation is carried out at a temperature which is higher than 70 ° C, caused by thermal degradation reactions, a significant drop in the yield of flavorings in the minced spice plant parts. In the vanilla pods, the yield of vanillin is reduced at a drying temperature of more than 70 ° C. At temperatures lower than 40 ° C, the drying of thawed cuttings takes a long time and becomes uneconomical. So that a rapid drying of the thawed comminuted spice plant parts, in particular of the comminuted vanilla pods, ie a rapid removal of water, can be carried out, the drying is carried out in a drying device. In comparison, the drying step in the prior art processes is carried out predominantly at ambient air temperature, resulting in longer drying times depending on the humidity. Longer drying times are uneconomical and adversely affect the yield of flavorings, for example, by volatilization of flavorings, degradation of flavorings, etc.

Advantageously, the drying of the thawed comminuted spice plant parts, in a heat pump condensation dryer, oven, infrared dryer, convection oven or convection oven is performed. Such drying devices consist of a chamber with loading and unloading device and allow drying in a closed system. Particularly high yields of flavorings are surprisingly obtained when the drying is carried out in a heat pump condensation dryer.

A heat pump condensation dryer is a condensation dryer with a heat pump. In condensing dryers, the air inside the drying room is in a largely closed circuit. The initially cool circulating air is heated, which reduces the relative humidity. This dry preheated air is passed through the drying room and the moist spice plant parts located therein. The moisture in the shredded spice plant parts, especially the shredded vanilla pods, evaporates and is absorbed by the warm air. The air cools down due to the absorption of water and becomes moist. Then it flows into the evaporator of the heat pump, where it is cooled significantly below the dew point. As a result, the water vapor condenses as liquid condensate water phase at the cold surface of the evaporator and is collected in a downstream container. Surprisingly, it was found that this condensate-water phase contains not insignificant amounts of appreciating flavorings of the spice plant parts, in particular the vanilla pods.

The drying of the thawed spice plant parts, in particular the thawed vanilla pods, in a heat pump condensation dryer has proven to be particularly advantageous due to the energy efficiency. In addition, this type of drying prevents flavors or vanillin, which sublimate during the drying process, disappear. At the same time using a heat pump condensation dryer, the condensate-water phase, which forms during the drying process and surprisingly contains valuable flavoring substances of the spice plant parts, continuously dissipated, collected, collected and fed to a further treatment for the recovery of the flavorings.

For drying by the process according to the invention, the thawed comminuted spice plant parts, in particular thawed crushed vanilla pods, on sheets, trays, trays or dry drawers are spread. Hereinafter, these sheets, trays, trays or dry drawers are referred to as "sheets". The sheets may be made of various materials, such as plastics, metals, stainless steel, etc., and should be food grade.

It has proved to be particularly advantageous if the comminuted spice plant parts or comminuted vanilla pods are applied to perforated plates for drying. The use of perforated plates makes it possible for the warm air in the drying chamber to circulate even better and thus be conducted past the comminuted spice plant parts. This increases the drying contact, which in turn leads to faster drying.

The perforated plates have openings with a diameter of 0.5 to 10 mm on, preferably openings with a diameter of 1 to 5 mm. If the diameter of the openings is too large, the clippings to be dried will fall through. Conversely, the diameter of the openings must not be too small, because otherwise the air can not circulate.

The drying time depends mainly on the amount of the clippings to be dried. The maximum duration is a maximum of 48 hours, preferably dried for 10 to 15 hours. Without air circulation (when using sheet metal) the thawed spice plant parts are dried for at least 10 hours. With air circulation (when using perforated sheets) the thawed spice plant parts are dried for at least 5 hours.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, a tray trolley is used for drying the comminuted spice plant parts or the comminuted vanilla pods. In a trolley, the sheets or perforated plates are arranged in tiers on top of each other. After fitting the trolley is in one of the o.g. Heating device chambers driven. There, the warm air is targeted around the shredded spice plant parts to be dried, in particular shredded vanilla pods, around or carried out.

The arrangement of the sheets in several floors in a tray cart allows maximum contact of the warm air with the crushed spice plant parts or crushed vanilla pods and thus a faster drying of the comminuted spice plant parts, especially the crushed vanilla pods. By reducing the drying time, the oxidation or the loss of the flavorings of the comminuted spice plant parts or the comminuted vanilla pods can be prevented or at least reduced.

The use of a Horde trolley in the drying step has the additional advantage that large quantities of clippings to be dried can be dried. For example, a commercial trolley has one

Capacity of several 100 kg of the plant material to be dried, For example, in the order of 100 to 1, 000 kg / dryer at the beginning of the drying process, divided into 10 to 100 sheets with a total area of several m ² , for example 5 of 50 m ² .

The drying time in a Hordewagen with the o.g. Dimensions is at least 5 hours, preferably 10 to 20 hours.

In order to accelerate drying, the clippings to be dried are turned from time to time and redistributed on the sheets, so that moist spice plant parts, especially crushed vanilla pods, can be brought to the surface with an improved contact to the drying air and thus better water again leave and dry.

By the drying process, the shredded spice plant parts, in particular the shredded vanilla pods, moisture is removed to a content of about 10 to 30 wt .-%, in particular 20 wt .-%.

The crushed spice plant parts, in particular comminuted vanilla pods, after completion of the drying have a dry matter or a dry matter content of 70 to 90 wt .-%, in particular a dry matter or a dry matter content of 80 wt .-%.

If the dry matter content is higher, the dried comminuted spice plant parts, in particular the dried comminuted vanilla pods, become too dry and brittle and lose aroma. At a moisture content of more than 30 wt .-%, there is an increased risk of microbiological spoilage and the formation of sensory unwanted degradation products.

In a further process step, the dried fermented spice plant part particles or dried fermented vanilla pod particles obtained after drying, if necessary and depending on their further use, if necessary. further crushed. The further comminution takes place by cutting, chopping, cutting, shredding, grinding or chopping.

Most advantageously, the process according to the invention for producing dried fermented vanilla bean particles using freshly harvested green vanilla pods has proven to be the starting material. In such a process, the recovery of vanillin, i. the yield of vanillin, from steps (a) to (f)> 70%, based on the vanillin content originally present in the green unfermented vanilla pods as total vanillin (vanillin plus vanillin precursor). The yield of vanillin from steps (a) to (f) is preferably> 80%, based on the total vanillin content originally present in the green unfermented vanilla pods as vanillin precursor and vanillin.

Green vanilla pods were chopped with a shredder, filled into plastic bags and then frozen at -15 ° C to -30 ° C. After a few days, the plastic bags were removed from the freezer and thawed open in the shade at ambient temperature within 2 to 3 days. The thawed minced vanilla pods were exhaustively extracted with ethanol, and the recovered ethanol extract was analyzed by HPLC without further dilution. The analysis of the thawed comminuted vanilla pods by HPLC (high pressure liquid chromatography) showed a vanillin content of 0.61% vanillin, based on the dry matter content of 15% of the green vanilla pods used. The vanillin content of the thawed minced vanilla pods thus corresponds to 4.07 g per 100 g dry matter of the green vanilla pods used (4.07%). The subsequent drying was carried out in a drying oven at 50 ° C drying temperature. After a drying time of 21 hours (using a sieve as a receiving vessel (with air circulation)) or after a drying time of 43 hours (using an aluminum tray as a receiving vessel (without air circulation), a dry matter content of 80% was reached Dried to a typical dark brown color, the vanillin content now being 2.7%, based on one Dry matter content (TS) of 80%, ie a vanillin content of 3.4%, based on a dry matter content (TS) of 100%. The vanillin yield (vanillin recovery) was therefore 84%.

Preparation of a flavor extract from the condensate water phase

In a further preferred embodiment, the process for producing dried fermented spice plant particles comprises the additional steps of

(g) collecting the condensate water phase from the drying step (e); and

(h) recovering the flavorants contained in the condensate water phase.

As already described above, the condensate water phase, which is deposited during the drying of the minced thawed spice plant parts or the comminuted thawed vanilla pods, is collected and collected in the drying device.

Surprisingly, it was found that the condensate water phase contains valuable, from the crushed spice plant parts, in particular from the crushed vanilla pods, derived flavorings in a significant amount. These flavorings are recycled in a subsequent process.

The recovery of the flavorings contained in the condensate water phase from the comminuted spice plant parts, in particular the comminuted vanilla pods, comprises the following steps:

(i) providing the flavorant-containing condensate water phase;

(ii) providing an adsorbent material;

(iii) passing the condensate water phase from step (i) through a device with adsorbent material from step (ii) to adsorb the flavors on the adsorbent material; (iv) providing at least one food grade organic solvent or mixture of solvents comprising at least one food grade organic solvent;

(v) desorbing the flavorings from the adsorbent material of step (iii) with the at least one organic solvent or the mixed solvent of step (iv) to obtain a flavor extract; and

(vi) if applicable. Concentrating the flavor extract obtained from step (v).

The recovery of the flavor from the collected condensate water phase from the drying step (e) of the method described above is carried out adsorptively. Such adsorption processes in which flavorings are obtained absorptively from aqueous solutions are known from the prior art and are described, for example, in EP 2 075 320 A1, in particular in Sections [0042] to [0055], the disclosure of which is fully incorporated by reference Scope is taken over in the present application.

For the recovery of the flavoring substances, the flavoring-containing condensate-water phase is provided in a first step. The condensate water phase is an aqueous solution, emulsion or suspension which has a water content of at least 95% based on the total volume of the condensate water phase. The flavorants contained in the condensate water phase comprise at least one or more flavorants derived from the starting material, i. the freshly harvested spice plant parts, or were there as a precursor (precursor) were present. The proportion of the at least one flavoring substance (s) in the condensate water phase is up to 10%, based on the content of flavoring agent (s) or vanillin content of 100% of the starting material used (freshly harvested spice plant parts, especially freshly harvested vanilla beans).

In a further step of the method according to the invention, an adsorption material is provided. According to the present invention, in Step (ii) Use any suitable adsorption materials commonly available for an adsorption / desorption process.

Preferred adsorbent materials are variously crosslinked polystyrenes, preferably copolymers of ethylvinylbenzene and divinylbenzene, vinylpyrrolidone and divinylbenzene, vinylpyridine and divinylbenzene, styrene and divinylbenzene, but also other polymers, preferably polyaromatics, polystyrenes, poly (meth) acrylates, polypropylenes, polyesters, polytetrafluoroethylene.

The adsorption material is placed in a device suitable for carrying out the adsorption. Such a device is usually a column of glass or stainless steel, wherein the internal volume is usually in the range of a few milliliters up to a thousand liters, preferably in the range of 1 to 500 l, more preferably from 2 to 400 l.

In a further step of the process according to the invention, the condensate-water phase containing the aroma substances is passed through the device with the adsorption material. The aroma substances absorb on the adsorption material.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the flow rate of the condensate water phase during the adsorption process in the range of 0.1 to 2.5 cm / s is set. The parameter of the flow rate is partly responsible for the degree of adsorption of the flavorings. Preferably, the flow rate is in the range of 0.2 to 1.5 cm / s, more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 0.9 cm / s.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present inventive method, the temperature of the condensate-water phase during the adsorption process in the range of 10 ° C to 60 ° C. The temperature parameter is also responsible for the degree of adsorption of the flavoring substances. Further preferred is a temperature range of 15 ° C to 40 ° C, particularly preferably a temperature range of 20 ° C to 30 ° C.

In a further preferred embodiment, the back pressure within the adsorption during the adsorption process range from 0.1 to 4.0 bar. The backpressure within the adsorption device is that pressure which results from the resistance of the adsorption material when the condensate water phase is pumped through the adsorption device. Preference is given to a backpressure in the range from 0.1 to 2.0 bar, more preferably from 0.1 to 0.9 bar.

For the subsequent desorption of the flavoring substances from the adsorption material in step (v) of the method according to the invention, at least one food-grade organic solvent or a solvent mixture comprising at least one food-grade organic solvent is provided.

Solvents suitable for use in the foodstuffs are understood to mean those solvents which are suitable for consumption and are legally permitted in the preparation of foods. Suitable solvents are listed, for example, in Directive 2009/32 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.

For desorption of the flavoring substances from the adsorption material according to step (v) of the process according to the invention, the at least one food-grade organic solvent is preferably selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate, diacetin, triacetin, liquid carbon dioxide, food-grade chlorofluorocarbons and plant triglycerides or mixtures thereof. Preferably, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate, diacetin and triacetin or mixtures thereof are used. More preferably, ethanol or isopropanol or mixtures thereof are used. Most preferably, ethanol is used as the solvent in step (v) of the process of the present invention.

Ethanol is most particularly preferred because the resulting Aroma extract without distilling off the solvent and thus temperature effect can be used. This prevents losses of aroma substances from thermal degradation in the aroma extract. In addition, ethanol prevents microbial spoilage of the aroma extract, even during later storage of the aroma extract.

The term "solvent mixture" encompasses all conceivable combinations of the abovementioned organic solvents with one another. In addition, the term also encompasses mixtures of at least one of the aforementioned organic solvents with at least one other food-grade organic solvent disclosed in the above-referenced US Pat. Directive 2009/32 / EC, or the mixture of at least one of the aforementioned organic solvents with water.

In such solvent mixtures, the mixing ratio of the at least one organic solvent to another food-grade organic solvent or water is in a range of 98: 2 to 20:80; Preferably, the mixing ratio is 96: 4, for example, 96% ethanol.

In the following, preferred embodiments in relation to the desorption process according to the invention are shown.

A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the flow rate of the at least one solvent during the desorption process in the range of 1 to 15 cm / min.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the temperature of the at least one solvent during the desorption process in the range of 0 ° C to 60 ° C. The parameter of the temperature is partly responsible for the degree of desorption of the flavorings. Further preferred is a temperature range of 10 ° C to 40 ° C, more preferably a temperature range of 15 ° C to 40 ° C. In a further preferred embodiment, the inventive method is characterized in that the back pressure within the device during the desorption process in the range of 0.01 to 2.0 bar. The back pressure within the device is the pressure created by the resistance of the adsorbent material as the at least one solvent is pumped through the device. Preference is given to a counterpressure in the range from 0.01 to 1.5 bar, more preferably from 0.01 to 1.0 bar.

If necessary and depending on the further use, the aroma extract obtained from step (v), in particular the vanilla flavor extract obtained, if appropriate. be concentrated with known from the prior art methods, for example by distilling off the at least one organic solvent with which the desorption of the flavoring agents was carried out.

The inventive method is characterized in that the yield of flavorings from the condensate water phase is 0.1 to 20%, in particular 1 to 10%, based on the content of flavorings originally contained in the freshly harvested spice plant parts. When using freshly harvested vanilla peas as starting material in the process according to the invention, the yield of flavors from the condensate water phase is 0.1 to 20%, in particular 1 to 10%, based on the content of flavoring substances originally present in the green unfermented vanilla pods and their contents Precursors (precursor) or Vanillinprecursor and vanillin present Gesamtvanillin content.

By coupling the method according to the invention with the adsorptive enrichment of the flavoring agents contained in the condensate water phase, the yield of flavorings can be further increased, whereby a nearly complete recovery of the flavorings> 75%, in particular> 80 to 100%, is possible ,

Alternatively to the recovery of the flavorings from the condensate water phase with the adsorptive process described above, the Recovery of the flavorings from the condensate water phase also be done by filtration. Such a process, in which flavors are separated from strongly diluted aqueous solutions by osmosis by means of an aquaporin filter, is known from the prior art and described, for example, in PCT / EP2017 / 78735, in particular in the sections [0014] to [0066], the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference into the present application in its entirety. The filtration of the condensate-water phase produces an aroma concentrate, in particular a vanilla flavor concentrate, when freshly harvested vanilla pods are used as starting material.

Furthermore, the condensate-water phase containing the flavoring agents may also be concentrated by conventional methods such as distillation, freeze-drying, membrane filtration or osmosis by means of a membrane to obtain a flavoring concentrate.

All of the above-described modifications of the method of the invention include the embodiment in which green vanilla pods freshly harvested as the starting material were used.

The present invention also relates to dried fermented spice plant particles which are obtainable by the method described above. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to dried fermented vanilla pod particles obtainable by the method described above.

The dried fermented spice plant particles produced by the novel process, in particular vanilla bean particles, have a dry matter content of 70 to 90%, preferably a dry matter content of 75 to 85%.

The present invention also relates to a flavor extract obtainable by the method described above. In a preferred embodiment the present invention comprises a flavor extract comprising vanillin obtainable by the above-described process using, as a starting material, green vanilla pods, hereinafter referred to as "vanilla flavor extract".

When green vanilla pods are used as the starting material, vanillin is by far the most important and quantitatively largest flavoring agent in the aroma extract prepared from the condensate water phase. However, the aroma extract also contains other, in smaller amounts, typically occurring in the vanilla flavorings such as p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-hydroxy-benzoic acid, vanillic acid.

The present invention also relates to dried fermented vanilla bean particles, characterized in that the yield of vanillin is at least 70%, in particular 80-90%, based on the vanillin precursor or vanillin originally present in the green unfermented vanilla pods Gesamtvanillin content. The dried fermented vanilla bean particles are further characterized by comprising a vanillin content of at least 1.5%, preferably at least 2.0% vanillin, based on the rock substance content.

The dried fermented vanilla bean particles according to the invention are either directly, if necessary. are used with further comminution, for example by grinding, or are used in a process for producing a vanilla extract, as described below.

Preparation of a vanilla extract from the vanilla bean particles

Therefore, the present experience also relates to a process for producing a vanilla extract from the above-mentioned. dried fermented vanilla bean particles comprising the following steps:

(i) providing the shredded, dried fermented vanilla pods Particle;

(iv) filtering the extract to remove the solids; and

(v) if applicable. Concentrating the obtained vanilla extract.

[01 1] The preparation of a vanilla extract from dried fermented vanilla bean particles is known from the prior art. In particular, methods are known in the art in which a vanilla extract is prepared by extraction with a food grade organic solvent from dried fermented vanilla pods. Such a method is described, for example, in WO 2004/091316 A1, in particular page 2, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application.

[01 12] The dry fermented vanilla pod particles are used to make a vanilla extract, if necessary. further comminuted, for example milled, by means of cutting mills or shredders by means of conventional comminuting methods known to the person skilled in the art. By using crushed vanilla pods, the subsequent extraction is facilitated. It is clear that the smaller the vanilla bean meal or the larger the surface of the shredded vanilla pods, the easier it is to extract the vanilla pods, of course taking into account the limitations associated with the industrial implementation of such a method , Preferably, the shredded vanilla pod particles have a size of 0.1 to 40 mm. At a greater degree of comminution than the above, the vanilla bean meal becomes too pasty and makes the following more difficult Process steps such as filtration (clogging of the sieves) or distillation (Siedeverzug).

Pretreatment of the shredded vanilla pods is not required in the process of the invention.

[01 14] After comminution, the reduced vanilla pods are transferred to the subsequent extraction for example in a commercial extractor or in a press. During the extraction, the extraction material is agitated so as to increase the contact between the extraction material and the extraction solvent or the extraction solvent mixture and thus the efficiency of the extraction.

[01 15] In a further step of the process according to the invention, the flavorings of the comminuted vanilla pods are extracted with an extraction solvent or an extraction / solvent mixture.

[01 16] To extract the flavorings from the dried fermented vanilla bean particles according to step (i) of the process according to the invention, at least one food-grade organic extraction solvent is used in accordance with Directive 2009/32 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council or an extraction A solvent mixture comprising at least one food-grade organic extraction solvent. The organic extraction solvent is preferably selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate, liquid carbon dioxide and plant triglycerides or mixtures thereof. Ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate or mixtures thereof are preferably used. More preferably, ethanol or isopropanol or mixtures thereof are used. Most preferably, ethanol is used as the extraction solvent.

Ethanol is most particularly preferred because the resulting

Vanilla extract without distilling off the solvent and thus the effect of temperature can be used. This prevents vanilla extract from losing flavor due to thermal degradation. As a solvent, ethanol stabilizes waxes and other lipophilic substances that would cause solubility problems and fail without the use of a solubilizer. In addition, ethanol helps ensure that the vanilla extract is microbiologically stable.

The term "extraction solvent mixture" according to the present invention includes all conceivable combinations of the extraction solvents listed above with one another. In addition, the term "extraction solvent mixture" according to the present invention includes at least one of the above-mentioned. Extraction solvent in mixture with at least one other organic solvent in accordance with Directive 2009/32 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, which is authorized in the manufacture of foodstuffs. Further, the term "extraction solvent" includes at least one of the above-mentioned. Extraction solvent in combination with water.

If for extraction an extraction solvent mixture after the o.g. Is used, the mixing ratio of the at least one food-grade organic extraction solvent to the further organic solvent ranges from 1:99 to 99: 1. When the at least one food-grade organic extraction solvent is used in admixture with water the mixing ratio of the organic extraction solvent to water in a range of 96: 4 to 40: 60, preferably in a ratio of 80: 20 to 85: 15.

Preferably, the o.g. Extraction solvent undiluted, i. without Nebenlösungsmittelanteile used.

In the extraction step according to the method of the invention, the ratio of the amount of extraction solvent or extraction solvent mixture to vanilla seed quantity used is crucial for exhaustive extraction. At high vanilla pods amount and small amount of extraction solvent or Extraction solvent mixture enters a saturation of the extraction solvent or the extraction solvent mixture quickly, so that the valuable ingredients from the comminuted vanilla pods can not be fully extracted.

Conversely, too large an amount of extraction solvent or extraction solvent mixture is not desirable, because then the extract is very diluted and its flavor no longer stands out. In addition, the evaporation of large amounts of extraction solvent or extraction solvent mixture is uneconomical under procedural aspects. In addition, large amounts of extraction solvent or extraction / solvent mixture are accompanied by longer evaporation times, which results in losses of constituent components (for example due to degradation or due to their volatility, such as vanillin sublimation) or the formation of interfering components (for example by oxidation) in the Vanilla extract arise and thus can lead to changes in the sensory profile of the resulting vanilla extract.

The extraction solvent or solvent / solvent mixture is therefore used in excess of the amount of comminuted vanilla pods in the process of the invention to ensure exhaustive extraction. Preferably, the extraction solvent or mixture of solvents and solvent is added to the amount of comminuted vanilla pods ranging from 1: 1 (w / w) to 40: 1 (w / w). Most preferably, the ratio of extraction solvent or extraction solvent mixture to the amount of comminuted vanilla pods is 2: 1 (w / w) to 10: 1 (w / w).

In the method according to the invention, the extraction of the comminuted vanilla pods is carried out such that the extraction solvent or the extraction solvent mixture is renewed at least twice, but at most five times. Preferably, the extraction of the comminuted vanilla pods is carried out such that the extraction solvent or the extraction / solvent mixture is renewed at least twice but not more than four times consecutively. This is most preferred Extraction solvent or the extraction-solvent mixture renewed at least three consecutive. Consecutive extraction ensures exhaustive extraction of the flavors from the shredded vanilla pod particles, thus maximizing the yield of flavors.

After each extraction step, the crude extract obtained is decanted from the extraction material and the fractions crude extracts obtained from several consecutive extraction steps are combined to form a crude extract.

The extraction is usually carried out in a temperature range of 25 ° C to 80 ° C, preferably in a temperature range of 50 ° C to 70 ° C and for a period of 100 to 600 minutes, preferably at a temperature of 60 ° C 70 ° C and 4 to 8 hours in a suitable extraction apparatus.

After the exhaustive extraction of the dried fermented vanilla bean particles, the vanilla extract thus obtained is filtered to remove from the crude extract solid, non-soluble components which are predominantly the extracted, fermented vanilla bean particles. The filtration is preferably carried out via a bag filter or a plate filter (0.01 to 10 pm) to obtain a vanilla extract.

The vanilla extract according to the invention as described above has a sensor profile which, in comparison with the sensor profile of a vanilla extract, which was obtained from vanilla pods prepared by a prior art method Figure 2 is shown. The comparative extract was prepared in an analogous manner as described in the following examples under the number 5. As can be clearly seen from Figure 2 are in the sensor profile in the parameters "vanillin", "sweet", "rum-like", "balsamic", "dry fruit", "vanilla pod", "malt" and "phenolic "On a scale of 0 to 10 for a conventional panel profile of such a vanilla extract, the phenolic notes are at least 1 point lower and the balsamic notes and vanilla pod notes are at least 2 points lower. This is the Extracts according to the invention are particularly suitable for optimally presenting aromatic notes such as caramel, butter or cream in aromas creations.

To create a sensory profile, the descriptive terms (descriptors) are first collected in the panel, whereby the term lists are structured, similar terms are summarized and hedonic attributes are eliminated. The evaluation of the intensity of the descriptors on a scale of 1 - 10 is carried out by at least ten trained assessors. The samples are coded, tasted in a randomized sequence and excluding disturbing factors such as color, noise and foreign odors in the sensor room. The final result is determined by summing the individual results and then forming the arithmetic mean and is displayed graphically in the form of a network diagram.

The filtered off-extracted fermented vanilla bean particles are dried in a further process step and optionally. Milled to obtain ground extracted vanilla pod particles or extracted vanilla powder, respectively.

The present invention thus also relates to a vanilla extract obtainable by the method described above.

In a particular embodiment, the vanilla extract prepared from the dried fermented vanilla bean particles as described above is mixed with the flavor extract obtained from the condensate water phase in step (v) and step (iv ) of the method according to the invention was produced, united.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the combination of both extracts a vanilla extract is obtained in which the yield of vanillin is at least 60%, preferably at least 70 to 100%, based on the originally in the green unfermentierten vanilla pods as Glucovanillin (vanillin precursor ) and Vanillin present total vanillin content.

These yields mean that during the process according to the invention, starting from the freshly harvested vanilla pods used until the extracts are obtained, very little loss of valuable flavoring substances, in particular vanilla flavoring agents, occurs, and the recovery, ie. H. the yield of valuable flavorings, d. H. Vanillin, from the starting product (freshly harvested green, unfermented vanilla pods) to the final product is high, d. H. is at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, based on the total vanillin content originally present in the green unfermented vanilla pods as glucovanillin (vanillin precursor) and vanillin.

The present invention further relates to milled extracted vanilla bean particles obtainable by extraction of the dried fermented vanilla pod particles as previously described.

The method according to the present invention has the following advantages over the methods of the prior art:

The process is effective during thawing without tempering.

The combination with a very gentle drying is independent of local weather conditions in the producer country.

The drying is carried out in a closed system, whereby a minimization of the required energy expenditure is achieved.

The process does not require the addition of enzymes, for example glucosidases or pectinases.

The yield of vanillin is at least 70%.

The process can be coupled with an adsorptive enrichment of the aroma substances contained in the condensate-water phase, which arises during the drying, in order to further increase the yield of flavorings.

With the method, a nearly complete recovery of the flavorings is possible. The vanilla extract obtained has a typical sensory profile of a vanilla extract in which the phenolic notes are less pronounced than in a vanilla extract, which was prepared according to the prior art.

The above-described dried fermented spice plant particles according to the invention, in particular the dried fermented vanilla bean particles, the aroma extracts, in particular the vanilla extract, or the ground extracted vanilla bean particles or the extracted vanilla powder can be used for the preparation, in particular for flavoring or Reconstitution of flavor, food, semi-luxury foods, beverage products, semi-finished products, hygiene products, tobacco products, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products and products for animal nutrition.

A further aspect of the present invention is therefore also food, semi-luxury foods, beverage products, semi-finished products, hygiene products, tobacco products, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products as well as products for animal nutrition, which contain the above-described dried fermented spice plant particles according to the invention, in particular the dried fermented vanilla beans. Particles which comprise aroma extracts, in particular the vanilla extract or the ground extracted vanilla bean particles or the extracted vanilla powder. The foods to which the dried fermented spice plant particles according to the invention, in particular the dried fermented vanilla bean particles, the aroma extracts, in particular the vanilla extract or the ground extracted vanilla bean particles or the extracted extract vanilla powder are preferably selected from the group, It consists of dairy products, sweets, dietary supplements, dietary foods and food substitutes, without being limited to them. Examples

The processes according to the present invention and the products obtained therewith will now be described in more detail with reference to the following examples.

1. Crushing, freezing and thawing the vanilla pods

1,000 grams of green, freshly picked vanilla pods were minced with a commercial crusher (e.g., "Moulinex"). These shredded vanilla pods were then placed in a plastic bag and frozen at -18 ° C. After 1 day at -18 ° C, this bag, frozen with the shredded vanilla pods, was removed from the refrigerated compartment and thawed at room temperature (20 ° C).

Both before freezing and after thawing, samples were analyzed by HPLC (high pressure liquid chromatography).

Results:

2. Drying of vanilla pods in a drying oven

1,000 g of the thawed according to Example 1 vanilla pods particles were placed on a sieve and dried in a commercial drying oven (eg Memmert drying oven) at 50 ° C. The drying time was 12 or 21 hours. Both before and after drying, samples were analyzed by HPLC.

Results:

3. Drying of the vanilla pods in the heat pump condensation dryer

500 g of the vanilla bean particles thawed according to Example 1 were dried on a perforated sieve bottom in a heat pump condensation dryer (for example Harter Laboratory Heat Pump Condensation Dryer) at 50 ° C. The drying time was 9 hours. There were obtained 90 g of dried vanilla bean particles and 287 g of condensate-water phase.

The condensate water was collected separately and further worked up in a subsequent step. Both before and after drying, samples are analyzed by HPLC.

Results:

[0143] 4. Preparation of a flavor extract

896 kg of a condensate water phase prepared analogously in the heat pump condensation dryer were pumped through an adsorber column containing a suitable adsorber resin (see EP 2 075 320). The adsorber column had a useful volume of 20 l. After the loading process, the loaded adsorber column was desorbed by the addition of 30 l of ethanol (96%). The first 7 kg (= forerun) were discarded, the following 20 kg of aroma extract were then collected as a product. Both from the condensate water phase and from the aroma extract samples were analyzed by HPLC.

Results:

[0144] 5. Preparation of a vanilla extract

1,000 g of the vanilla bean particle dried in the heat pump condensation dryer was put in a glass flask and extracted with 1,500 ml of 45% (v / v) ethanol at 65 ° C for 4 hours with stirring. After extraction, the solid particles were filtered off the extract is concentrated to a volume of 1 liter on a rotary evaporator (Heidolph Rotavapor R-300, 100 mbar, 65 ° C).

Both before extraction and after extraction, samples are analyzed by HPLC.

Results:

[0145] 6. Calculations

Total vanillin (%) = vanillin (%) + 0.48 ^* glucovanillin (%)

Molecular weight of vanillin: 152.14 g / mol

Molecular weight of glucovanillin: 314.29 g / mol

Molar mass ratio vanillin / glucovanillin = 0.48

Transformation rate = conversion of glucovanillin to vanillin;

Transformation rate = vanillin (%) after fermentation / (0.48 ^* glucovanillin (%) before fermentation)

Recovery of vanillin (vanillin yield) = vanillin contained in the dried fermented vanilla pods, based on the total vanillin originally contained in the green vanilla pods.

[0146] 7. Analysis method

Vanilla content and glucovanin content were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Sample preparation:

The sample was weighed into a 10 mL volumetric flask or 100 mL volumetric flask and made up to 25% (v) with ethanol. The sample solution was then filtered through a syringe filter (0.45 pm).

HPLC parameters:

Device: Jasco U-HPLC Model XLC with DAD / RI

Column: Kinetex 2.6m C18 100A (100 x 2.1mm)

Mobile phase: Phase A: buffer NaH 2 PO 4 (pH 2.5) + 5% acetonitrile

Phase B: acetonitrile

Flow rate: 0.2 ml / min (gradient); Temperature: 40 ° C; Injection volume: 5.0 mI; Detector: DAD, 270 nm

Claims

claims

A process for producing dried fermented spice plant particulate comprising the steps of:

(a) providing freshly harvested spice plant parts;

(b) crushing the freshly harvested spice plant parts;

(c) freezing the minced spice plant parts;

(d) thawing the frozen comminuted spice plant parts;

(e) drying the thawed comminuted spice plant parts in a closed system to obtain dried fermented spice plant part particles; and

(f) if applicable. Crushing the dried fermented spice plant particles.

The method of claim 1, wherein the freshly harvested spice plant parts are selected from the group consisting of vanilla pods, tea leaves, clove buds, tonka beans, peppercorns, coffee beans, cocoa tree seeds, saffron threads, ginger, turmeric, capers, anise, nutmeg, paprika and petals , in particular vanilla pods.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the freezing of the comminuted spice plant parts at a temperature of - 1 ° C to - 80 ° C, in particular at - 10 ° C to - 30 ° C takes place.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the freezing of the minced spice plant parts is carried out for a period of at least 1 day and / or wherein the thawing of the frozen spice plant parts occurs over a period of at least 1 day.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drying of the thawed crushed spice plant parts in a temperature range of 20 ° C to 70 ° C, preferably from 40 ° C to 60 ° C, in particular from 45 ° C to 55 ° C is performed.

A process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drying of the thawed crushed spice plant parts is carried out in a heat pump condensation dryer, oven, infrared dryer, convection oven and convection oven, in particular in a heat pump condensation dryer.

A method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the drying of the thawed comminuted spice plant parts is carried out either (a) with air circulation or (b) without air circulation, in particular wherein the drying of the thawed spice plant parts is carried out with air circulation for a period of at least 5 hours or drying the thawed spice plant parts without air circulation for a period of at least 10 hours.

A process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dried fermented spice plant particles are vanilla bean particles wherein the yield of vanillin from steps (a) to (f) is> 70% relative to that originally unfermented in the green Vanilla pods as Vanillinprecursor and vanillin existing Gesamtvanillin content.

A process for the preparation of dried fermented spice plant particles according to any one of the preceding claims comprising the additional steps of:

(g) collecting the condensate water phase from the drying step (e); and

(h) recovering the flavorants contained in the condensate water phase.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein recovering the flavorants from the condensate water phase comprises the steps of:

(i) providing the flavorant-containing condensate water phase;

(ii) providing an adsorbent material;

(iv) providing at least one food grade organic solvent or mixture of solvents comprising at least one food grade organic solvent;

(v) desorbing the flavorings from the adsorbent material of step (iii) with the at least one solvent or solvent mixture of step (iv) to obtain a flavor extract; and

(vi) if applicable. Concentrating the flavor extract obtained from step (v).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the spice plant part particles are vanilla pod particles, wherein the yield of flavors from the condensate water phase 0.1 to 20%, in particular 1 to 10%, based on the originally in the green unfermentierten Vanilla pods existing content of flavorings and their precursors (Precursor).

12. Dried fermented spice plant part particles, in particular dried fermented vanilla pod particles, obtainable by the process according to one of claims 1 to 8.

13. aroma extract, in particular vanilla flavor extract, obtainable by the process according to one of claims 9 to 11.

14. Dried fermented vanilla bean particles, wherein the yield of vanillin is at least 70%, based on the vanillin precursor originally present in the green unfermented vanilla peanuts and vanillin Total vanillin content and / or the dried fermented vanilla bean particles comprise a vanillin content of at least 1, 5% vanillin, based on the dry matter.

A process for producing a vanilla extract from the dried fermented vanilla bean particles of claim 12 or claim 14 comprising the steps of:

(i) providing the shredded, dried fermented vanilla bean particles;

(ii) providing at least one food-grade extraction solvent or an extraction-solvent mixture comprising at least one food-grade extraction solvent;

(iii) extracting the vanilla bean particles with the extraction solvent of the extraction-solvent mixture;

(iv) filtering the extract to remove the solids; and

(v) if applicable. Concentrating the obtained vanilla extract.

A method of making a vanilla extract according to claim 15, which comprises the additional steps of:

(vi) drying the filtered off extracted dried fermented vanilla bean particles from step (iv); and

(vii) if applicable. Grinding the extracted extract of fermented extracted vanilla beans to obtain extracted vanilla powder.

17. Vanilla extract obtainable by the process according to claim 15 or claim 16.

18. vanilla extract according to claim 17, to which the aroma extract, in particular the vanilla flavor extract, according to one of claims 9 to 11 or according to claim 13 is added.

19. Vanilla extract according to claim 17 or claim 18, in which the yield of vanillin is at least 60%, in particular at least 70 to 100%, based on the total vanillin content present in the green unfermented vanilla peanuts vanillin and vanillin precursor.

Vanilla extract according to claim 17 to 19, wherein the flavor profile on a scale of 0 to 10 points of a conventional panel profile in the odor axis "phenolic" by at least 1 point and in the odor axes "balsamic" and "vanilla bean" by at least Deviates 2 points, the aroma profile is measured via a test panel according to the protocol according to the invention.

21. Extracted vanilla powder obtainable by the process according to claim 15 or claim 16.

22. Use of the dried fermented spice plant particles

Claim 12 or the aroma extract according to claim 13 or the dried fermented vanilla pod particle according to claim 14 or the vanilla extract according to any one of claims 17 to 20 or the extracted vanilla powder according to claim 21 for the preparation, in particular for flavoring or reconstitution of the flavor, of food, semi-finished foods, beverages, semi-finished products, hygiene products,

Tobacco products, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products and products for animal nutrition.

23. Food, semi-luxury foods, beverage products, semi-finished products, hygiene products, tobacco products, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products and products for animal nutrition, comprising dried fermented spice plant particles according to claim 12 or a flavor extract according to claim 13 or dried fermented vanilla particles according to claim 14 or a vanilla Extracts according to one of Claims 17 to 20 or extracted vanilla powder according to claim 21, and wherein the foodstuff is selected from the group consisting of dairy products, sweets, dietary supplements, dietetic foods and food surrogates.