EP4192260A1

EP4192260A1 - Pectin-containing plant fibre composition for plant-based protein-containing beverages

Info

Publication number: EP4192260A1
Application number: EP21759246.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Karolina PAUL; Christine Rentschler
Original assignee: Herbstreith und Fox GmbH and Co KG Pektin Fabriken
Current assignee: Herbstreith und Fox GmbH and Co KG Pektin Fabriken
Priority date: 2020-08-04
Filing date: 2021-07-28
Publication date: 2023-06-14
Also published as: WO2022028982A1; DE102020120487A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition that comprises plant fibre, low-esterified soluble pectin and high-esterified soluble pectin. The invention also relates to said composition as a semi-finished product for use in the food industry, in particular for producing a milk-substitute beverage or a protein-containing fruit beverage, and to its use for producing these beverages. The invention further relates to a milk-substitute beverage or a protein-containing fruit beverage which has been produced using the composition of the invention. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing a milk-substitute beverage or a protein-containing fruit beverage. The milk-substitute beverage or the protein-containing fruit beverage are preferably vegan beverages.

Description

Plant fiber composition containing pectin for plant-based protein beverages

The present invention relates to a composition comprising plant fiber, low methylester soluble pectin and high methylester soluble pectin. The invention also relates to this composition as a semi-finished product for use in the food industry, and here in particular for the production of a milk substitute drink or a protein-containing fruit drink and the use for the production of these drinks. Furthermore, the invention relates to a milk substitute drink or a protein-containing fruit drink that has been produced using the composition according to the invention. The invention also relates to a method for producing a milk substitute drink or a protein-containing fruit drink. The milk substitute drink or the protein-containing fruit drink is preferably a vegan drink.

Background of the Invention

Especially in western countries, milk is an important protein-containing food and can look back on a long tradition that goes hand in hand with the introduction of dairy farming in the Neolithic and the lactose persistence acquired through mutation.

However, a small but clearly increasing part of the population avoids the consumption of cow's milk for animal welfare, environmental protection and climate protection reasons or for ethical reasons. There are also health reasons that speak against consuming cow's milk. There are intolerances to milk and the products made from it. They are based on the fact that milk components cannot be broken down sufficiently in the body (due to lactose intolerance or milk protein intolerance) or that other milk ingredients are not tolerated. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) also sees cow's milk as one of the "most important allergy-triggering foods in childhood".

There is therefore a clear trend towards milk substitute products. Milk substitutes or milk substitute products are colloquially referred to as foodstuffs that resemble milk or milk products in terms of taste or appearance and in terms of fat or protein content, without being made from it. They are usually purely vegetable foods. Soybeans with a protein content of approx. 35% by weight are particularly suitable as a protein-rich vegan food base. The fat the soybean is rich in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids and is cholesterol-free. Soy contains mostly polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids. The soybean is also rich in so-called phytoestrogens - plant compounds with hormone-like effects, which are mainly associated with the lower incidence (frequency) of vascular diseases such as coronary heart disease in East Asian countries.

In vegan milk substitute drinks, soy protein is therefore often used as an alternative to milk protein in the production of neutral and slightly acidified protein-containing drinks. Soy protein isolates and soy protein concentrates are often poorly or not completely soluble and also exhibit poor storage stability. The insoluble portion of soy protein (depending on the soy product used) can be stabilized by increasing the viscosity.

Gellan gum (E 418), guar gum (E 412), cellulose (E 460) or carboxymethyl cellulose (E 466) are currently used to stabilize vegan milk substitute drinks. These additives have low consumer acceptance as they are not considered to be of natural origin.

Furthermore, the vegetable protein must be protected against denaturation during the usual thermal treatment. Partial denaturation during production can lead to sedimentation of the proteins. This raw material-related sedimentation can be prevented by increasing the viscosity with one of the aforementioned stabilizers.

However, these stabilizers sometimes produce beverages with a slimy, cakey mouthfeel. In addition, these additives mask the inherent taste and aroma release of the end products. In addition, there is the disadvantage of low consumer acceptance mentioned above.

There is therefore a need for new processes and compositions for producing vegan milk substitute products.

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

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention, the task at hand is achieved by a composition comprising plant fibre, low methylester soluble pectin and high methylester soluble pectin.

First of all, the composition according to the invention offers the advantage that the plant proteins are protected from denaturing due to thermal treatment.

Furthermore, the combination of pectin and citrus fiber results in a synergy that both protects the proteins from denaturing during heating and builds up the necessary viscosity to keep the undissolved, dispersed components in suspension over the storage period.

By using the composition according to the invention it is thus possible to improve the storage stability to such an extent that undissolved particles do not sediment and the vegetable proteins contained are also protected during the pasteurization process and precipitation of the same is effectively prevented.

The composition according to the invention allows an optimal taste and aroma release.

With regard to the sensory properties, a long-lasting, full-bodied mouthfeel can be created.

All components of the composition are obtained from plants and preferably from fruits and are therefore natural ingredients with well-known positive properties.

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

The basic components listed above are usually obtained from vegetable processing residues such as citrus or apple pomace. These are available in sufficient quantities and offer a sustainable and ecologically sensible source for the basic components present. Remarkably, both the plant fiber and the pectin can be obtained from one and the same raw material source. For example, both citrus fiber and citrus pectin with different degrees of esterification can be obtained from citrus pomace. Accordingly, both apple fiber and apple pectin with different degrees of esterification can be obtained from apple pomace. In addition, the resulting fruit or milk substitute drinks meet all the usual requirements for such beverage products.

With the composition according to the invention it is possible to produce milk substitute beverages which, with regard to the rheological properties, produce an impression comparable to cow's milk and on the basis of which it is possible to provide various sensory neutral milk substitute products.

The invention in detail

The composition according to the invention comprising as basic components a plant fiber, a low methylester soluble pectin and a high methylester soluble pectin.

The composition according to the invention thus contains a total of three pectin sources, of which two pectins are present separately from the plant fibers as low esterification and high esterification pectin and the plant fiber as the third pectin source, which also contains water-soluble pectin in addition to protopectins. Protopectins are insoluble pectins and probably not pure homoglycans. In the protopectin, the polygalacturonic acid chains are connected to one another by complex bonds with divalent cations, via ferulic acid groups and borate complexes, and via glycosidic bonds with neutral sugar side chains, which can consist of arabinose, galactose, xylose, mannose and traces of fucose. Since the plant fiber also contains water-soluble pectin, as explained above, it is also referred to as “plant fiber containing pectin” within the scope of the invention.

According to a further embodiment, the composition according to the invention consists essentially of plant fibre, low methylester soluble pectin and high methylester soluble pectin. Here, “essentially” means that the composition contains at most 5% by weight, preferably at most 4% by weight, preferably at most 3% by weight, more preferably at most 1% by weight of other components. According to another embodiment, the composition according to the invention consists of plant fibre, low methylester soluble pectin and high methylester soluble pectin.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention consists essentially of plant fibre, low methylester soluble pectin, high methylester soluble pectin and sugar. Here "substantially" means that the composition contains at most 5% by weight, preferably at most 4% by weight, preferably at most 3% by weight, more preferably at most 1% by weight, of other components. According to another embodiment, the composition according to the invention consists of vegetable fibre, low methylester soluble pectin, high methylester soluble pectin and sugar.

Advantageously, the vegetable fiber of the composition is an activated pectin-containing fruit fiber or a partially activated, activatable pectin-containing fruit fiber.

According to the invention, an “activated pectin-containing fruit fiber” is a fruit fiber that has sufficient strength in a suspension so that no additional shearing forces are required in use in order to obtain the optimum rheological properties such as viscosity or texturing on the part of the user.

A “partially activated, activatable pectin-containing fibre” according to the invention is understood to mean a fruit fiber which has a satisfactory strength in a suspension as a result of the partial activation in the production process. This activation can be described as partial insofar as it has not yet led to the theoretically possible final strength of the fibre. However, in order to obtain the optimal rheological properties such as viscosity or texturing, the user needs to activate it further by applying additional shearing forces. It is therefore a matter of partially activated fibers, which can, however, be further activated.

In a preferred embodiment, this plant fiber (regardless of its activation state) is selected from the group consisting of citrus fibre, apple fibre, sugar beet fibre, carrot fiber and pea fibre, the plant fiber preferably being a fruit fiber and particularly preferably a citrus fiber or an apple fibre.

Citrus fiber can be obtained from a wide variety of citrus fruits. Non-limiting examples are: Tangerine (Citrus reticulata), Clementine (Citrus x 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), lime (Citrus xaurantiifolia, syn.: Citrus latifolia), kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix), Rangpur lime (Citrus *jambhiri), lemon (Citrus *limon citron 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.

The apple fiber 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. The starting material used can be apple peel, core casing, seeds or fruit pulp or a combination thereof. Apple pomace is preferably used as the starting material, i.e. the pressed residue from apples, which typically also contain the above-mentioned components in addition to the skins.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the composition comprises the plant fibre, which is advantageously citrus or apple fibre, in a proportion of 45 to 75% by weight, advantageously 50 to 70% by weight, particularly advantageously 55 to 65% by weight and in particular from 58 to 62% by weight. For example, the proportion of vegetable fiber, which is advantageously citrus fiber or apple fiber, in the composition can be 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61% %, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68% or 69%, these being percentages by weight.

Conveniently the composition contains the low methylester soluble pectin, which is advantageously a low methylester soluble citrus pectin or apple pectin, in a proportion of 20 to 50% by weight, advantageously 25 to 45% by weight, particularly advantageously 30-40% by weight and in particular from 32 to 37% by weight. For example, the proportion of low methylester soluble pectin, which is advantageously low methylester soluble citrus pectin or apple pectin, may be 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36% %, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43% or 44%, these being percentages by weight.

According to one embodiment, the composition contains the high esterified soluble pectin, which is advantageously a high esterified soluble citrus pectin or apple pectin, in a proportion of 1 to 8% by weight, advantageously 2 to 6% by weight, particularly preferably 3 to 5% by weight. and most preferably 4% by weight. For example, the proportion of high ester soluble pectin which is advantageously a high ester soluble citrus pectin or apple pectin is 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0% or 5.5% amount, these being percentages by weight.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the composition according to the invention also contains additives. These are commonly used to specifically adapt the composition to use in the food sector.

Additives include in particular standardizing agents.

A "standardizing agent" within the meaning of the invention is defined as an uncharged organic compound with good water solubility. The standardization agent serves to standardize the product. The controlled, identical manufacturing processes lead to pectins with specified properties. However, due to raw material-related fluctuations within the pectin composition, these have a certain variation, e.g. in terms of gel strength or viscosity. The addition of a standardizing agent significantly reduces the range of variation and thus standardizes the pectin. This enables constant dosing from batch to batch.

Examples of standardization agents that may be mentioned are: monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides or sugar alcohols, or combinations thereof.

For the mono- or oligosaccharide, a person skilled in the art can use any of the sugars used in the food industry. Examples of sugars that can be used are: dextrose, sucrose, fructose, invert sugar, isoglucose, mannose, melezitose, maltose and rhamnose, the sugar preferably being sucrose or dextrose.

Activated pectin citrus fiber

In one embodiment, an activated pectin-containing citrus fiber is used as the plant fiber. The fiber structure can be broken down by acid digestion as a process step in the manufacturing process and this structure can be maintained by subsequent alcoholic washing steps with gentle drying.

In one embodiment, the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber in a 2.5% by weight suspension has a yield point II (rotation) of more than 1.5 Pa and advantageously more than 2.0 Pa. In a 2.5% by weight dispersion activated pectin-containing citrus fiber has a yield point I (rotation) of more than 5.5 Pa and advantageously more than 6.0 Pa.

According to a further embodiment, the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber in a 2.5% by weight suspension has a yield point II (crossover) of more than 1.2 Pa and advantageously more than 1.5 Pa. In a 2.5% by weight dispersion, the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber has a yield point I (Cross Over) greater than 6.0 Pa and advantageously greater than 6.5 Pa.

In one embodiment, the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber in a 2.5% by weight suspension has a dynamic Weissenberg number greater than 7.0, advantageously greater than 7.5, and most advantageously greater than 8.0. Accordingly, after shear activation, the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber in a 2.5% by weight dispersion has a dynamic Weissenberg number of greater than 6.0, advantageously greater than 6.5 and particularly advantageously greater than 7.0.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber has a strength of at least 150 g, particularly advantageously of at least 220 g, in a 4% by weight aqueous suspension.

The activated pectin-containing citrus fiber preferably has a viscosity of at least 650 mPas, the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber being dispersed in water as a 2.5% by weight solution and the viscosity being measured at a shear rate of 50 s ⁻¹ at 20°C.

To determine the viscosity, the activated pectin-containing citrus 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 ) determined (rheometer; Physica MCR series, measuring body CC25 (corresponds to Z3 DIN), Anton Paar, Graz, Austria). An activated pectin-containing citrus 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 pectin-containing citrus fiber advantageously has a water-binding capacity of more than 22 g/g. Such an advantageously high water binding capacity leads to a high viscosity and this then also leads to lower fiber consumption with a creamy texture.

According to one embodiment, the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber has a moisture content of less than 15%, preferably less than 10% and particularly preferably less than 8%.

It is also preferred that the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber has a pH of 3.1 to 4.75 and preferably 3.4 to 4.2 in a 1.0% by weight aqueous suspension.

The activated pectin-containing citrus 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.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber has a lightness value L*> 90, preferably L*> 91 and particularly preferably L*> 92. The citrus fibers are thus almost colorless and, when used in food products, do not lead to any significant discoloration of the Products.

Advantageously, the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber has a dietary fiber content of 80 to 95%.

The activated pectin-containing citrus fiber used in the present invention is preferably in powder form. This has the advantage that there is a formulation with low weight and high storage stability, which can also be used in a simple manner in terms of process technology. This formulation is only made possible by the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber used according to the invention, which, in contrast to modified starches, does not tend to form lumps when stirred into liquids.

Due to the acidic extraction step, the pectin content of the citrus fiber has been greatly reduced such that the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber has less than 10%, preferably less than 8% and more preferably less than 6% water-soluble pectin. The activated pectin-containing citrus fiber advantageously has a water-soluble pectin content of between 2% and 8% by weight and more preferably between 2 and 6% by weight. The content of water-soluble pectin in the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber can be, for example, 2% by weight, 3% by weight, 4% by weight, 5% by weight, 6% by weight, 7% by weight, 8% by weight, 9% by weight or 9.5% by weight . This residual pectin is highly esterified pectin. According to the invention, a highly esterified pectin is a pectin which has a degree of esterification of at least 50%. The degree of esterification describes the percentage of carboxyl groups in the galacturonic acid units of the pectin which are present in esterified form, eg 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).

Production of the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber

The activated pectin citrus fiber can be obtained through a process that includes the following steps:

(a) providing a raw material containing cell wall material of an edible citrus fruit;

(b) digestion of the raw material by incubating an aqueous suspension of the raw material at an acidic pH;

(c) Single-stage or multi-stage separation of the disrupted material from step (b) from the aqueous suspension;

(d) washing the material separated off in step (c) with an aqueous solution and separating off coarse or unbroken particles;

(e) separating the washed material from step (d) from the aqueous solution;

(f) washing the separated material from step (e) at least twice with an organic solvent and then separating the washed material from the organic solvent in each case;

(g) optionally additionally removing the organic solvent by contacting the washed material from step (f) with steam;

(h) drying the material from step (f) or (g) including vacuum drying to obtain the activated pectin citrus fiber.

This manufacturing process leads to citrus 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 the application in order for the user to achieve the optimum rheological properties such as to obtain viscosity or texturing. The activated pectin-containing citrus fiber is synonymously referred to as pectin-containing citrus fiber in the context of the application.

As the inventors have found, the citrus fibers produced using this process have good rheological properties. The fibers of the invention can be easily rehydrated and the advantageous rheological properties are retained even after rehydration.

The manufacturing process described above leads to citrus fibers that 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 citrus fibers to be used according to the invention are obtained from citrus fruits and are therefore natural ingredients with known positive properties.

Citrus fruits and preferably processing residues of citrus fruits can be used as raw material. Correspondingly, citrus peel (and here albedo and/or flavedo), citrus vesicles, segmental membranes or a combination thereof can be used as raw material for use in the method. Citrus pomace is preferably used as the raw material, ie the residue from pressing citrus fruits, which typically also contain the pulp in addition to the peel.

The acid digestion in step (b) of the process serves to remove pectin by converting the protopectin into soluble pectin and at the same time activate the fiber by increasing the internal surface area. Furthermore, the raw material is thermally crushed by the digestion. Due to the acidic incubation in an aqueous environment under the influence of heat, it breaks down into citrus fibers. This achieves thermal comminution, and a mechanical comminution step is therefore not necessary as part of the manufacturing process. This represents a decisive advantage over conventional fiber manufacturing processes, which in contrast require a shearing step (such as (high) pressure homogenization) to obtain a fiber with sufficient rheological properties.

The fiber structure can be broken down by the acidic digestion as process step (b) in the manufacturing process and this structure can be maintained by subsequent alcoholic washing steps with gentle drying. In the digestion according to step (b), the raw material is present as an aqueous suspension. 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.

To achieve an acidic pH in step (b), 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. Nitric acid is preferably used.

In the acid digestion in step (b) of the process, the pH of the suspension is between pH=0.5 and pH=4.0, preferably between pH=1.0 and pH=3.5 and particularly preferably between pH= 1.5 and pH = 3.0.

According to the invention, the liquid for preparing the aqueous suspension consists of more than 50% by volume, preferably more than 60, 70, 80 or even 90% by volume of water. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid contains no organic solvent and in particular no alcohol. This is a water-based acidic extraction.

In one embodiment, no enzymatic treatment of the raw material by adding an enzyme, in particular no amylase treatment, takes place in the production process and in particular in the acidic digestion in step (b).

In the case of the acidic digestion in step (b), the incubation takes place at a temperature between 60°C and 95°C, preferably between 70°C and 90°C and particularly preferably between 75°C and 85°C.

The incubation in step (b) takes place over a period of between 60 minutes and 8 hours and preferably between 2 hours and 6 hours.

In the acidic digestion in step (b), the aqueous suspension suitably has a dry matter content of between 0.5% by weight and 5% by weight, preferably of between 1% by weight and 4% by weight, and particularly preferably of between 1 5 wt% and 3 wt%. The aqueous suspension is stirred or shaken during the digestion in step (b). This is preferably done in a continuous manner to keep the particles in suspension in suspension.

In step (c) of the process, the digested material is separated from the aqueous solution and thus recovered. This separation takes place as a single-stage or multi-stage separation.

Advantageously, the broken down material is subjected to a multi-stage separation in step (c). In this connection, it is preferred if, during the separation from the aqueous suspension, increasingly finer particles are separated off in stages. This means that in a two-stage separation, for example, both stages separate larger particles, with finer particles being separated in the second stage than in the first stage in order to achieve the most complete possible separation of the particles from the aqueous suspension. Preference is given to the first separation of particles using decanters and the second separation using separators. With each separation step, the material becomes more and more finely particulate.

After the acidic digestion in step (b) and the separation of the digested material in step (c), the separated material is washed with an aqueous solution in step (d). This step allows remaining water-soluble substances, such as sugar, to be removed. It is precisely the removal of sugar with the help of this step that contributes to the fact that the citrus fiber is less adhesive and is therefore easier to process and use.

In the context of the invention, the “aqueous solution” is understood as meaning the aqueous liquid used for washing in step (d). The mixture of this aqueous solution and the digested material is referred to as the “wash mixture”.

Advantageously, the washing according to step (d) is carried out with water as an aqueous solution. The use of deionized water is particularly advantageous here.

In one embodiment, the aqueous solution consists of more than 50% by volume, preferably more than 60, 70, 80 or even 90% by volume of water. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous solution contains no organic solvent and in particular no alcohol. This is a water-based wash and no water-alcohol exchange as is the case with fiber washing with a mixture of alcohol and water. this mixture having more than 50% alcohol by volume and typically having an alcohol content of more than 70% by volume.

Alternatively, a salt solution with an ionic strength of I<0.2 mol/l can also be used as the aqueous solution.

The washing according to step (d) is advantageously carried out at a temperature between 30°C and 90°C, preferably between 40°C and 80°C and particularly preferably between 50°C and 70°C.

The period of contacting with the aqueous solution in step (d) is for a period of between 10 minutes and 2 hours, preferably between 30 minutes and one hour.

When washing according to step (d), the dry matter in the washing mixture is between 0.1% by weight and 5% by weight, preferably between 0.5% by weight and 3% by weight and particularly preferably between 1% by weight and 2% by weight.

More advantageously, the washing according to step (d) is carried out with mechanical agitation of the washing mixture. This is more conveniently done by stirring or shaking the wash mixture.

During the washing step (d), coarse particles or particles that have not been broken down are separated off. It is advantageous here to separate particles with a particle size of more than 500 μm, more preferably more than 400 μm and most preferably more than 350 μm.

This separation is advantageously carried out using wet screening. A straining machine or a belt press can be used for this purpose. As a result, both coarse particle contamination of the raw material and insufficiently broken down material are removed.

After washing with the aqueous solution, the washed material is separated from the aqueous solution according to step (e). This separation is advantageously carried out using a decanter or a separator.

A further washing step then takes place in step (f), which, however, takes place with an organic solvent. This involves washing at least twice with an organic solvent. The organic solvent can also be used as a mixture of the organic solvent and water, this mixture then having more than 50% by volume of organic solvent and preferably having more than 70% by volume of organic solvent.

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

The washing step according to step (f) takes place at a temperature between 40°C and 75°C, preferably between 50°C and 70°C and particularly preferably 60°C and 65°C.

The period of contacting in step (f) with the organic solvent is 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 in step (f), the dry mass in the washing solution is 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 in step (f) is preferably carried out with mechanical agitation of the washing mixture. The washing is preferably carried out in a tank with an agitator.

In the washing with the organic solvent in step (f), a device for making the suspension uniform is advantageously used. This device is preferably a toothed ring disperser.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the washing with the organic solvent in step (f) is carried out 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 in step (f), 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 at least twice with an organic solvent in step (f), 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.

According to optional step (g), the solvent can be additionally reduced by contacting the material with steam. This is preferably done with a stripper in which the material is countercurrently contacted with steam as the stripping gas.

In step (h), the washed material from step (f) or the stripped material from step (g) is dried, the drying comprising vacuum drying and preferably consisting of vacuum drying. During vacuum drying, the washed material is exposed to a negative pressure as drying material, 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 citrus 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. The drying under vacuum in step (h) suitably takes place at a jacket temperature of between 40°C and 100°C, preferably between 50°C and 90°C and particularly preferably between 60°C and 80°C. After drying, the product is expediently cooled to room temperature.

According to an advantageous embodiment, after the drying in step (h), 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 particle size of less than 250 μm, preferably a particle size of less than 200 μm and in particular a particle size of less than 150 μm. With this particle size, the fiber is easy to disperse and shows an optimal swelling capacity.

The activated pectin-containing citrus fiber and a process for its production are disclosed in the application DE 10 2020 115 526.3.

Partially activated, activatable citrus fiber containing pectin

According to an alternative embodiment, a partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber is used as the plant fiber.

In one embodiment, the partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber in a 2.5% by weight suspension has a yield point II (rotation) of 0.1-1.0 Pa, advantageously 0.3-0.9 Pa, and particularly advantageously 0.6 -0.8 Pa. In a 2.5 wt 2.0 - 3.0 Pa.

According to a further embodiment, the partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber in a 2.5% by weight suspension has a yield point II (crossover) of 0.1-1.0 Pa, advantageously 0.3-0.9 Pa and most advantageously from 0.6 - 0.8 Pa. In a 2.5 wt 2.0 - 3.5 Pa.

In one embodiment, the partially activated, activatable pectin-containing citrus fiber in a 2.5% by weight suspension has a dynamic Weissenberg number of 4.5-8.0 Pa, advantageously 5.0-7.5 Pa and particularly advantageously 7 .0 - 7.5 Pa. After shear activation, the partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber has a 2.5 % by weight dispersion corresponds to a dynamic Weissenberg number of 5.0-9.0 Pa, advantageously of 6.0-8.5 Pa and particularly advantageously of more than 7.0-8.0 Pa.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the partially activated, activatable pectin-containing citrus fiber has a strength of between 60 g and 240 g, preferably between 120 g and 200 g and particularly preferably between 140 and 180 g in a 4% by weight aqueous suspension.

The partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber preferably has a viscosity of between 150 and 600 mPas, preferably from 200 to 550 mPas, and particularly preferably from 250 to 500 mPas, the partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber being present in water as 2, 5% by weight solution is dispersed and the viscosity is measured at a shear rate of 50 s ^-1 at 20°C.

To determine the viscosity, the partially activated, activatable pectin-containing citrus fiber is dispersed as a 2.5% by weight solution in demineralized water using the method disclosed in the examples and the viscosity is measured at 20° C. and four shear sections (first and third section = constant profile; second and fourth section=linear ramp; evaluation in each case at a shear rate of 50 s ^-1 ) determined (rheometer; Physica MCR series, measuring body CC25 (corresponds to Z3 DIN), Anton Paar, Graz, Austria).

The partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber advantageously has a water binding capacity of more than 20 g/g, preferably more than 22 g/g, particularly preferably more than 24 g/g, and particularly preferably between 24 and 26 g/g . Such an advantageously high water-binding capacity leads to a high viscosity and, as a result, to lower fiber consumption with a creamy texture.

According to one embodiment, the partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber has a moisture content of less than 15%, preferably less than 10% and particularly preferably less than 8%.

It is also preferred that the partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber has a pH of 3.1 to 4.75 and preferably 3.4 to 4.2 in a 1.0% by weight aqueous suspension. The partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber advantageously has a particle size in which at least 90% of the particles are smaller than 450 μm, preferably smaller than 350 μm and in particular smaller than 250 μm.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber has a lightness value L*>84, preferably L*>86 and particularly preferably L*>88 a significant discoloration of the products.

Advantageously, the partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber has a dietary fiber content of 80 to 95%.

The partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber used according to the invention is preferably in powder form. This has the advantage that there is a formulation with low weight and high storage stability, which can also be used in a simple manner in terms of process technology. This formulation is only made possible by the activatable citrus fiber used according to the invention, which, in contrast to modified starches, does not tend to form lumps when stirred into liquids.

Due to the acidic extraction step, the pectin content of the partially activated, activatable pectin-containing citrus fiber has been greatly reduced such that this citrus fiber has less than 10%, preferably less than 8% and more preferably less than 6% water-soluble pectin. The partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber advantageously has a water-soluble pectin content of between 2% and 8% by weight and more preferably between 2 and 6% by weight. The content of water-soluble pectin in the partially activated, activatable pectin-containing citrus fiber can be, for example, 2% by weight, 3% by weight, 4% by weight, 5% by weight, 6% by weight, 7% by weight, 8% by weight, 9% by weight or 9, 5% by weight.

This residual pectin is highly esterified pectin. According to the invention, a highly esterified pectin is a pectin which has a degree of esterification of at least 50%. The degree of esterification describes the percentage of carboxyl groups in the galacturonic acid units of the pectin which are present in esterified form, eg 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). Production of the partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber

The partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber can be obtained by a process comprising the following steps:

(c) Single-stage or multi-stage separation of the digested material from step (b) from the aqueous suspension;

(e) separating the washed material from step (d) from the aqueous solution;

(h) drying the material from step (f) or (g) comprising drying at normal pressure to obtain the partially activated, activatable pectin-containing citrus fiber.

These fibers are fibers which can be activated and which, as a result of the partial activation in the production process in aqueous suspension, have a satisfactory strength. However, in order to obtain the optimal rheological properties such as viscosity or texturing, the user has to apply additional shearing forces. It is therefore a matter of partially activated fibers, which can, however, be further activated. Within the scope of the application, the activatable pectin-containing citrus fiber is referred to synonymously as pectin-containing citrus fiber.

As the inventors have found, the citrus fibers produced using the method described above have good rheological properties. According to the invention fibers can be easily rehydrated and the beneficial rheological properties are retained even after rehydration.

The citrus fibers that can be used according to the invention are obtained from citrus fruits and thus represent natural ingredients with known positive properties.

The acid digestion in step (b) of the process serves to remove pectin by converting the protopectin into soluble pectin and at the same time activate the fiber by increasing the internal surface area. Furthermore, the raw material is thermally crushed by the digestion. Due to the acidic incubation in an aqueous environment under the influence of heat, it breaks down into citrus fibers. This achieves thermal comminution, and a mechanical comminution step is therefore not necessary as part of the manufacturing process. This represents a decisive advantage over conventional fiber manufacturing processes, which in contrast require a shearing step (such as by (high) pressure homogenization) in order to obtain a fiber with sufficient rheological properties.

In the digestion in step (b), the raw material is present as an aqueous suspension. 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. To achieve an acidic pH in step (b), 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.

In the acidic digestion in step (b), the aqueous suspension suitably has a dry matter content of between 0.5% by weight and 5% by weight, preferably of between 1% by weight and 4% by weight, and particularly preferably of between 1 5 wt% and 3 wt%.

The aqueous suspension is stirred or shaken during the digestion according to step (b). This is preferably done in a continuous manner to keep the particles in suspension in suspension.

In step (c) of the process, the digested material is separated from the aqueous solution and thus recovered. This separation takes place as a single-stage or multi-stage separation. Advantageously, the broken down material in step (c) is subjected to a multi-stage separation. In this connection, it is preferred if, during the separation from the suspension, increasingly finer particles are separated off in stages. This means that in a two-stage separation, for example, both stages separate larger particles, with finer particles being separated in the second stage than in the first stage in order to achieve the most complete possible separation of the particles from the aqueous suspension. Preference is given to the first separation of particles using decanters and the second separation using separators. With each separation step, the material becomes more and more finely particulate.

After the acid digestion in step (b) and the separation of the digested material in step (c), the separated material is washed with an aqueous solution in step (d). This step allows remaining water-soluble substances, such as sugar, to be removed. It is precisely the removal of sugar with the help of this step that contributes to the fact that the citrus fiber is less adhesive and is therefore easier to process and use.

In the context of the invention, the “aqueous solution” is understood to mean the aqueous liquid used for washing in accordance with step (d). The mixture of this aqueous solution and the digested material is referred to as the “wash mixture”.

In one embodiment, the aqueous solution consists of more than 50% by volume, preferably more than 60, 70, 80 or even 90% by volume of water. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous solution contains no organic solvent and in particular no alcohol. This is a water-based wash and no water-alcohol exchange as is the case with fiber washing with a mixture of alcohol and water, this mixture having more than 50% alcohol by volume and typically having an alcohol content of more than 70% by volume.

The washing according to step (d) is advantageously carried out at a temperature between 30°C and 90°C, preferably between 40°C and 80°C and particularly preferably between 50°C and 70°C. The period of contacting with the aqueous solution during washing according to step (d) takes place over a period of between 10 minutes and 2 hours, preferably between 30 minutes and one hour.

During the washing step (d), coarse particles or particles that have not been broken down are separated off. A separation of particles with a grain size of more than 500 μm, more preferably of more than 400 μm and most preferably of more than 350 μm, is particularly advantageous here. The separation is advantageously carried out using a pulping machine or a belt press. This removes both coarse-particle contamination of the raw material and insufficiently digested material.

A further washing step then takes place in step (f), which, however, takes place with an organic solvent. This involves washing at least twice with an organic solvent.

The organic solvent can also be used as a mixture of the organic solvent and water, this mixture then having more than 50% by volume of organic solvent and preferably having more than 70% by volume of organic solvent.

The organic solvent in step (f) is advantageously an alcohol which may be selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol and isopropanol.

The washing step according to step (f) takes place at a temperature between 40°C and 75°C, preferably between 50°C and 70°C and particularly preferably 60°C and 65°C. The period of contacting with the organic solvent in step (f) is for a period of between 60 minutes and 10 hours and preferably between 2 hours and 8 hours.

When washing with the organic solvent, the dry mass in the washing solution is 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.

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

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

In addition, in the washing with the organic solvent in step (f), 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 at least twice with an organic solvent in step (f), 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 preserved in the subsequent steps for solvent removal and drying and the partially activated fiber structure does not collapse.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the material is moistened with water before drying according to step (h). This is preferably done by introducing the material into a moistening screw and spraying it with water.

In step (h), the washed material from step (f) or the stripped material from step (g) is dried, the drying comprising 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 the 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 under atmospheric pressure in step (h) is expediently carried out at a temperature of between 50°C and 130°C, preferably between 60°C and 120°C and particularly preferably between 70°C and 110°C. After drying, the product is expediently cooled to room temperature.

According to an advantageous embodiment, after the drying in step (h), 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 particle size of less than 450 μm, preferably a particle size of less than 350 μm and in particular a particle size of less than 250 μm. With this particle size, the fiber is easy to disperse and shows an optimal swelling capacity. The partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber and a process for its production are disclosed in the application DE 10 2020 115 527.1.

Activated apple fiber containing pectin

In one embodiment, an activated pectin-containing apple fiber is used as the plant fiber. The fiber structure can be broken down by acid digestion as a process step in the manufacturing process and this structure can be maintained by subsequent alcoholic washing steps with gentle drying.

In one embodiment, the activated pectin-containing apple fiber in a 2.5% by weight suspension has a yield point II (rotation) of more than 0.1 Pa, advantageously more than 0.5 Pa, and particularly advantageously more than 1.0 father In the case of a 2.5% by weight dispersion, the activated pectin-containing apple fiber correspondingly has a yield point I (rotation) of more than 5.0 Pa, advantageously of more than 6.0 Pa and particularly advantageously of more than 7.0 Pa.

According to a further embodiment, the activated pectin-containing apple fiber in a 2.5% by weight suspension has a yield point II (Cross Over) of more than 0.1 Pa, advantageously more than 0.5 Pa and particularly advantageously more than 1. 0 Pa. In a 2.5% by weight dispersion, the activated pectin-containing apple fiber has a yield point I (Cross Over) of more than 5.0 Pa, advantageously more than 6.0 Pa and particularly advantageously more than 7.0 Pa.

In one embodiment, the activated pectin-containing apple fiber in a 2.5% by weight suspension has a dynamic Weissenberg number greater than 4.0, advantageously greater than 5.0, and most advantageously greater than 6.0. After shear activation, the activated pectin-containing apple fiber in a 2.5% by weight dispersion correspondingly has a dynamic Weissenberg number of more than 6.5, advantageously more than 7.5 and particularly advantageously more than 8.5.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the activated pectin-containing apple fiber has a strength of more than 50 g, preferably more than 75 g and particularly preferably more than 100 g. For this purpose, the activated pectin-containing apple fiber is suspended in water as a 6% by weight solution. The activated pectin-containing apple fiber preferably has a viscosity of more than 100 mPas, preferably more than 200 mPas, and particularly preferably more than 350 mPas, the activated pectin-containing apple 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.

To determine the viscosity, the apple 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 101, measuring body CC25 (corresponds to Z3 DIN), Anton Paar, Graz, Austria). An activated pectin-containing apple 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 pectin-containing apple fiber advantageously has a water binding capacity of more than 20 g/g, preferably more than 22 g/g, particularly preferably more than 24 g/g, and particularly preferably more than 27.0 g/g. Such an advantageously high water-binding capacity leads to a high viscosity and, as a result, to lower fiber consumption with a creamy texture.

According to one embodiment, the activated pectin-containing apple fiber has a moisture content of less than 15%, preferably less than 8% and particularly preferably less than 6%.

It is also preferred that the activated pectin-containing apple fiber has a pH of 3.5 to 5.0 and preferably 4.0 to 4.6 in a 1.0% by weight aqueous suspension.

The activated pectin-containing apple fiber advantageously has 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.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the activated pectin-containing apple fiber has a lightness value L*> 60, preferably L*> 61 and particularly preferably L*> 62.

Advantageously, the activated apple fiber containing pectin has a dietary fiber content of 80 to 95%.

The activated pectin-containing apple fiber used according to the invention is preferably in powder form. This has the advantage of being a lightweight formulation and high storage stability, which can also be used in a simple manner in terms of process technology. This formulation is only made possible by the activated pectin-containing apple fiber used according to the invention, which, in contrast to modified starches, does not tend to form lumps when stirred into liquids.

Due to the acidic extraction step, the pectin content of the apple fiber has been greatly reduced such that the activated pectin-containing apple fiber has less than 10%, preferably less than 8% and more preferably less than 6% water soluble pectin. The activated pectin-containing apple fiber advantageously has a water-soluble pectin content of between 2% and 8% by weight and more preferably between 2 and 6% by weight. The content of water-soluble pectin in the activated pectin-containing apple fiber can be, for example, 2% by weight, 3% by weight, 4% by weight, 5% by weight, 6% by weight, 7% by weight, 8% by weight, 9% by weight or 9.5% by weight .

This residual pectin is highly esterified pectin. According to the invention, a highly esterified pectin is a pectin which has a degree of esterification of at least 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).

Production of activated apple fiber containing pectin

The activated pectin apple fiber can be obtained through a process that includes the following steps:

(a) providing a raw material containing cell wall material of an apple;

(c) Single-stage or multi-stage separation of coarse particles from the digested material from step (b) in aqueous suspension;

(d) separating the material obtained in step (c), freed from coarse particles, from the aqueous suspension;

(e) washing the material separated in step (d) with an aqueous solution;

(f) separating the washed material of step (e) from the aqueous solution; (g) washing the separated material from step (f) at least twice with an organic solvent and then separating the washed material from the organic solvent in each case;

(h) optionally additionally removing the organic solvent by contacting the washed material from step (g) with steam;

(i) drying the material from step (g) or (h) including vacuum drying to obtain the activated pectin apple fiber.

Apples and preferably processing residues from apples can be used as raw material. The raw material used in the method according to the invention can be apple peel, core casing, seeds or fruit pulp or a combination thereof. Apple pomace is preferably used as the raw material, i.e. the pressed residue from apples, which typically also contain the above-mentioned components in addition to the skins.

All cultivated apples known to those skilled in the art can be used as apples.

The acid digestion in step (b) of the process serves to remove pectin by converting the protopectin into soluble pectin and at the same time activate the fiber by increasing the internal surface area. Furthermore, the raw material is thermally crushed by the digestion. It disintegrates into apple fibers through acidic incubation in an aqueous medium under the influence of heat. This achieves thermal comminution, and a mechanical comminution step is therefore not necessary as part of the manufacturing process. This represents a decisive advantage over conventional fiber manufacturing processes, which in contrast require a shearing step (such as by (high) pressure homogenization) in order to obtain a fiber with sufficient rheological properties.

The fiber structure can be broken down by acid digestion as a process step in the manufacturing process and this structure can be maintained by subsequent alcoholic washing steps with gentle drying.

In the digestion in step (b), the raw material is present as an aqueous suspension. 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. As the suspension tends to sediment and phase separate, the particles are suitably drained Shaking or stirring held in suspension. There is therefore no dispersion in which the particles are comminuted by mechanical action (shearing) in such a way that they are finely dispersed.

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.

The incubation in step (b) takes place over a period of between 60 minutes and 10 hours and preferably between 2 hours and 6 hours.

The aqueous suspension is stirred or shaken during the digestion in step (b). This is preferably done in a continuous manner to keep the particles in suspension in suspension. In step (c) of the process, the broken down material is separated from coarse particles. This separation takes place as a single-stage or multi-stage separation.

In the single-stage or multi-stage separation according to step (c), it is advantageous for particles with a particle size of more than 1000 μm, preferably more than 500 μm, to be separated off. As a result, both coarse-particle components of the raw material and insufficiently broken down material are removed.

Advantageously, the broken down material is subjected to a multi-stage separation in step (c). In this connection, it is preferred if, when the coarse particles are separated off, increasingly finer particles are separated off in stages. This means that, for example, in a two-stage separation, both stages perform a separation of larger particles, with finer particles being separated in the second stage compared to the first stage. With each separation step, the material becomes more and more finely particulate.

A two-stage separation with a separation of particles with a grain size of more than 1000 μm in the first stage and a separation of particles with a grain size of more than 500 μm in the second stage is particularly advantageous here in step (c). The separation in these two stages is advantageously carried out using a sieve drum, a sieving machine or another type of wet sieving.

After the acidic digestion in step (b), the removal of coarse particles in step (c) and the separation of the digested material from the aqueous suspension in step (d), the separated material in step (e) is washed with an aqueous solution. This step allows the remaining water-soluble substances, such as the fruit's own sugars, to be removed. It is precisely the removal of sugar with the help of this step that contributes to the fact that the apple fiber is less adhesive and is therefore easier to process and use.

In the context of the invention, the “aqueous solution” is understood to mean the aqueous liquid used for washing in step (e). The mixture of this aqueous solution and the digested material is referred to as the “wash mixture”.

The washing according to step (e) is advantageously carried out with water as an aqueous solution. The use of deionized water is particularly advantageous here. Alternatively, a salt solution with an ionic strength of I<0.2 mol/l can also be used as the aqueous solution.

The washing according to step (e) is advantageously carried out at a temperature between 30°C and 90°C, preferably between 40°C and 80°C and particularly preferably between 50°C and 70°C.

The period of contacting with the aqueous solution in step (e) is over a period of between 10 minutes and 2 hours, preferably between 30 minutes and one hour.

When washing according to step (e), the dry matter in the washing mixture is between 0.1% by weight and 5% by weight, preferably between 0.5% by weight and 3% by weight and particularly preferably between 1% by weight and 2% by weight.

More advantageously, the washing according to step (e) is carried out with mechanical agitation of the washing mixture. This is expediently done by stirring or shaking the wash mixture.

Particles with a particle size of more than 500 μm, more preferably of more than 400 μm and most preferably of more than 350 μm, can optionally also be separated off here during the washing in step (e). The separation is advantageously carried out using a pulping machine or a belt press. As a result, both coarse-particle components of the raw material and insufficiently broken down material are removed.

After washing with the aqueous solution, the washed material is separated from the aqueous solution according to step (f). This separation is advantageously carried out using a decanter or a separator. A further washing step then takes place in step (g), which, however, takes place with an organic solvent. This involves washing at least twice with an organic solvent.

The organic solvent is advantageously an alcohol which may be selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol and isopropanol.

The washing step in step (g) takes place at a temperature between 40°C and 75°C, preferably between 50°C and 70°C and more preferably between 60°C and 65°C.

The period of contacting with the organic solvent in step (g) is for a period of between 60 minutes and 10 hours and preferably between 2 hours and 8 hours.

When washing with the organic solvent in step (g), the dry mass in the washing solution is 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 in step (g) is preferably carried out with mechanical agitation of the washing mixture. The washing is preferably carried out in a tank with an agitator.

In the washing with the organic solvent in step (g), a device for making the suspension uniform is advantageously used. This device is preferably a toothed ring disperser.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the washing with the organic solvent in step (g) is carried out in a countercurrent process. In one embodiment, washing with the organic solvent in step (g) involves partial neutralization by adding NaOH, KOH or Na or K salts.

In addition, in the washing with the organic solvent in the step (g), decoloration 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 at least twice with an organic solvent in step (g), 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 in the first washing step is preferably between 60 and 70 ol %, in the second washing step between 70 and 85 vol % and in an optional third washing step between 80 and 90 vol %.

According to the optional step (h), the proportion of the solvent can additionally be reduced by bringing the material into contact with steam. This is preferably done with a stripper in which the material is countercurrently contacted with steam as the stripping gas.

In step (i), the washed material from step (g) or the stripped material from step (h) is dried, the drying comprising vacuum drying and preferably consisting of vacuum drying. During vacuum drying, the washed material is exposed to a negative pressure as drying material, 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 apple fiber material, since this opens the activated Fiber structures and thus the resulting rheological properties are retained. Vacuum drying preferably takes place at an absolute vacuum of less than 400 mbar, preferably less than 300 mbar, more preferably less than 250 mbar and particularly preferably less than 200 mbar.

The drying under vacuum in step (i) is conveniently carried out at a jacket temperature of between 40°C and 100°C, preferably between 50°C and 90°C and particularly preferably between 60°C and 80°C. After drying, the product is expediently cooled to room temperature.

According to an advantageous embodiment, after the drying in step (i), 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 particle size of less than 400 μm, preferably a particle size of less than 350 μm and in particular a particle size of less than 300 μm. With this particle size, the fiber is easy to disperse and shows an optimal swelling capacity.

The activated apple fiber containing pectin and a method for its production are disclosed in the application DE 10 2020 115 501.8.

pectins

The pectins according to the invention are obtained by extraction from plants in which the pectin is found primarily in the more solid components such as stems, leaves, blossoms or fruits.

The soluble pectins according to the invention can be obtained from all plants and parts of plants known to the person skilled in the art. Examples include: citrus fruit, apple, sugar beet, sunflower infructescence, rosehip, quince, apricot, cherry and carrot.

The pectin is particularly preferably obtained by extraction from citrus pomace or apple pomace and used as citrus pectin or apple pectin.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the low methylester soluble pectin, which is preferably a low methylester soluble citrus or apple pectin, has a degree of esterification of 15 to 40%, advantageously 20 to 38%, and particularly advantageously 24 to 33%. For example, the degree of esterification of the low ester soluble pectin, which is preferably a low ester soluble citrus pectin, may be 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36% or 37%.

Advantageously, if the low ester soluble pectin is a low ester soluble citrus pectin, it has a degree of esterification of 15 to 40%, preferably 20 to 35%, more preferably 24 to 28% and most preferably 26.5%. For example, the degree of esterification of the low ester soluble citrus pectin can be 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34% or 35%.

Advantageously, when the low ester soluble pectin is a low ester soluble apple pectin, it has a degree of esterification of 15 to 40%, preferably 20 to 38%, more preferably 24 to 33% and most preferably 30%. For example, the degree of esterification of the low esterified soluble apple pectin can be 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34% or 35%.

Advantageously, the low methylester soluble pectin has a calcium sensitivity of 300 to 3000 HPE, preferably 500 to 2500 HPE, more preferably 600 to 2000 HPE and most preferably 700 to 1950 HPE. Due to the high calcium sensitivity present, it is advantageously suitable for texturing in the protein-containing fruit drink or in the milk substitute drink.

Advantageously, when the low methylester soluble pectin is a low methylester soluble citrus pectin, it has a calcium sensitivity of from 1000 to 3000 HPE, preferably from 1250 to 2500 HPE, more preferably from 1500 to 2000 HPE and most preferably from 1790 to 1950 HPE. Due to the high calcium sensitivity present, it is advantageously suitable for texturing in the protein-containing fruit drink or in the milk substitute drink.

Advantageously, when the low methylester soluble pectin is a low methylester soluble apple pectin, it has a calcium sensitivity of from 300 to 2000 HPE, preferably from 500 to 1500 HPE and more preferably from 700 to 1000 HPE. Due to the high calcium sensitivity present, it is advantageously suitable for texturing in the protein-containing fruit drink or in the milk substitute drink. The high esterified soluble pectin, which is preferably a high esterified soluble citrus or apple pectin, suitably has a degree of esterification of from 60 to 85%, advantageously from 65 to 80%, preferably from 68 to 76%, more advantageously from 69 to 74% and in particular from 70 to 72% up. For example, the degree of esterification of the high esterification soluble pectin, which is preferably a high esterification soluble citrus or apple pectin, can be 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76 %, 77%, 78% or 79%.

The high ester soluble pectin, which is preferably a high ester soluble citrus or apple pectin, advantageously has a gelling power of from 140 to 280 ^O USA Sag, preferably from 160 to 260 ^O USA Sag and, more preferably from 170 to 250 O USA Sag on. The high gelling power of the high methylester pectin has a positive effect on the texture of the milk substitute drink or the protein-containing fruit drink and their syneresis behavior.

Advantageously, when the high methylester soluble pectin is a high methylester soluble citrus pectin, it has a gelling power of from 200 to 280" USA Sag, preferably from 220 to 260" USA Sag, more preferably from 230 to 250" USA Sag and especially preferred by 240 “USA-Say up. The high gelling power of the highly esterified citrus pectin has a positive effect on the texture of the milk substitute drink or the protein-containing fruit drink and their syneresis behavior.

Advantageously, when the high methylester soluble pectin is a high methylester soluble apple pectin, it has a gelling power of from 140 to 220" USA Sag, preferably from 160 to 200" USA Sag and more preferably from 170 to 180" USA Sag on. The high gelling power of the high methylester apple pectin has a positive effect on the texture of the milk substitute drink or the protein-containing fruit drink and their syneresis behavior.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the composition according to the invention has a pH of 3 to 5 and preferably of 3.4 to 4.5 in a 1.0% by weight aqueous solution. At this pH the soluble pectin has its greatest chemical stability.

The composition according to the invention is preferably in powder form. This has the advantage that there is a formulation with low weight and high storage stability, which can also be used in a simple manner in terms of process technology. This formulation is only made possible by the plant fiber according to the invention, which is im In contrast to modified starches, it does not tend to form lumps when stirred into liquids.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to the composition according to the invention as a semi-finished product for use in the food industry. It is preferred here that the semi-finished product is used to produce a milk substitute drink or a protein-containing fruit drink.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to the use of the composition according to the invention in the food industry. It is preferred here that it is used to produce a milk substitute drink or a protein-containing fruit drink.

The composition according to the invention is preferably used here as a semi-finished product. This means that the composition, which contains plant fibers containing pectin, low methylester soluble pectin and also high methylester soluble pectin, is used as a mixture of these (and possibly other components) in the food industry, i.e. preferably for the production of a food.

In an alternative embodiment, the three main components of the composition according to the invention can be used separately, which means that all three components, viz ingredient is added. Furthermore, the components can be kept available as a single component or as a mixture of two components in different ingredients of the foodstuff to be produced, so that the composition according to the invention is only formed when these ingredients are mixed.

In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a milk substitute drink or a protein-containing fruit drink that has been produced using the composition according to the invention. This includes both the use of the composition according to the invention as a semi-finished product and as individual components or partial mixtures, so that the composition can only be achieved by combining the three components essential to the invention, namely plant fiber containing pectin, low esterified soluble pectin and high esterified soluble pectin in the milk substitute drink or the protein-containing fruit drink.

With regard to the aforementioned second to fourth aspect, the milk substitute drink or the protein-containing fruit drink is preferably based on soy, oats, spelt, millet, rice, peas, lupins, almonds, hazelnuts, coconuts, cashew nuts, hemp seeds, or a combination thereof. Soya or oats or a mixture thereof are particularly preferably used as the basis.

The term "milk substitute drink" here generally refers to a foodstuff that is similar to milk in terms of taste or appearance and in terms of fat or protein content, without being made from it. The milk substitute drink according to the invention is preferably a purely plant-based foodstuff, which is then referred to as a “vegan milk substitute drink” since it accordingly does not contain any products of animal origin.

Various plant-based protein-containing products can serve as the basis for the milk substitute drink, which is preferably a vegan milk substitute drink. These are in particular products that contain water and a type of grain, a pseudo-grain type, a type of legume, a type of nut, a type of almond, a nut-like fruit, or a mixture thereof. Beverage compositions are referred to here as milk substitute beverages, which z. B. peas, soybeans, oats, spelt, almonds, rice, millet, hemp, hemp seeds, lupins, coconut, hazelnuts or cashew nuts. The water they contain can come from the plant components used in each case and/or have been added during the production of the milk substitute drink. Furthermore, the milk substitute drinks can contain at least one added sugar and/or sugar substitute.

According to the invention, the “protein-containing fruit drink” is defined in such a way that it contains fruit juice and/or vegetable juice and also vegetable protein isolate or protein concentrate. The term "fruit juice" here generally refers to a liquid product obtained from a fruit and also includes in particular not-from-concentrate juice, fruit juice drink, fruit nectar, fruit pulp and fruit juice concentrate and mixtures thereof with water. Examples of fruit juice are apple juice, passion fruit juice, grape juice and banana juice.

The protein-containing fruit drink according to the invention is preferably a purely plant-based foodstuff, which is then referred to as a “vegan protein-containing fruit drink”, since it therefore does not contain any products of animal origin. The term “vegetable juice” generally refers here to a liquid product obtained from a vegetable and also includes, in particular, vegetable juice concentrate and vegetable pulp and mixtures thereof with water. Examples of suitable vegetables include celery, black carrot, carrot, squash, tomato, and beetroot.

In particular, mixtures of fruit juice concentrate, fruit pulp, vegetable juice concentrate or vegetable pulp with a suitable amount of water can be used according to the invention. Juice concentrates are usually used with at least the amount of water required to reconstitute the appropriate juice. A fruit drink that contains 1 to 70% by weight, in particular 5 to 60% by weight, preferably 10 to 50% by weight and particularly preferably 20 to 40% by weight of fruit juice concentrate, fruit pulp, vegetable juice concentrate and /or contains vegetable pulp.

Several fruits and/or vegetables can also be used in combination. In particular, the protein-containing fruit drink can contain a fruit juice from at least two fruits and preferably from at least three fruits. Combinations of apple juice, currant juice and pear juice and combinations of grape juice and apple juice are particularly preferred.

Particularly preferred is a protein-containing fruit drink that contains 50 to 99% by weight, in particular 70 to 98% by weight, preferably 80 to 97% by weight, particularly preferably 90 to 96% by weight and most preferably 90 to 95% by weight % by weight of fruit juice and/or vegetable juice.

Typically, the protein-containing fruit drink according to the invention contains a protein content of 0.01 to 15% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 10% by weight, particularly preferably 1.5 to 7% by weight and particularly preferably 2 to 5% by weight. % contain.

The protein-containing fruit drink according to the invention typically contains 25 to 99% by weight, in particular 35 to 95% by weight, preferably 45 to 85% by weight and particularly preferably 55 to 75% by weight of water.

Preferably, the milk substitute drink produced using the semi-finished product mentioned above has one or more of the following ingredients in addition to the composition according to the invention:

• a vegetable protein isolate or protein concentrate derived from a grain, pseudo-grain, legume, nut or almond; • Water;

• sugar or a sugar substitute,

• and a calcium compound.

Examples of calcium compounds that can be used are: calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, monocalcium citrate, tricalcium citrate, calcium citrate malate, calcium formate, calcium fumarate, calcium gluconate, calcium glycerophosphate, calcium hydroxide, calcium lactate, calcium lactate gluconate, calcium malate, calcium nitrate, calcium oxalate, monocalcium phosphate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, tri - Calcium phosphate, calcium phospholactate, calcium propionate, calcium hydroxide saccharate, calcium stearate and calcium tartrate.

The protein-containing fruit drink produced using the semi-finished product mentioned above preferably has one or more of the following ingredients in addition to the composition according to the invention: vegetable protein isolate or protein concentrate, fruit juice concentrate, fruit pulp, vegetable juice concentrate or vegetable pulp, water, sugar or sugar substitute.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the milk substitute drink or the protein-containing fruit drink has the composition according to the invention in a proportion of 0.05 to 5% by weight, advantageously from 0.1 to 4% by weight, particularly advantageously from 0.12 to 3% by weight and particularly advantageously from 0.25 to 2.4% by weight for the protein-containing fruit drink or from 0.15 to 3.0% by weight for the milk substitute drink. For example, the proportion of the composition according to the invention in the milk substitute drink or the protein-containing fruit drink can be 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0 .7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.25%, 1.5%, 1.75%, 2.0%, 2.25%, 2.5%, 2 .75%, 3.0%, 3.25%, 3.5% or 3.75%, these percentages being percentages by weight.

In a milk substitute drink, the composition according to the invention is advantageously contained in a proportion of 0.15 to 3.0% by weight. If a composition according to the invention that is standardized, i.e. to which a standardizing agent such as sugar has been added, is used, the proportion in the milk substitute drink is 0.25 to 5.0% by weight.

In a protein-containing fruit drink, the composition according to the invention is advantageously contained in a proportion of 0.25 to 2.4% by weight.

Unless otherwise stated, all percentages relate to the total weight of the milk substitute drink or the protein-containing fruit drink. In a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a milk substitute drink, which is preferably a vegan milk substitute drink, the production comprising the following steps:

(a) providing a composition according to the invention;

(b) providing an aqueous suspension containing plant proteins, the proteins preferably originating from oats or soya;

(c) bringing together, in particular mixing, the composition from step (a) with the aqueous suspension from step (b);

(d) heating the mixture to a temperature T>80°C;

(e) homogenizing the mixture from step (d), preferably by

pressure homogenization;

(f) preservation by a thermal process such as pasteurization.

In step (a), it is also possible to provide a plurality of compositions which can be mixed with one another, it being possible for them to be made available separately from one another or as a mixture. The mixing can also take place during the bringing together in step (c). In the present case, two compositions are referred to as “miscible with one another” if they are not present in different phases, either in a mixture of the two compositions or in the milk substitute drink to be produced.

The bringing together in step (c) can include, for example, introducing one or more compositions into the protein-containing suspension, which in turn can include a stirring and/or swiveling step.

In step (d), the mixture is heated to a temperature T>80°C, preferably to T>85°C, further preferably to T equal to or greater than 90°C and in particular to T=90°C. This heat step completely dissolves the pectin.

In step (e) the mixture is homogenized. This is preferably done by pressure homogenization, which in one embodiment can also be high-pressure homogenization. Pressure and high-pressure homogenizers usually work with a pump, which presses the mixture to be homogenized at high pressure through a narrow, preferably ring-shaped gap with subsequent relaxation by expansion into a larger compartment. The particles in the pressurized mixture are exposed to strong shear forces as they flow through, which lead to comminution and even distribution of the material. Suitable pressures for the pressure homogenization in step (e) can be between 50 and 500 bar, preferably between 100 and 250 bar, more preferably between 150 and 200 bar and particularly preferably between 170 and 190 bar. Pressures for the high-pressure homogenization in step (e) are above 500 bar, preferably between 500 and 1000 bar.

In step (f), the mixture obtained in step (e) is preserved by a thermal process. Numerous thermal preservation processes are known to those skilled in the art. Examples include: pasteurization, sterilization, ultra-high temperature treatment, boiling, thermization, tyndallization or high-pressure pasteurization.

The mixture in step (f) is preferably preserved by pasteurization. Pasteurization refers to the short-term heating of the mixture to temperatures of at least 60 °C (classic pasteurization process) and a maximum of 100 °C (high pasteurization) to kill the vegetative phases of microorganisms.

In a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a protein-containing fruit drink, which is preferably a vegan protein-containing fruit drink, the production comprising the following steps:

(a) providing a composition according to the invention;

(b) suspending the composition from step (a) in water and homogenizing the aqueous suspension, preferably by pressure homogenizing;

(c) providing a plant protein in solid form, the proteins preferably originating from a nut such as almond, cashew, macadamia, hazelnut or coconut;

(d) bringing together, in particular mixing, the homogenized dispersion from step (b) with the vegetable protein from step (c);

(e) homogenizing the mixture from step (d), preferably by pressure homogenizing;

(f) providing a fruit composition selected from the group consisting of fruit puree, fruit juice, fruit juice concentrate, fruit pulp, and fruit pulp;

(g) bringing together, in particular mixing, the homogenized mixture from step (e) with the fruit composition from step (f);

(h) homogenizing the mixture from step (g), preferably by pressure homogenizing; (i) preservation by a thermal process such as pasteurization.

In step (a), it is also possible to provide a plurality of compositions which can be mixed with one another, it being possible for them to be made available separately from one another or as a mixture. The mixing can also take place during the bringing together in step (c). Two compositions are referred to herein as "miscible with one another" if they are not present in a mixture of the two compositions nor in different phases in the protein-containing fruit drink to be produced.

In step (b), a dispersion is produced by mixing with water and subsequent homogenization. Numerous homogenization methods and devices are available to the person skilled in the art for the production of dispersions.

In the context of the present method, this is preferably done by pressure homogenization, which in one embodiment can also be high-pressure homogenization. Pressure and high-pressure homogenizers usually work with a pump that presses the mixture to be homogenized at a high pressure of more than 50 bar through a narrow, preferably annular gap, with subsequent relaxation by expansion into a larger compartment. The particles in the pressurized mixture are subjected to strong shearing forces as they flow through, which results in the material being broken up and evenly distributed. Suitable pressures for the pressure homogenization in step (b) can be between 50 and 500 bar, preferably between 100 and 250 bar, more preferably between 150 and 200 bar and particularly preferably between 170 and 190 bar. Pressures for the high-pressure homogenization in step (b) are above 500 bar, preferably between 500 and 1000 bar.

In step (c), several plant proteins can also be made available, in which case they can be made available separately from one another or as a mixture. The mixing can also take place during the bringing together in step (d).

The bringing together in step (d) can include, for example, introducing one or more proteins into the aqueous suspension, where the introduction in turn can include a stirring and/or swiveling step.

In step (e) the mixture of vegetable protein and aqueous suspension is subjected to homogenization in order to produce a stable dispersion. In the context of the present method, this is preferably done by pressure homogenization, which in one embodiment can also be high-pressure homogenization. Pressure and high-pressure homogenizers usually work with a pump that presses the mixture to be homogenized at a high pressure of more than 50 bar through a narrow, preferably annular gap with subsequent relaxation by expansion into a larger compartment. The particles in the pressurized mixture are subjected to strong shearing forces as they flow through, which results in the material being broken up and evenly distributed. Suitable pressures for the pressure homogenization in step (e) can be between 50 and 500 bar, preferably between 100 and 250 bar, more preferably between 150 and 200 bar and particularly preferably between 170 and 190 bar. Pressures for the high-pressure homogenization in step (e) are above 500 bar, preferably between 500 and 1000 bar.

Several fruit compositions can also be provided in step (f), and they can be provided separately from one another or as a mixture. The mixing can also take place during the bringing together in step (g).

The bringing together in step (g) can, for example, comprise introducing one or more fruit compositions into the aqueous dispersion, which introduction in turn can comprise a stirring and/or swirling step.

In step (h), the mixture is subjected to further homogenization.

In the context of the present method, this is preferably done by pressure homogenization, which in one embodiment can also be high-pressure homogenization. Pressure and high-pressure homogenizers usually work with a pump, which presses the mixture to be homogenized at a high pressure of more than 50 bar through a narrow, preferably ring-shaped gap with subsequent relaxation by expansion into a larger compartment. The particles in the pressurized mixture are subjected to strong gravitational forces as they flow through, leading to the crushing and even distribution of the material. Suitable pressures for the pressure homogenization in step (h) can be between 50 and 500 bar, preferably between 100 and 250 bar, more preferably between 150 and 200 bar and particularly preferably between 170 and 190 bar. Pressures for the high-pressure homogenization in step (h) are above 500 bar, preferably between 500 and 1000 bar. In step (i), the mixture obtained in step (h) is preserved by a thermal process. Numerous thermal preservation processes are known to those skilled in the art. Examples include: pasteurization, sterilization, ultra-high temperature treatment, boiling, thermization, tyndallization or high-pressure pasteurization.

The mixture in step (i) is preferably preserved by pasteurization. Pasteurization refers to the short-term heating of the mixture to temperatures of at least 60 °C (classic pasteurization process) and a maximum of 100 °C (high pasteurization) to kill the vegetative phases of microorganisms.

definitions

A plant fiber according to the application is a fiber isolated from a nonlignified plant cell wall and consists mainly of cellulose. Other components include hemicellulose and pectin, with the pectin-containing plant fiber having a water-soluble pectin content of less than 10% by weight, and preferably less than 6%, according to the application. The vegetable fiber advantageously has a water-soluble pectin content of between 2% and 8% by weight and more preferably between 2 and 6% by weight. The content of water-soluble pectin in the plant fiber can be, for example, 2% by weight, 3% by weight, 4% by weight, 5% by weight, 6% by weight, 7% by weight, 8% by weight, 9% by weight or 9.5% by weight.

A fruit fiber according to the invention is a vegetable fiber as defined above, which is herein isolated from a fruit. A fruit is to be understood here as the entirety of the organs of a plant that emerge from a flower, with both the classic fruit fruits and fruit vegetables being included.

A "citrus fiber" according to the application is a primarily fibrous component isolated from a nonlignified plant cell wall of a citrus fruit and composed primarily of cellulose. The term fiber is somewhat misnomer because citrus fibers do not appear macroscopically as fibers, but rather represent a powdered product. Other components of citrus fiber include hemicellulose and pectin. The citrus fiber can advantageously be obtained from citrus pulp, citrus peel, citrus vesicles, segmental membranes or a combination thereof.

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

According to the invention, an apple is defined as the fruit of the cultivated apple (Malus domestica).

An activated citrus fiber according to the present application is defined as distinct from an activatable (and thus only partially activated) citrus fiber by the yield point of the fiber in a 2.5% dispersion or by the viscosity. An activated citrus fiber is thus characterized in that it has a yield point I (rotation) of more than 5.5 Pa, a yield point I (crossover) of more than 6.0 Pa or a viscosity of more than 650 mPas.

An activatable citrus fiber according to the present application is defined as distinct from an activated citrus fiber by the yield point of the fiber in a 2.5% dispersion or by the viscosity. An activatable citrus fiber is characterized in that it has a yield point I (rotation) of between 1.0 and 4.0 Pa, a yield point I (crossover) of between 1.0 and 4.5 Pa or a viscosity of 150 to 600 mPas.

An activated apple fiber according to the present application is defined as distinct from an activatable (and thus only partially activated) apple fiber by the yield point of the fiber in a 2.5% dispersion or by the viscosity. An activated apple fiber is thus characterized in that it has a yield point I (rotation) of more than 5.0 Pa or a yield point I (crossover) of more than 5.0.

A soluble 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.

The soluble pectin according to the application is a pectin obtained by extraction from plant tissues. In contrast to the native vegetable pectins (so-called protopectins) and the fibre-bound water-soluble pectin, it is an isolated water-soluble pectin. The soluble pectin according to of the invention is a component that is separate from the plant or fruit fiber and is therefore not part of the plant or fruit fiber.

According to the invention, a highly esterified pectin is a pectin which has a degree of esterification of at least 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).

A "semi-finished product" in the context of the registration is understood to mean a semi-finished product in the food industry that is still in the manufacturing process and that has to go through further work steps until it is completed.

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 such. B. Donna®, Daroyal®, Lambada® and Symphony®. The same applies to expressions that include the term "fruit", such as B. "fruity" and "fruit preparation".

In particular, citrus fruits such as oranges, oranges, lemons, tangerines, grapefruits are referred to as "classic tropical fruits". The term "classic tropical fruit" on its own also includes mixtures of fruits from two or more fruit types and/or fruit varieties.

The term "exotic fruit" includes, for example, pineapple, avocado, banana, cashew apple, date, guava, kiwi, mango and papaya. On its own, the term "exotic fruit" also includes mixtures of fruits from two or more types of fruit and/or fruit types.

"Vegetables" here means all of the organs of a plant that emerge from a flower and not to the fruit fruits, fruit vegetables, nuts or nut-like fruits are counted. It can also be a mixture of two or more types of vegetables and/or types of vegetables.

According to the present invention, the term “nut” includes beechnut, hazelnut, walnut, sweet chestnut, acorn, peanut, hemp nut, macadamia nut, corozo nut and water nut. The term "nut" alone also includes mixtures of two or more types of nuts and/or types of nuts.

Almonds, cashew nuts, tiger nuts, kola nuts, Brazil nuts, pecan nuts, pilin nuts, pistachio nuts and shea nuts are also classified as fruits. In connection with this invention, they are also collectively referred to as “nut-like fruits”. The term "nut-like fruit" on its own also includes mixtures of two or more nut-like fruit types and/or nut-like fruit varieties.

The term "pseudocereals" means all grains of plants that do not belong to the grass family, i. H. grain, belong. Specifically, these are buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa and industrial hemp.

According to the invention, the term "protein isolate" includes both the protein isolated from a grain, a pseudocereal, a legume, a nut or an almond, and a protein-containing suspension or dispersion, or a ground protein-containing powder, which is obtained by severely crushing the aforementioned fruit was obtained. Accordingly, the isolation step can consist solely of one or more comminution steps, insofar as these lead to a particle size that allows the production of a suspension or dispersion.

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 clear 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. can be meant.

Further advantages, special features and expedient developments of the invention result from the subclaims and the following description of preferred

Examples based on the illustrations.

exemplary embodiments

1. Composition of the Invention

In one embodiment, which is marketed under the product name Herba ComBind N 1003, the composition according to the invention is composed as follows:

1.1 Preparation of a 2.5% by weight fiber dispersion

Recipe:

- 2.50 g fibers

- 97.5 g of demineralized water (room temperature) sprinkling time: 15 seconds

In a 250 ml beaker, the respective amount of the. Water (room temperature) submitted. 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 be 15 seconds per 2.5 g sample last. Then the dispersion is exactly 60 seconds at 8000 l / min. (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.

1.2 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) presented. 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.

1.3 Test method for determining the water binding capacity

Execution:

1 .) Water binding capacity of non-pretreated samples:

The sample is allowed to swell with an excess of water at room temperature for 24 hours. After centrifugation and subsequent decantation of the supernatant the water binding capacity in g H2O / 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 a centrifuge tube)

Water addition: 60 ml

Centrifugation: 4000g

Centrifugation time: 10 min

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 H2O / g sample can now be calculated using the following formula:

Sample with bound water (g) - 1.0 g

WBV (g H ₂ O/g sample) = - ■ -

1.0g

1.4 Test method for determining the yield point (rotational measurement)

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 recorded by measuring when a specified minimum shear rate V is exceeded. According to the present method, the yield point T ₀ [Pa] is exceeded at the shear rate Y > 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)

Measuring temperature: 20 °C

Measurement parameters:

1st section (rest phase):

Section settings: - Default value: Shear stress [Pa]

- Profile: constant

- Value: 0 Pa

- Section duration: 180 s

- Temperature: 20ºC

2nd section (determination of the yield point):

Section settings: - Default value: Shear stress [Pa]

- Profile: Ramp log.

- Initial value: 0.1 Pa

- Final value: 80 Pa

- Section duration: 180 s

- Temperature: 20ºC

Evaluation:

The yield point T ₀ (unit [Pa] is read in Section 2 and is the shear stress (unit: [Pa]) at which the shear rate is ? < 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 rotation yield point was measured using a fiber suspension (simply stirring the fiber in with a spoon=corresponds to a non-activated fiber) and is also referred to as “rotation yield point II” 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 activated fiber) and is also referred to as “yield point rotation I” within the scope of the invention.

1.5 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') are higher than 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 parts 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.

Value: 0.01 - 1000%

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 (i.e. G' = G").

The yield point measured using the oscillation method is also referred to as the "cross-over yield point".

The crossover yield point was measured using a fiber suspension (simply stirring in the fiber with a spoon=corresponds to a non-activated fiber) and is also referred to as “crossover II yield point” 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; eg with Ultra Turrax = corresponds to an activated fiber) and is also referred to as “yield point Cross Over I” within the scope of the invention.

Measurement results and their meaning: If one considers the yield point for the suspensions of the fibers according to the invention stirred in with a spoon (corresponding to a non-activated fiber) with the fiber dispersion according to the invention stirred in with high shear forces, e.g. Ultra Turrax (corresponding to an activated fiber), one can make a statement about the Advantage/necessity of an activation meet. 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. It is specified for the fibers when activation is necessary.

1.6 Test method for determining the dynamic Weissenberg number

Measuring principle and significance 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 related to the viscous components ( G") are put into relation: With the dynamic Weissenberg number, one obtains a variable that correlates particularly well with the sensory perception of consistency and can be viewed 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 components. The creamy texture that is typical of fibers is achieved when the W values are in the range of approx. 6 - 8, with lower values the sample is assessed as watery (less thick).

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

Value: 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:

Measurement results and their meaning:

If one considers the dynamic Weissenberg number W for the suspension of a fiber according to the invention stirred in with a spoon (corresponding to a non-activated fiber) with the fiber dispersion according to the invention stirred in with high shear forces, e.g. Ultra Turrax (corresponding to an activated fiber), one can make a statement about the texture and about it beyond the need for activation. The measurement results are summarized in the following table. The results for the dynamic Weissenberg numbers show that activation of the fiber is necessary with regard to the desired creamy texture, depending on the activation status.

1.7 Test Method for Determining Strength

Procedure: 150 ml of distilled water are placed in a beaker. Then, with a spoon, stir 6.0 g citrus fibers or 9.0 g apple fibers into the water 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 (0 90 mm). Then the strength is measured by the following method. Measuring device: Texture Analyzer TA-XT 2 (Stable Micro Systems, Godaiming, UK)

Test method/option: Measurement of the force in the direction of compression / simple test

Parameters: - Test speed: 1.0 mm/s

- Travel: 15.0mm/s

Measuring tool: - P/50 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. It should be noted that from the history of strength measurement, the unit of strength measured was in grams (g). 1.8 Test Method for Determining Grain Size

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, i.e. the sieve 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.

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 particle 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 quantity: 15 g

Sieving aids: 2 per sieve tray

Screening machine: AS 200 digit, Retsch GmbH

Screen movement: three-dimensional

Vibration height: 1.5 mm

Sieving time: 15 min

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

The grain size is calculated using the following formula:

Weight in g on the sieve x 100

Share per sieve in % = - - -

sample weight in g

1.9 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

Before the measurement, the sample is tempered in a water bath at 20°C for at least 15 minutes.

Measurement parameters:

1 . Section:

Section Settings: - Default Size: Shear Rate [s ^-1 ]

- Profile: constant

- Value: 0 s' ¹

- Segment duration: 60 s

- Temperature: 20ºC

2nd section:

Section Settings: - Default Size: Shear Rate [s ^-1 ]

- Profile: linear ramp

- Value: 0.1 - 100 s' ¹

- Segment duration: 120 s

- Temperature: 20ºC

3rd section:

Section Settings: - Default Size: Shear Rate [s ^-1 ]

- Profile: constant

- Value: 100 s' ¹

- Segment duration: 10 s

- Temperature: 20ºC

4th section:

Section Settings: - Default Size: Shear Rate [s ^-1 ]

- Profile: linear ramp Value: 100 - 0.1 s' ¹

Segment duration: 120 s

Temperature: 20°C

Evaluation:

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

1.10 Test method for determining the degree of esterification

This method corresponds to the method published by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). In contrast to the JECFA method, the deashed pectin is not dissolved in the cold but heated. Isopropanol is used as the alcohol instead of ethanol.

1.11 Test method for determining calcium sensitivity

Materials:

320.0 g 0.65 M potassium acetate-lactic acid buffer solution (52.50 g potassium acetate;

271.25 g of lactic acid with the. water to 5 liters)

60.0 g sugar (sucrose)

3.12 g pectin (corresponds to 0.82% in the end product)

16.0 ml calcium chloride solution 5% (m/v)

Weight: approx. 399 g

Weight: 380 g

Filling temperature: approx. 90° C pH value: approx. 3.0

Dry matter content: approx. 22%

Measurement method:

Mix the pectin and the entire amount of sugar homogeneously in a glass bowl.

Preheat the electric heating plate at the highest level for at least 10 minutes.

Place the buffer solution in a stainless steel pot.

Sprinkle the pectin-sugar mixture into the buffer solution while stirring, bring to the boil and heat while stirring until the pectin is completely dissolved. Dose the calcium chloride solution and boil to the final weight. At a temperature of approx. 90 °C, 90 g of the cooking are quickly weighed into three test beakers with the tear-off figure inserted and heated to 20 °C in a water bath.

Place the beaker in a water bath, avoiding shaking.

After exactly 2 hours, the breaking strength is measured using a conventional pectinometer. The result is the mean of the three individual values.

1.12 Test Method for Determining Gelling Power

This method reflects a standard procedure for grading pectin in a 65% solids gel. It conforms to IFT Committee on Pectin Standardization, Food Technology, 1959, 13: 496-500 Method 5-54.

1.13 Test method for determining dietary fiber content

This method is substantially consistent with the method published by the AOAC (Official 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.

1.14 Test method for determining moisture and dry matter

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).

Approx. 2.5 g of the fiber sample are 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].

1.15 Test method to determine the color and brightness Principle:

The color and brightness measurements are made with the Minolta Chromameter CR 300 or

CR 400 carried out. 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.

1.16 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 setting. The sample suspension, which has been cooled to room temperature, is divided into four 150 ml centrifuge beakers and centrifuged at 4000×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×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 1 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): g dried AIS Tal x 100 AIS in the sample in % by weight ( - ) = - - -

$100 sample weight in g

2. Production of a neutral soy or oat drink as a vegan milk substitute drink using the composition according to the invention

Ingredients:

1.5 - 30.0 g Herba ComBind N 1003 (= 0.15 - 3.0%) 970.0 - 998.5 g soy or oat base

Weight: approx. 1000 g

Weight: approx. 1000 g pH value: approx. 6.8 - 7.2

Manufacturing instructions according to steps A to D:

A: Stir Herba ComBind N 1003 into soya or oat base. B: Heat batch to 90 °C

C: Homogenize batch at 180 bar.

D: Pasteurize batch.

E: Bottle and refrigerate.

3. Production of a soy fruit drink as a vegan protein-containing fruit drink using the composition according to the invention

Ingredients:

2.5 - 24.0 g Herba ComBind N 1003 (= 0.25 - 2.4%)

200 grams of fruit juice

70 grams of sucrose

26g Isolated Soy Protein

680-701.5 g water

Weight: approx. 1000 g

TS: approx. 13% pH value: approx. 4.0-4.5

Manufacturing instructions:

A: Suspend Herba ComBind N 1003 in water and homogenize at 180 bar.

B: Stir soy base into "A" and pressure homogenize at 180 bar.

C: Stir “B” into fruit juice and pressure homogenize at 180 bar.

D: Pasteurize beverage.

E: Bottle and refrigerate.

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.

4. Production of an almond fruit drink as a vegan protein-containing fruit drink using the composition according to the invention

Depending on the use as a suspension vs. dispersion and the solvent, different dosages are required for the composition according to the invention. Will If the fiber is homogenized alone in distilled water and used as a dispersion (in contrast to a suspension where it is not homogenized), the dosage is the lowest because this activates the fiber "best". Salt and other components in the liquid that compete with the fiber for free water degrade the “degree of activation” of the fiber and necessitate a higher fiber dosage.

Dosage range: 0.25 - 0.50% Herba ComBind N 1003

A Suspend Herba ComBind N 1003 in water and homogenize at 180 bar.

B Stir the almond base into A and homogenize at 180 bar.

Stir C B into apple juice and homogenize at 180 bar.

D Pasteurization.

E Bottle and store in a cool place.

Dosage range: 0.30 - 0.55% Herba ComBind N 1003

A Suspend Herba ComBind N 1003 in water, add almond base and homogenize at 180 bar.

Stir B A into apple juice and homogenize at 180 bar.

C Pasteurization.

D Bottle and store in a cool place.

Dosage range: 1.2 - 2.4% Herba ComBind N 1003

Mix A Herba ComBind N 1003 with all other ingredients.

B Homogenize at 180 bar.

C Pasteurization.

D Bottle and store in a cool place.

5. Production of the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber

In FIG. 1, a process for producing the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber is shown schematically as a flow chart. Starting from the citrus pomace 10a _, the pomace is broken down by hydrolysis _20a by incubation in an acidic solution at 70° to 80°C. This is followed by two separate steps 30a _a (decanter) and 30b _a (separator) for the most complete possible separation of all particles from the liquid phase. The separated material is washed with an aqueous solution _35a . Coarse particles or particles that have not been broken down are separated from the resulting washing mixture by wet sieving. 40 _a to separate the solid from the liquid phase. Two alcohol washing steps _50a and 70a are then carried out _, each with subsequent solid-liquid separation using decanters _60a and _80a . In the optional step 90a _, residual alcohol present can be removed by blowing in steam. Finally _, in step 100a _, the fibers are gently dried by means of vacuum drying, in order to then obtain the citrus fibers 110a.

6. Production of the partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber

In FIG. 2, a process for the production of the partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber is shown schematically as a flow chart. Starting from the citrus pomace 10b, the pomace is broken down by hydrolysis 20b by incubation in an acidic solution at 70° to 80°C. This is followed by two separate steps 30ab (decanter) and 30bb (separator) for the most complete possible separation of all particles from the liquid phase. In step 35b, the separated material is washed with an aqueous solution, and coarse or unbroken particles are separated from the resulting washing mixture by wet sieving. In step 40b, the solid is then separated from the liquid phase. Two alcohol washing steps 50b and 70b are then carried out, each with subsequent solid-liquid separation using decanters 60b and 80b. Finally, in step 100b, the fibers are gently dried using fluidized bed drying in order to obtain citrus fibers 110b.

7. Production of the activated apple fiber containing pectin

In FIG. 3, a process for producing the activated pectin-containing apple fiber is shown schematically as a flow chart. Starting from the apple pomace 10 _c , the pomace is broken down by incubation in an acidic solution at 70° to 80° C. by hydrolysis 20 _c . The material as an aqueous suspension is then subjected to a single-stage or multi-stage separation step 30 _c for separating off coarse particles, this finally including a separation of the material thus obtained, freed from coarse particles, from the aqueous suspension (also part of step 30 _c ). In the case of a multi-stage separation of coarse particles, this is preferably done using sieve drums with different sieve mesh sizes. In step _40c , the material freed from coarse particles is washed with water and the washing liquid is separated off by means of a solid-liquid separation. Two alcohol washing steps 50 _c and 70 _c are then carried out, each with subsequent solid-liquid separation using decanters 60 _c and 80 _c . In the optional step 90 _c , residual alcohol present can be obtained by blowing in water vapor to be removed. Finally, in step _100c , the fibers are gently dried by means of vacuum drying, in order to then obtain the apple fibers _110c .

Reference list:

10 _a , 10b citrus pomace

10c apple t rester

20 _a , 20b, 20c hydrolysis (digestion) by incubation in an acidic environment

30a _a , 30ab 1. Solid-liquid separation decanter

30c Separation of coarse particles (one or more stages) with separation of the cleaned material from the aqueous suspension

30b _a , 30bb 2. Solid-liquid separation separator

35 _a , 35b washing mixture with wet sieving

_40a , 40b solid-liquid separation

40c water washing and solid-liquid separation

50 _a , 50b, 50 _c 1. Washing with alcohol

60 _a , 60b, 60c solid-liquid separation decanter

70 _a , 70b, 70c 2. Washing with alcohol

80 _a , 80b, 80c solid-liquid separation decanter

90a, _90c Optional introduction of steam

100 _a , 100c vacuum drying

100b fluid bed drying

110 _a , 110b Obtained citrus fiber

110c Preserved Apple Fiber

Claims

patent claims

1. A composition comprising: a. plant fiber; b. low methylester soluble pectin; and c. high methylester soluble pectin.

2. Composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the vegetable fiber is a pectin-containing fruit fibre, which is advantageously an activated pectin-containing fruit fiber or a partially activated activatable pectin-containing fruit fibre.

3. Composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fruit fiber is a citrus fiber or an apple fiber.

4. Composition according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that the composition contains the plant fibre, which is advantageously a citrus fiber or an apple fibre, in a proportion of 45 to 75% by weight, advantageously 50 to 70% by weight, particularly advantageously of 55 to 65% by weight and in particular from 58 to 62% by weight.

5. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composition contains the low esterified soluble pectin, which is advantageously a low esterified soluble citrus pectin or apple pectin, in a proportion of 20 to 50% by weight, advantageously 25 to 45% by weight. particularly advantageously from 30-40% by weight and in particular from 32 to 37% by weight.

6. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composition contains the high esterified soluble pectin, which is advantageously a high esterified soluble citrus pectin or apple pectin, in a proportion of 1 to 8% by weight, advantageously 2 to 6% by weight. particularly preferably from 3 to 5% by weight and particularly preferably from 4% by weight.

7. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plant fiber is an activated pectin-containing citrus fiber which has one or more of the following properties: a. a yield point II (rotation) in the fiber suspension of more than 1.5 Pa and advantageously more than 2.0 Pa; b. a yield point I (rotation) in the fiber dispersion greater than 5.5 Pa and advantageously greater than 6.0 Pa; c. a yield point II (Cross Over) in the fiber suspension of more than 1.2 Pa and advantageously more than 1.5 Pa; i.e. a yield point I (Cross Over) in the fiber dispersion greater than 6.0 Pa and advantageously greater than 6.5 Pa; e. a dynamic Weissenberg number in the fiber suspension of greater than 7.0, advantageously greater than 7.5 and most advantageously greater than 8.0; f. a dynamic Weissenberg number in the fiber dispersion of greater than 6.0, advantageously greater than 6.5, and most advantageously greater than 7.0; G. a strength in a 4% by weight aqueous suspension of at least 150 g, particularly advantageously at least 220 g; H. a viscosity of at least 650 mPas, the pectin-containing citrus fiber being dispersed in water as a 2.5% by weight solution and the viscosity being measured at a shear rate of 50 s ^-1 at 20°C; i. a water binding capacity of more than 22 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 suspension, a pH of from 3.1 to 4.75 and preferably from 3.4 to 4.2; l. a grain 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; m. a lightness value of L* > 90, preferably L* > 91 and particularly preferably L* >92; n. a dietary fiber content of the citrus fiber of 80 to 95%; o. the activated pectin-containing citrus fiber has less than 10%, advantageously less than 8% and particularly advantageously less than 6% of water-soluble pectin. Composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the vegetable fiber is a partially activated, activatable, pectin-containing citrus fiber which has one or more of the following properties: a. a yield point II (rotation) of the fiber suspension of 0.1-1.0 Pa, advantageously 0.3-0.9 Pa and particularly advantageously 0.6-0.8 Pa; b. a yield point I (rotation) in the fiber dispersion of 1.0-4.0 Pa, advantageously 1.5-3.5 Pa and particularly advantageously 2.0-3.0 Pa; c. a yield point II (Cross Over) in the fiber suspension of 0.1 - 1.0 Pa, advantageously 0.3 - 0.9 Pa and particularly advantageously 0.6 - 0.8 Pa; i.e. a yield point I (crossover) of the fiber dispersion of 1.0-4.5 Pa, advantageously 1.5-4.0 Pa and particularly advantageously 2.0-3.5 Pa; e. a dynamic Weissenberg number in the fiber suspension of 4.5 - 8.0, advantageously 5.0 - 7.5 and particularly advantageously 7.0 - 7.5; f. a dynamic Weissenberg number in the fiber dispersion of 5.0 - 9.0, advantageously 6.0 - 8.5 and particularly advantageously 7.0 - 8.0; G. a strength in a 4% by weight aqueous suspension of between 60 g and 240 g, preferably between 120 g and 200 g and more preferably between 140 and 180 g; H. a viscosity of 150 to 600 mPas, preferably 200 to 550 mPas, and particularly preferably 250 to 500 mPas, the citrus fiber being dispersed in water as a 2.5% by weight solution and the viscosity having a shear rate of 50 s ^-1 is measured at 20°C; i. has a water binding capacity of more than 20 g/g, preferably more than 22 g/g, and particularly preferably more than 24 g/g, and particularly preferably between 24 and 26 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 suspension, a pH of from 3.1 to 4.75 and preferably from 3.4 to 4.2; l. a grain size in which at least 90% of the particles are smaller than 450 μm, preferably smaller than 350 μm and in particular smaller than 250 μm; m. a lightness value of L* > 84, preferably L* > 86 and particularly preferably L* >88; n. a dietary fiber content of the citrus fiber of 80 to 95%; o. the activatable pectin-containing citrus fiber has less than 10%, advantageously less than 8% and particularly advantageously less than 6% of water-soluble pectin. Composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the vegetable fiber is an activated pectin-containing apple fiber which has one or more of the following properties: a. a yield point II (rotation) in a fiber suspension of more than 0.1 Pa, advantageously more than 0.5 Pa, and most advantageously more than 1.0 Pa; b. a yield point I (rotation) in the fiber dispersion greater than 5.0 Pa, advantageously greater than 6.0 Pa and most advantageously greater than 7.0 Pa; c. a yield point II (Cross Over) in fiber suspension of more than 0.1 Pa, advantageously more than 0.5 Pa and most advantageously more than 1.0 Pa; i.e. a yield point I (Cross Over) in the fiber dispersion of more than 5.0 Pa, advantageously more than 6.0 Pa and particularly advantageously more than 7.0 Pa; e. a dynamic Weissenberg number in the fiber suspension of greater than 4.0, advantageously greater than 5.0 and most advantageously greater than 6.0; f. a dynamic Weissenberg number in the fiber dispersion greater than 6.5, preferably greater than 7.5, and most preferably greater than 8.5; G. a strength of more than 50 g, preferably more than 75 g and more preferably more than 100 g, the apple fiber being suspended in water as a 6% by weight solution; H. a viscosity of more than 100 mPas, preferably more than 200 mPas, and particularly preferably more than 350 mPas, the apple fiber being dispersed in water as a 2.5% by weight solution and the viscosity having a shear rate of 50 s ^{- 1} measured at 20°C; i. a water binding capacity of more than 20 g/g, preferably more than 22 g/g, particularly preferably more than 24 g/g, and particularly preferably more than 27.0 g/g; j. a humidity of less than 15%, preferably less than 8% and most preferably less than 6%; k. in a 1.0% by weight aqueous suspension, a pH of from 3.5 to 5.0 and preferably from 4.0 to 4.6; l. 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 lightness value L* > 60, preferably L* > 61 and particularly preferably L* >62; n. a dietary fiber content of apple fiber of 80 to 95%; o. the activated pectin-containing apple fiber has less than 10%, advantageously less than 8% and particularly advantageously less than 6% of water-soluble pectin. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the low methylester soluble pectin, which is advantageously a low methylester soluble citrus pectin, has one or more of the following properties: a. A degree of esterification of 15 to 40%, advantageously 20 to 35%, particularly advantageously 24 to 33% and in particular 26 to 31%; b. A calcium sensitivity of from 300 to 3000 HPE, advantageously from 500 to 2500 HPE, more advantageously from 600 to 2000 HPE and most preferably from 700 to 1920 HPE. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high methylester soluble pectin, which is preferably a high methylester soluble citrus pectin, has one or more of the following properties: a. A degree of esterification of 60 to 85%, advantageously 65 to 80%, advantageously 68 to 76%, particularly advantageously 69 to 74% and in particular 70 to 72%; b. A gel strength of from 140 to 280 ^O USA Sag, advantageously from 160 to 260 O USA Sag, more advantageously from 230 to 250 ^O USA Sag and most advantageously from 170 to 250 ^O USA Sag. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composition has a pH of 3.0 to 4.5 and preferably 3.4 to 4.2 in a 1.0% by weight aqueous suspension. Composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composition is in powder form. Composition according to one of the preceding claims for use as a semi-finished product in the food industry, the semi-finished product being used in particular for the production of milk substitute drinks or protein-containing fruit drinks. Composition according to Claim 14, characterized in that the milk substitute drink and/or the protein-containing fruit drink is a vegan drink. Use of the composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 13 in the food industry, in particular for the production of milk substitute drinks or protein-containing fruit drinks. Use according to claim 16, wherein the composition is used as a semi-finished product or is produced as a composition in the end product by separate addition of pectin-containing plant fiber and/or low methylester soluble pectin and/or soluble high ester pectin. Use according to Claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the milk substitute drink and/or the protein-containing fruit drink is a vegan drink. Use according to claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the milk substitute drink or the protein-containing fruit drink is based on soy, oats, spelt, millet, rice, peas, lupins, almonds, hazelnuts, coconuts, cashew nuts, hemp seeds, or a combination thereof , whereby soy and oats are advantageous as a basis. Use according to Claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the concentration of the composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 10 in the milk substitute drink or the vegan protein-containing fruit drink is between 0.05 and 5% by weight, advantageously from 0.1 to 4% by weight. , particularly advantageously from 0.12 to 3% by weight and particularly advantageously from 0.25 to 2.4% by weight for the protein-containing fruit drink or from 0.15 to 3.0% by weight for the milk substitute drink. 21. Milk substitute drink produced using a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

22. Protein-containing fruit drink produced using a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

23. A method for producing a vegan milk substitute drink, comprising the following steps:

(a) providing a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13;

(d) heating the mixture to a temperature T>80°C;

(f) preservation by a thermal process such as pasteurization; wherein the milk substitute drink is preferably a vegan milk substitute drink.

24. A method for producing a vegan protein-containing fruit drink, comprising the following steps:

(a) providing a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13;

(c) providing a plant protein in solid form, the proteins preferably being from a nut such as almond, cashew, macadamia, hazelnut or coconut,

(d) bringing together, in particular mixing, the homogenized suspension from step (b) with the vegetable protein from step (c);

(e) homogenizing the mixture from step (d), preferably by pressure homogenizing; (f) providing a fruit composition selected from the group consisting of fruit puree, fruit juice, fruit juice concentrate, fruit pulp, and fruit pulp;

(h) homogenizing the mixture from step (g), preferably by pressure homogenizing;

(i) preservation by a thermal process such as pasteurization; wherein the proteinaceous fruit drink is preferably a vegan proteinaceous fruit drink.