Method for obtaining an inulin-containing composition

Abstract

This invention provides a method for obtaining an inulin-containing plant composition. [Solution] This method includes the steps of preparing an inulin-containing plant material, for example, the roots of chicory (Cichorium intybus), and obtaining the inulin-containing plant material in particulate form, wherein the particles have a particle size distribution such that up to 45 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 0.15 mm, and at least 90 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 4.0 mm. Next, the optionally dried particulate inulin-containing plant material is subjected to an extraction step, where inulin is extracted from the plant material to obtain inulin-enriched juice and inulin-depleted pulp, which are then preferably separated by vacuum filtration, pressure filtration and / or centrifugation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for obtaining an inulin-containing composition from inulin-containing plant materials, such as those derived from underground materials of the Asteraceae family, preferably including chicory (Cichorium intybus) roots and / or Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) tubers. The inulin-containing composition can be used, for example, as a food ingredient or as a biologically active food additive. [Background technology]

[0002] Inulin is a polysaccharide carbohydrate found in the tubers and roots of plants in the Compositae family. There are over 36,000 different plants that yield inulin, notably chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus). Inulin can be obtained as an amorphous powder and / or in crystalline form that readily dissolves in warm water. Where used herein, the term inulin also includes oligosaccharides with relatively low degrees of polymerization (DP) of 2–10, also known as oligofructose or fructooligosaccharides.

[0003] A known procedure for isolating inulin from plants is typically aqueous extraction. As is well known, conventional extraction procedures are similar to those used for sugar beets. In this case, the extraction is performed using fresh roots, shortly after or even immediately after harvesting. These roots are cut into the shape of elongated, roof-shaped elements known as cosets. This shape is preferred in the art due to its large contact area and structural integrity. The cosets are brought into contact with an aqueous extractant to extract inulin from the plant material into the extractant, thereby obtaining inulin-enriched juice and inulin-depleted pulp. Such known methods are disclosed, for example, in European Patent No. 0930317.

[0004] In known methods, it is generally avoided to cut the roots relatively small to prevent the substance from becoming viscous and difficult to extract and process. Indeed, when extracting sugar from sugar beets, it is generally known that cosets less than 1 cm in length should be avoided. There is ample evidence for this requirement in the published literature.

[0005] The handbook 'Sugar Technology, Beet and Cane Sugar Manufacture' by P.W. van der Poel, H. Schiweck, and T. Schwartz (Berlin, 1998) discusses beet extraction techniques on page 328. The mash content of the cut sugar beets is said to be crucial for the efficiency of the extraction procedure. The mash content, defined as the mass of cosets with a length <1 cm relative to the total mass of cosets, should not exceed 5%. Considering proper slicing, even 2% is considered optimal.

[0006] This general knowledge is found in 'Manuel de Sucrerie', Ed. la Raffinerie Tirlemontoise SA, 1984, 4 th This has been confirmed by other publicly available handbooks, such as Edition. On page 71, it states that, at first glance, the most thorough extract can be obtained by finely grinding the beets so that the beet cells are shredded and their contents flow out easily. However, if ground too finely, a large amount of non-sugar juice will be collected, which must be removed later. Furthermore, separating the juice from the grating containing the shredded cell walls is very difficult. Therefore, on page 59, the handbook also advises caution against chopping the beets too finely, as this can form clumps that cannot enter the extract.

[0007] Another general reference (Cursus Suikertechnologie CSM-RT, Ch.IV.1, page 1,4-9, 1986, in Dutch) confirms the requirement that the amount of cosets with a length <1 cm should be limited to a maximum of 3-5%.

[0008] Therefore, there is consistent teaching in the art that, in order to achieve good extraction behavior, cosets with a length of <1 cm should not be used, or should only be used to a very limited extent. Particle size ranges of less than 1 cm should be avoided.

[0009] Following extraction, typically, the inulin-enriched juice is separated as a filtrate from the inulin-depleted pulp as a residue. The inulin-depleted pulp or residue from the extraction process can be used, for example, as animal feed. Separation can be carried out by several methods, non-limiting examples of which include filtration, pressing, or centrifugation.

[0010] After separating the filtrate containing inulin-enriched juice from the residue containing inulin-depleted pulp, the juice may be further purified as desired. This process may include, for example, steps of lime addition, followed by coagulation by CO2 addition and filtration. The inulin-containing juice may become discolored in this process, which is generally undesirable and requires costly post-treatment. Acid coagulation can also be used as an alternative. Such acid coagulation combined with filtration may require the presence of a filter agent, such as diatomaceous earth or "kieselguhr," to prevent clogging of the filter by destabilizing proteins. This problem can be avoided by using centrifugation. This filter agent has the disadvantage of decomposing inulin by hydrolysis at acidic pH, which may reduce its effectiveness in removing some impurities.

[0011] Generally, known methods for obtaining inulin-containing compositions have the problem of relatively long extraction times, which increase the risk of degradation product formation and microbial contamination, and / or consume relatively large amounts of water. Extraction typically takes about one hour or more to achieve an acceptable yield. Corrected to a typical dry substance of 25% in the fresh product, a weight ratio of 1.2 to 1.6 or more, up to 5, of the amount of input material is not uncommon.

[0012] In this specification, the claims, and the drawings, commas are used as decimal points.

[0013] Furthermore, inulin-containing compositions obtained by known methods have the problem of having relatively high concentrations of fructose, sucrose, and / or inulin with reduced degrees of polymerization (DP), either in absolute terms or relative to the total amount of inulin. Drying the roots would allow for inulin extraction year-round, independent of the growth cycle. Drying is expected to cause the (hemi)cellulose in chicory roots to adhere and bond to each other, forming a less porous structure and thus stabilizing the plant material enzymatically and microbiologically. Conventional methods can achieve drying, for example, by sun-drying or oven-drying a coset of chicory roots. [Overview of the project]

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for obtaining a more profitable inulin-containing composition compared to the known methods described above. Improved profitability may require faster extraction of inulin from plant material such as chicory root and / or enable the acquisition of a juice containing a higher concentration of inulin, which can then be advantageously further processed in fewer subsequent concentration steps.

[0015] The above and other objectives are achieved by the method described in claim 1. This method is as follows: - The step of preparing inulin-containing plant material; - A step of obtaining a particulate inulin-containing plant material, wherein at most 45 vol% of the particles have a particle size of ≦ 0.15 mm and at least 90 vol% of the particles have a particle size of ≦ 4.0 mm; - A step of subjecting the particulate inulin-containing plant material to an extraction step, which step comprises contacting the particulate inulin-containing plant material with an aqueous extractant and extracting inulin from the plant material into the extractant to obtain an inulin-enriched juice and an inulin-depleted pulp; - Separating the inulin-enriched juice as filtrate from the inulin-depleted pulp as residue, preferably by any one of vacuum filtration, pressure filtration and / or centrifugation; comprising.

[0016] The prior art, such as the specification of European Patent No. 0930317, does not mention the importance of the particle size distribution, especially when extracting inulin on an industrial scale. It is generally known that the results obtained on a laboratory scale cannot be easily scaled up to larger scales such as pilot and industrial scales. For the purposes of this application, the industrial scale means that the method is implemented in a facility capable of processing at least 1000 kg of raw material per 24 hours of operation, more preferably at least 3000 kg of raw material, most preferably 5000 kg to 10000 kg or more per 24 hours. In the industrial method according to the present invention, at least 1000 kg of raw material (inulin-containing plant material) per 24 hours of operation, more preferably at least 3000 kg of raw material, most preferably 5000 kg to 10000 kg per 24 hours is provided, and this raw material is then further processed according to the method steps described in the claims.

[0017] The inulin-containing plant material is preferably from the Compositae family, the Cichorideae tribe and the Cichorium genus, such as Chicorium intybus or Taraxacum spp, or from the same Compositae family and the same Cichorideae tribe, but from the Taraxacum genus, such as Taraxacum officinalis or Taraxacum Kok-Sagyz, or from the same Compositae family but from the Helianthus genus, such as Helianthus tuberosus, and more preferably contains Chicorium intybus roots and / or Helianthus tuberosus tubers.

[0018] Extraction from plant materials is consistently taught in the art to be carried out on cossettes exceeding 1 cm (10 mm) in order to avoid problems. It is contrary to common knowledge and thus extremely unexpected that a satisfactory extraction yield can always be achieved when extracting granular plant materials having a particle size in the range of less than 1 cm. The inventors have found that by selecting a specific range within the "forbidden" particle size range of less than 1 cm, a satisfactory yield can be obtained in a relatively short extraction time; furthermore, a preferred separation of inulin-enriched juice from inulin-depleted pulp can also be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows that when using the dry powder from the roots of Chicorium intybus plants sieved with a sieve having a pore size of 2.0 mm, the extraction rate after 1 hour is faster and the final solute concentration rate is higher compared to the dry powder using a larger pore size and the dry root sections. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows that when using dried powder from chicory (Cichorium intybus) plant roots sieved with a 2.0 mm pore size sieve, the extraction rate after 1 hour is faster and the final solute concentration is higher compared to dried powder and dried root sections using a larger pore size sieve. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows that when using dried powder from the roots of chicory (Cichorium intybus) plants with a particle size of less than 4.0 mm, the extraction rate after 1 hour is fast and the final solute concentration is high. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows that when using dried powder from the roots of chicory (Cichorium intybus) plants with a particle size of less than 4.0 mm, the extraction rate after 1 hour is fast and the final solute concentration is high. [Figure 5] Figure 5 plots the carbohydrate content measured by a refractometer for extractions at 65°C and 75°C, respectively. [Figure 6] Figure 6 plots the carbohydrate content measured by a refractometer for extractions at 65°C and 75°C, respectively. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a graph of the increase in carbohydrate content measured over time. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the time-dependent plot of the concentration of dissolved substances in the juice for each example in this experiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the time-dependent plot of the concentration of dissolved substances in the juice for each example in this experiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the results of particle size distribution measurements for Example 27 and Comparative Example N. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the results of particle size distribution measurements for Example 27 and Comparative Example N. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the details of the multi-stage filtration experiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the volume percentage and CE diameter of chicory rasp. [Figure 14]Figure 14 shows that, compared to a coset of fresh chicory (Cichorium intybus), using ground powder from chicory (Cichorium intybus) and Jerusalem artichoke plant roots sieved to obtain the particle size distribution described in the claims results in a faster extraction rate after 1 hour and a higher final solute concentration ratio. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] In the main embodiments of the present invention, the selection of a specific particle size range is combined with the step of drying the inulin-containing plant material to a dry matter content of at least 80 wt.% by measuring according to ISO 6496 before extraction. Surprisingly, it has been found that by drying and grinding (crushing) the plant roots before extraction in any preferred order, a favorable separation of inulin-enriched juice from inulin-depleted pulp can be achieved.

[0021] A particularly useful embodiment of the present invention provides a method for drying inulin-containing plant material to a dry matter content of at least 80 wt.% by measuring according to ISO 6496 before obtaining the inulin-containing plant material in the particulate form.

[0022] In another primary embodiment, a method is provided in which the inulin-containing plant material is subjected to a pre-separation step to extract a juice fraction therefrom before extraction, without drying the inulin-containing plant material before obtaining the particulate form. Where used herein, the term “not dried” means that, with respect to the inulin-containing plant material, the inulin-containing plant material contains at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, or at least 80%, of the amount of water it contained at the time of harvest. It has been proven advantageous to separate the juice fraction from the particles before the actual extraction is carried out. This pre-separation can be carried out by methods known in the art, for example, by centrifugation. The pre-separation step is performed before extraction and facilitates reaching the required temperature and Brix levels in the subsequent extraction step. It has also been proven that a separation step performed after extraction (e.g., by filtration) benefits from this pre-separation step.

[0023] A more preferred embodiment of this method is provided, in which at least 30 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 0.15 mm, and at least 90 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 3.0 mm.

[0024] A more preferable embodiment of the method is one in which at least 30 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 0.10 mm, and at least 90 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 2.0 mm.

[0025] The most preferred embodiment relates to a method in which at least 25 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 0.10 mm, and at least 70 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 1.0 mm.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least 3 or 5 vol%, preferably at least 8 or 10 vol%, of the particles have a particle size ≤ 0.15 mm, preferably ≤ 0.12 mm or ≤ 0.10 mm. The flow should preferably not be too fast, resulting in an unfavorable yield, or too slow, leading to an excessively long duration of the method of the present invention. This has been found to help ensure optimal flow of the extractant and / or inulin-enriched juice through the particulate aggregate.

[0027] The particles of ground plant material typically exhibit a specific particle size distribution. This distribution can be further manipulated by removing or adding fractions obtained by passing the material through a sieve with a specific pore size. For example, passing ground plant material through a sieve with a pore size of 1 mm can remove a substantial fraction containing particles with a particle size of ≥1 mm. Another possibility is to remove a fraction of a specific particle size and then add it back to the ground plant material in a different weight fraction. For example, to obtain material in which at most 30 vol% of particles have a particle size of ≤0.10 mm, the fraction containing particles with a particle size of ≤0.10 mm can be removed first, and then the desired amount, less than 30 vol%, can be added back.

[0028] The particle size distribution of pre-dried particulate inulin material according to one embodiment can be conveniently measured using the Fraunhofer model and laser particle size measurement in accordance with ISO 13320. In such a distribution, particle size D x The x vol% of the particle is D x It is defined as a smaller particle size. In particular, D in the distribution 90 =3mm means that 90 vol% of the particles have a particle size smaller than 3mm, and also the distribution of D 45 =0.15mm means that 45 vol% of the particles have a particle size smaller than 0.15 mm.

[0029] The particle size distribution of particulate inulin material that has not been pre-dried according to another embodiment can be conveniently measured by image analysis. Image analysis provides a quantitative interpretation of particle size and shape distribution. In digital image analysis, the following steps are identified: image acquisition, image reconstruction, segmentation, and filtering, and a specific particle size distribution and a predetermined shape class can be obtained by image measurement.

[0030] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least 95 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 3.0 mm, more preferably at least 99 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 3.0 mm, and most preferably substantially all of the particles have a particle size ≤ 3.0 mm.

[0031] The advantages of the present invention's method have proven to be remarkably significant, potentially reducing the total extraction time from approximately one hour or more, as known from the prior art, to less than 20 minutes, and even less than 10 minutes, while still achieving high extraction yields. This method further enables relatively rapid separation of inulin-enriched juice from inulin-depleted pulp, and may yield at least comparable, and indeed higher, extraction than achieved by known methods. Other advantages include an increased percentage of dry matter content after extraction, reduced water usage, and / or a decrease in the known water / solids ratio.

[0032] The method of the present invention also allows for the production of inulin throughout the year, rather than being typically limited to a 3-4 month harvest period, thus enabling a reduction in the size of the extraction and juice processing plant or facility. Reducing the size of the facility can reduce capital expenditures (CAPEX).

[0033] When drying inulin-containing plant material to a dry matter content of at least 80 wt.%, this may, in embodiments, include sun-drying or solar-drying the inulin-containing plant material, or drying the material in an oven, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, when drying in an oven, the drying temperature is 30°C to 200°C, preferably 40°C to 120°C, more preferably 50°C to 100°C, and even more preferably around 90°C. Higher temperatures may cause the decomposition of inulin in the plant material. Typically, drying involves finding the optimal balance between drying time (which should be as short as possible) and drying temperature (which should be at a level that does not cause decomposition). In other preferred methods, drying is defined as drying to at least 88 wt.% dry matter, more preferably at least 90 to 95 wt.% dry matter, in order to obtain a microbiologically stable product that is resistant to fungal growth. Drying to the extent described above can be achieved by oven drying at a temperature of 30 to 200°C for a period of 1 to 24 hours, more preferably 1.5 to 6 hours.

[0034] A step in the method according to the present invention provides inulin-containing plant material in particulate form or dried inulin-containing plant material, wherein the particles have a specific particle size distribution as described in the claims. In relation to the present invention, particulate material means a collection of particles within the range described in the claims. Grinding of the plant material is a preferred method, wherein the mill is optionally configured to yield, by a subsequent sieving step, a particulate form of plant material having the particle size distribution described in the claims. Particulate inulin-containing plant material having particle sizes within the range described in the claims has been found to exhibit superior performance with respect to yield.

[0035] While a single extraction step may suffice to achieve some of the advantages of the present invention, preferred embodiments of this method are characterized by subjecting optionally dried particulate inulin-containing plant material to multiple N extraction steps. These preferred embodiments make it possible to obtain a relatively high inulin content in the inulin-containing juice, along with a significantly reduced inulin concentration in the final plant material.

[0036] According to yet another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the extraction step or at least one of a plurality of extraction steps is carried out in a countercurrent (or reverse current) flow, where the input material is supplied so as to flow in the opposite direction to the flow of the aqueous extractant. In such embodiments, the first extraction step n=1 (or the start of a continuous extraction process in the countercurrent) is preferably carried out using the aqueous inulin extract that is the most concentrated (with respect to °Brix) of all the extractants.

[0037] An improved method is provided by an embodiment of a method in which the residue obtained in extraction step n is used as input material for the subsequent extraction step n+1, and / or the filtrate obtained in extraction step n+1 is used as an aqueous extractant for extraction step n, where n is a randomly selected extraction step, and where n+1 ≤ N. When we refer to extraction step n and the subsequent extraction step n+1, it is not meant that the multiple extraction steps N are limited to two extraction steps. Extraction steps n and n+1 can be randomly determined within a series of extraction steps, as long as step n+1 follows extraction step n.

[0038] Another embodiment provides a method in which the filtrate obtained in extraction step n is used as an aqueous extractant in the subsequent extraction step n+1. Furthermore, it is more preferable to use the filtrate obtained in the final extraction step as an aqueous extractant in the preceding extraction step.

[0039] In another preferred method, the filtrate obtained in extraction step n+1 is used as the aqueous extractant in extraction step n.

[0040] Extraction is typically carried out using water, but in multiple extraction steps, it may be preferable to perform extraction using an aqueous extraction solution containing a carbohydrate solute or at least one extraction step, wherein the carbohydrate solute preferably contains inulin. The aqueous solution may have a carbohydrate concentration of, for example, up to 20° Brix. In this way, very high carbohydrate, preferably inulin, concentrations can be achieved. In any case, in order to induce extraction, the concentration of inulin in the particulate starting material must be higher than the concentration in the extractant. Therefore, it is preferable to dry the starting material to obtain granular starting material with such concentrations.

[0041] A maximum concentration of approximately 30°Brix in the filtrate is achieved according to the present invention, particularly when using dried inulin-containing plant material. Concentrations above 40°Brix, more preferably above 35°Brix, and most preferably above approximately 30°Brix, inulin solutions may be close to the technical limits, as they may tend to crystallize and / or form slurries with temperature. Such crystallization / slurry formation clearly hinders the separation of inulin-enriched juice from inulin-depleted pulp and can therefore result in a loss of inulin yield.

[0042] Since a high concentration of inulin can be obtained immediately after extraction, subsequent known processing steps that increase the dry matter content by evaporation can be advantageously eliminated or at least significantly reduced.

[0043] It has been proven advantageous to provide one embodiment of a method in which, in a series of extraction steps, the aqueous extractant of extraction step n has a higher carbohydrate content (measured in °Brix) than the aqueous extractant of the subsequent extraction step n+1. This applies to one combination of extraction step n and subsequent extraction step n+1, but preferably to any combination of extraction step n and subsequent extraction step n+1 in embodiments having multiple N extraction steps.

[0044] Other preferred embodiments of this method are provided, in which the aqueous extractant has a carbohydrate content in the range of 0°Brix to 20°Brix.

[0045] In embodiments of the method comprising multiple extraction steps N, the amount of extraction step N is preferably at least 2, more preferably at least 3, even more preferably at least 4, and most preferably at least 5. The carbohydrate content of the aqueous extractant can decrease, for example, from about 20°Brix in the first extraction step to almost 0°Brix in the final extraction step. While conventional inulin extraction may involve 40 or more extraction steps, the number of extraction steps in the methods of the present invention according to some embodiments is significantly less, preferably at most 10, more preferably at most 7, and most preferably at most 5.

[0046] According to the present invention, modifications can be made to the extraction step, or to some or each of the extraction steps in a multi-stage embodiment. For example, it is possible to use an inulin extract aqueous solution obtained elsewhere in one or more extraction steps, optimize the duration of the extraction steps, optimize the temperature and / or pH in the extraction steps, and / or change the number of extraction steps used in the embodied method.

[0047] In useful embodiments of the method of the present invention, the temperature of the extractant in the extraction step or at least one of the multiple extraction steps is provided at 55°C to 95°C, more preferably 60°C or 65°C to 75°C. In embodiments comprising multiple N extraction steps, at least two of the extraction steps may be carried out at different temperatures. Increasing the temperature has been shown to accelerate extraction compared to extraction at lower temperatures and to result in a higher carbohydrate content (°Brix). Carrying out the extraction step at temperatures above 95°C is undesirable because the structure of the plant material may decompose at such temperatures.

[0048] The duration of the extraction steps can vary. In a preferred embodiment of this method, at least one of the extraction steps or a plurality of N extraction steps, and preferably all of them, have a short duration of 10 to 300 seconds (sec), preferably 30 to 150 seconds, and more preferably 50 to 70 seconds per extraction step. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of N extraction steps have a total duration of up to 20 minutes (min), preferably up to 15 or 10 minutes. In this regard, it has been recognized that the durations of different extraction steps do not have to be the same. For example, if six extraction steps are performed, the durations may be 1 minute three times, 2 minutes twice, and 4 minutes once.

[0049] In further embodiments, a method comprising multiple extraction steps is performed, with each extraction step followed by a separation step. In one embodiment, the separation step includes removing the extractant liquid from a bath containing the plant material. The separation is preferably carried out using a different type of apparatus than those conventionally used, in which case it differs from conventional separation methods mainly in that it applies an external force in addition to gravity. The external force may include applying a partial or substantially complete vacuum. Such a vacuum may be in the range of, for example, 50 to 700 millibars, more preferably 100 to 600 millibars, and even more preferably 300 to 500 millibars. A practical embodiment includes vacuum filtration. However, separation by centrifuge is also possible, but is less preferred, particularly due to its high cost.

[0050] A particularly preferred embodiment of this method is provided, in which both the extraction step (or at least one of a plurality of N extraction steps) and the step of separating the filtrate from the residue are carried out by a vacuum band filter and / or rotary filter and / or centrifuge. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least two or all of the plurality of N extraction steps are carried out by one band filter, rotary filter and / or centrifuge, which then all include several alternating sections configured for mixing and separation, enabling countercurrent extraction.

[0051] In the countercurrent extraction process, the filtrate juice obtained in extraction step b (where the plant material sample is extracted again) is led to extraction step a, where the filtrate juice is used for the extraction of plant material samples that were not extracted previously. The filtrate juice used in step b is enriched juice, as it is obtained from three early extraction steps c, d, and e, in which the third, fourth, and fifth extractions of plant material samples such as chicory are performed, respectively.

[0052] While complete countercurrent extraction is considered most beneficial, variations are not ruled out. For example, a plant material sample can remain in place (e.g., in step c) and be extracted multiple times with different extractant juices. Furthermore, plant materials from different sources can be used in different extraction steps.

[0053] The inventors have found that the extraction rate of inulin using the method of the present invention can be at least the same as, or even higher than, that of conventional methods. This beneficial effect is particularly evident when comparing methods using the same extraction time, where the extraction rate can be higher using the method of the present invention than that obtained by conventional methods.

[0054] The observed higher extractivity may also mean that the filtrate contains more inulin with a higher DP on average. This prediction is based on the understanding that lower DP inulin is more soluble in water and extracted more quickly. Therefore, when the extractivity is high, the excess inulin extracted is most likely to be inulin with high DP, or at least inulin with a high DP fraction. Extraction with an aqueous solution having a higher Brix value can contribute to this. Furthermore, the method of the present invention can result in better extraction (i.e., better penetration of water into plant material such as chicory roots), so more high DP inulin chains can dissolve in this process.

[0055] The final filtrate can be characterized by the ratio of the amount of relatively long chains (with a degree of polymerization of 5 or more, "DP5+") to impurities. The latter includes anions, cations, smaller sugars (i.e., fructose, glucose, and sucrose) and amino acids. This ratio has been found to be increased in some embodiments compared to the typical ratio obtained by conventional extractions.

[0056] The pH of the aqueous extractant can affect the extraction steps performed in relation to the method of the present invention. In one embodiment, one or more steps of the extraction process may be performed at a pH of around 3-5, more preferably 4-4.2. Preferably, this is the final extraction step. In conventional methods, such relatively low pH values ​​had to be avoided in the extraction steps, mainly to prevent the degradation of inulin by hydrolysis. However, in this embodiment of the method of the present invention, a significantly shorter extraction time can be used compared to state-of-the-art methods, thus greatly reducing the importance of hydrolysis.

[0057] In another embodiment, the method of the present invention may be further modified to include a coagulation step, which comprises the steps of: adding a coagulant to the extractant to form at least one floc containing at least one impurity of the extractant; and discharging the floc after floc formation. The coagulation step is preferably performed in the final extraction step. In addition, dried inulin-containing plant material in particulate form, wherein the particles have the particle size described in the claim, can be effective as a filtration means used in the coagulation step.

[0058] The filtrate juice obtained from the method of the present invention can preferably be quite clear from the start, so unwanted proteins are thought to remain in the inulin-depleted pulp residue without the need for diatomaceous earth to prevent filter clogging, for example. Yet another advantage of this specification is that the pulp may be more nutrient-rich. This is important because the pulp may be used as animal feed.

[0059] A useful embodiment of the method according to the present invention is configured such that, in order to obtain an inulin-enriched juice having a carbohydrate content of at least 25°Brix, preferably at least 26 or 28°Brix, and more preferably at least 29°Brix in the final extraction step, the extraction steps are configured to increase the carbohydrate content of the inulin-enriched juice during the process of the extraction steps.

[0060] In yet another embodiment of this method, the extraction steps are configured to obtain inulin-depleted pulp having an overall inulin depletion of at least 80 or 90%, more preferably at least 95%, of the total initial weight of inulin in the plant material. [Examples]

[0061] Examples and Comparative Examples The following examples are provided to further illustrate the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. In the following examples, inulin-containing plant materials are treated according to the method according to the present invention and compared in comparative examples with untreated or untreated materials.

[0062] analysis They are connected in series and heated to 72±2℃, K + HPLC analysis was performed by preparing a set of two columns, each 30 cm long and 7.8 mm in diameter, loaded with Aminex HPX-87K ion exclusion resin, and fitted with an HPLC pump and an autosampler with a 4°C cooling system. The column set was 0.50 cm 3 The column was used with a KOH eluent solution at a flow rate of 1 / min with a pH of 9.5-9.6. In each of the experiments described below in this example, the sample size was set to 100 μL. The column was initially filled with stock solutions of different sugars and fructooligosaccharides, namely fructose (F), glucose (G), sucrose (GF), and multiple fructooligosaccharides with a known average degree of polymerization n. nCalibration was performed using solutions containing the solution. During this calibration, the stock solutions were injected undiluted to determine the peak positions in the chromatogram, and then diluted (5, 10, 15, and 30 grams of stock per gram of solution) to determine the response coefficients, making the area under the peaks available for quantitative analysis.

[0063] One way to express the quantitative results of HPLC measurements on a sample is in the form of "grams per 100 grams °Brix," where the result is expressed as a weight percentage of the total weight attributable to the compounds contributing to °Brix. Another way to express the quantitative results is as a weight percentage of the total amount of soluble carbohydrates in the sample, typically called "grams per 100 grams of carbohydrates."

[0064] Chromatographic analysis showed that the HPLC column could not separate inulins with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 5 or higher (including fructooligosaccharides), suggesting that inulins with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 5 or higher (including fructooligosaccharides) form a single peak (typically referred to as "DP5+"). This is well-known in the HPLC analysis of inulins.

[0065] Dry matter content was assessed using ISO 6496(1999) without preliminary adjustments, and in all of the following cases, the procedure was carried out using a drying method of 4 hours at 105°C within the margin defined in the standard. Dry matter content is estimated from the water and other volatile matter content (by weight) w1, with all substances that are not water or volatile matter considered as dry matter.

[0066] Particle size distribution measurements of pre-dried samples were performed in triple replication using a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 and a Scirocco 2000 module with a dispersion pressure of 1 bar, in accordance with ISO 13320:2009. The results were interpreted according to the Fraunhofer model and averaged.

[0067] Particle size distribution measurements for pre-dried / fresh samples were performed by image analysis according to the following method: A Morphologi G3 with episcopic and diascopic illumination for statically dispersed particles on a high-precision XY stage was used. A 5-megapixel camera collected images of individual particles in the particle size range of 0.5 to 3000 μm, as well as those smaller than 0.5 μm and larger than 3000 μm. All individual particle images were analyzed by software that yielded statistically significant particle size and shape information. Particle size and particle size distribution were determined, and multiple shape parameters were calculated for each of the generated individual particles and shape distributions. Basic morphological dimensions such as area in pixels and micrometers, principal axis, length, width, maximum distance, and perimeter are the basis for various shape distributions. The morphological parameter applied to the shape distribution is the CE diameter, defined as the diameter of a circle having the same area as the projected area of ​​the particle image.

[0068] The primary result of the imaging is a numerically based particle size distribution, in which case particle size is related to their equivalent circular diameters. The quantitative particle shape distribution is defined by a shape descriptor obtained from the ratio of two particle size dimensions.

[0069] The following apparatus and methods were used. The sample consisted of a Nikon CFI bright-field / dark-field microscope (Eclips L200ND) and a Malvern Morphologi G3SE equipped with a Baumer 5M-pixel CCD digital color camera. For microscopic imaging, four calibration gratings with different pitches covering the instrument's maximum range were used. Small chunks of the frozen sample were removed from the sample jar and placed in a beaker. Water was added to the beaker containing the sample, and the sample was stirred until the larger chunks were completely thawed and dispersed. Three ml of the dispersion was taken and placed on a microscope glass plate for analysis. The above procedure was repeated three times. To achieve a true focus across the entire body of the large and small three-dimensional particles, up to four images were taken at different focal points of the particles and then combined to obtain a single composite image.

[0070] To determine the concentration of dissolved substances in an aqueous solution, a refractometer is used and calibrated daily with water (0° Brix) and monthly with a sucrose solution having a carbohydrate content of either 15° Brix or 35° Brix based on sucrose.

[0071] Experiment 1: Extraction using various starting materials The first sample set was prepared from Cichorium intybus plants, the roots of which were sliced and dried to a suitable dry matter content, which corresponded to 88.0% dry matter content in accordance with ISO 6496 (1999) as specified above. Subsequently, the dried root slices were either used as such for comparison or, to obtain samples according to the present invention, were ground into particulate starting material, sieved through a sieve having a specific pore size, and also used for comparative tests with powders having a particle size distribution not according to the present invention. The samples are summarized in Table 1. In this regard, the sieve range of the powder is defined by the sieve used to obtain the starting material. For example, a sieve range of 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm for the powder means that the sample was composed of starting material that could pass through a sieve with a pore size of 2.0 mm but could not pass through a sieve with a pore size of 1.0 mm. w TIFF2026067977000002.tif117170

[0072] Each 15 grams of each sample was brought into contact with 100 grams of water. During extraction, the water was maintained at the temperature T described in Table 1, and a refractometer was used to continuously determine the concentration of dissolved substances in the juice at 2.5 minutes, 5 minutes, and at 5-minute intervals until 1 hour was reached. extr

[0073] Figures 1 and 2 show that when using dry powder from the roots of Cichorium intybus plants sieved through a sieve with a pore size of 2.0 mm, the extraction rate after 1 hour is faster and the final solute concentration rate is higher compared to dry powder using a larger pore size and dry root slices.

[0074] ​​Experiment 2: Extraction using various starting materials and various extraction periods Root samples from various chicory (Cichorium intybus) plants were prepared from the same plant material as described in Experiment 1, using the methods summarized in Table 2. Extraction was otherwise carried out in the same manner as in Experiment 1, except that this experiment included an additional experiment completed after 20 minutes (Examples 6A and 8A). TIFF2026067977000003.tif93170

[0075] The experimental product was separated into a filtrate (analyzed by HPLC) and a residue by vacuum filtration under an 800 mbar vacuum after extraction. To simulate complete extraction, the residue was extracted with water at 75°C for 60 minutes and separated again into a residue (discarded) and a filtrate (analyzed by HPLC).

[0076] Table 3 shows an overview of the solute concentrations in the extract (from the extraction) and the residual liquid (estimated from the extract of an extraction simulating complete extraction), as well as the amount of fructooligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization of 5 or higher. TIFF2026067977000004.tif92170

[0077] The results in this table demonstrate that it is possible to extract more inulin with a relatively high degree of polymerization from the sample according to the present invention in a shorter period of time, and that in this case, extraction with smaller particles generally yields a higher yield, even for chains with a DP of 5 or higher. Furthermore, it is clear that this procedure results in a reduction in the amount of soluble carbohydrates present in the residual solution after extraction.

[0078] Figures 3 and 4 show that when using dried powder from chicory (Cichorium intybus) plant roots with a particle size of less than 4.0 mm, the extraction rate after 1 hour is faster and the final solute concentration is higher.

[0079] Experiment 3: Extraction using an extractant with a high carbohydrate content Root samples from various chicory (Cichorium intybus) plants were prepared from the same plant materials as described in Experiment 1, using the method summarized in Table 4. Extraction and complete extraction simulations were performed in the same manner as in Experiment 2, but the extractant used was a mixture of spray-dried inulin derived from chicory (Cichorium intybus) and water, and the starting carbohydrate content was confirmed by a refractometer to obtain an aqueous extractant with a starting carbohydrate content of 20° Brix. TIFF2026067977000005.tif78170

[0080] The carbohydrate content, measured with a refractometer, is plotted in Figures 5 and 6 for extractions at 65°C and 75°C, respectively. These figures illustrate the possibility of obtaining juices with high solute concentrations expressed in °Brix.

[0081] Experiment 4: Countercurrent simulation using smaller proportions for differences Starting with water as an aqueous extractant with 0°Brix, multiple extractants were obtained by mixing predetermined amounts of spray-dried inulin with water to further obtain aqueous extractants with carbohydrate content of 20°Brix, 15°Brix, 10°Brix, and 5°Brix, respectively. Each extractant was then mixed with 10% to bring the pH of the extractant to 5.5. w It contains an amount of sulfuric acid.

[0082] Root samples from various chicory (Cichorium intybus) plants were prepared from the plants, sliced, and dried. The dry matter content of the starting material was 88.0%. w This was confirmed (ISO 6496(1999) as indicated above). The sliced ​​and dried roots were subsequently ground into particulate starting material and sieved through sieves with specific pore sizes summarized in Table 7. TIFF2026067977000006.tif47170

[0083] Countercurrent extraction was simulated by performing the following steps: 15 grams of particulate (starting) material from one sample was mixed with 100 grams of preparation 20° Brix extractant and t extrAfter contacting the solution once per second, the solution was filtered by vacuum filtration to obtain the first filtrate and the first residue. In the second step, the first residue was mixed with a predetermined amount of prepared 15° Brix extractant. extr After contact for a few seconds, the first residue was added to a total of 115 grams, and filtered by vacuum filtration to obtain the second filtrate and the second residue. In the third step, the second residue was mixed with a predetermined amount of prepared 10° Brix extractant. extr After contact for a few seconds, the second residue was added to a total of 115 grams, and filtered by vacuum filtration to obtain the third filtrate and the third residue. In the fourth step, the third residue was mixed with a predetermined amount of prepared 5° Brix extractant and t extr After contact for a few seconds, the third residual liquid was added to a total of 115 grams, and filtered by vacuum filtration to obtain the fourth filtrate and the fourth residual liquid. In the fifth step, the fourth residual liquid was mixed with a predetermined amount of water (0° Brix) and t extr The mixture was allowed to come into contact for a few seconds, and the total weight with the fourth residual liquid was 115 grams. This mixture was then filtered by vacuum filtration to obtain the final filtrate and final residual liquid. During each of these simulations, the temperature of the extraction bath was 65°C.

[0084] After each simulation, the concentration of dissolved substances in the filtrate was measured using a refractometer according to the procedure described above. Furthermore, to simulate complete extraction, 60 grams of the final residue from each experiment was extracted with 300 grams of water at 75°C for 60 minutes and filtered by vacuum filtration. The amount of dissolved substances in this filtrate (representing the amount still present after the completion of the simulation) was determined using a refractometer. The results are shown in Table 8. TIFF2026067977000007.tif82170

[0085] The results in this table show that, at an extraction bath temperature of 65°C, the difference in extraction quality between extraction times of 60 seconds and 150 seconds is within a statistically significant range. Counterflow extraction using five 60-second steps is sufficient to obtain high yields of excellent quality.

[0086] Experiment 5: Countercurrent simulation using smaller proportions Starting with water as an aqueous extractant with a 0°Brix, a predetermined amount of spray-dried inulin was mixed with water to obtain aqueous extractants with carbohydrate content of 20°Brix, 15°Brix, 10°Brix, and 5°Brix, respectively, thereby obtaining multiple extractants. Each extractant was then mixed with 10% to bring the pH of the extractant to 5.5. w It contains an amount of sulfuric acid.

[0087] Root samples from various chicory (Cichorium intybus) plants were prepared from the plants, sliced, and dried. The dry matter content of the starting material was confirmed to be 91.9% w (ISO 6496 (1999) as indicated above). Subsequently, the dried material was ground into particulate starting material and sieved using a sieve with a specific pore size. The samples are summarized in Table 9. TIFF2026067977000008.tif46170

[0088] Countercurrent extraction was simulated by performing the following steps: 15 grams of particulate (starting) material from one sample was contacted with 100 grams of prepared 20° Brix extractant for 60 seconds each, and then filtered by vacuum filtration to obtain the first filtrate and the first residue. In the second step, the first residue was contacted with a predetermined amount of prepared 15° Brix extractant for 60 seconds to a total of 115 grams, and then filtered by vacuum filtration to obtain the second filtrate and the second residue. In the third step, the second residue was contacted with a predetermined amount of prepared 10° Brix extractant for 60 seconds to a total of 115 grams, and then filtered by vacuum filtration to obtain the third filtrate and the third residue. In the fourth step, the third residue was contacted with a predetermined amount of prepared 5° Brix extractant for 60 seconds to a total of 115 grams, and then filtered by vacuum filtration to obtain the fourth filtrate and the fourth residue. In the fifth step, the fourth residue was brought into contact with a predetermined amount of water (0° Brix) for 60 seconds, bringing the total weight to 115 grams. This mixture was then filtered by vacuum filtration to obtain the final filtrate and final residue. The extraction bath temperature was 65°C during each of these simulations.

[0089] After each simulation, the concentration of dissolved substances in the filtrate was measured using a refractometer according to the procedure described above, and the time required to complete filtration was recorded. Furthermore, to simulate complete extraction, 60 grams of the final residue from each experiment was extracted with 300 grams of water at 75°C for 60 minutes, and then filtered by vacuum filtration. The amount of dissolved substances in this filtrate (representing the amount still present after the completion of the simulation) was determined using a refractometer. The results are shown in Table 10. TIFF2026067977000009.tif84170

[0090] The results in this table demonstrate an increase in the amount of dissolved substances in the extract when using starting materials with relatively small particle sizes, but also show that particles smaller than 0.20 mm lead to filtration with durations unsuitable for practical implementation.

[0091] Experiment 6: Comparison of root sections and particulate matter based on them The roots of the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus) are sliced ​​and dried in an oven at 105°C overnight, until 97.5% w The material was dried to the dry matter content (as confirmed using ISO 6496 as specified above). A portion of the dried material was ground into particulate starting material and sieved using a sieve with a specific pore size. The samples are summarized in Table 11. TIFF2026067977000010.tif46170

[0092] The particle size distribution of sample 19 was measured and summarized in Table 12. This measurement also determined that the sample had a D5 size of 63 μm and a D size of 619 μm. 50 , 1269 μm D 95 It was shown that it possesses this characteristic. TIFF2026067977000011.tif113170

[0093] Each 15-gram sample was brought into contact with 100 grams of water. During extraction, the water was maintained at a temperature of 65°C, and the concentration of dissolved substances in the juice after 5 minutes was determined using a refractometer (calibrated with several aqueous solutions having known carbohydrate content), and this is summarized in Table 13.

[0094] The extracted filtrate was analyzed by HPLC, and the measured amount of DP5+ (expressed as grams per 100 g Brix) is also recorded in Table 13. TIFF2026067977000012.tif57170

[0095] These results demonstrate that, compared to material sections from the same plant, it is possible to achieve higher solute concentrations within the same timeframe when particles have a particle size of less than 2.0 mm, and especially less than 1.0 mm.

[0096] Experiment 7: Example 21, Dandelion Extraction The roots of the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) were harvested in October, oven-dried at 60°C for 12 hours, and then ground into particulate matter. The granular material was sieved through a sieve with a pore size of 1.0 mm, and the starting material was obtained from the material that passed through the sieve.

[0097] Fifteen grams of the sieved sample were brought into contact with 100 grams of water. During extraction, the water was kept at a temperature of 65°C, and the concentration of dissolved substances in the juice was measured at 5-minute intervals using a refractometer until a plateau was reached (i.e., there was no difference in values ​​between three consecutive measurements). Figure 7 shows a graph of the increase in carbohydrate content measured over time.

[0098] The extracted filtrate was analyzed by HPLC. In the first embodiment, this analysis revealed that the amount of inulin in the filtrate was 89.8 grams per 100 grams of carbohydrate, demonstrating that large amounts of inulin can be extracted from materials other than particulate chicory (Cichorium intybus). In the second embodiment, the extracted inulin had a DP5+ ratio of 69.2 grams per 100 grams of Brix, which decreases to 79.0 grams per 100 grams of carbohydrate. The mean DP of the filtrate was determined to be 10.4 by AOAC Method 997.08.

[0099] These results demonstrate that particulate starting materials other than chicory (Cichorium intybus), such as dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), can be advantageously used in the method of the present invention, as evidenced by the rapid achievement of high yields and the high degree of polymerization (DP) of the resulting inulin.

[0100] Experiment 8 Slice the roots of the chicory (Cichorium intybus) plant and, according to ISO 6496 (1999) as indicated above, 88.0% w The material was dried to a dry matter content of [value missing]. The sliced ​​and dried material was ground into particulate starting material and sieved through a sieve with a specific pore size.

[0101] Using the obtained fractions, a mixture was prepared according to Table 14, which lists the weight percentage of each fraction in the composition. TIFF2026067977000013.tif62170

[0102] Each of the mixtures described in the examples was extracted in 300 grams of water at a dose of 45 grams. Using a refractometer, the concentration of dissolved substances in the juice was determined at 2.5 minutes, then at 2.5-minute intervals continuously until 20 minutes, with a final measurement taken after 1 hour.

[0103] Figure 8 is a time-course plot of the concentration of dissolved substances in the juice for each example in this experiment. Figure 9 shows the same data but with differences (i.e., the difference from Example 22 each time), which we call the "extraction loss". This demonstrates that compositions with a significant amount of particles larger than 4 mm in diameter result in slower extraction, especially during the first 10 minutes of extraction, and even lower final extractability. Within the range including particles smaller than 4 mm in diameter, compositions with smaller particles surprisingly still show good filterability, while exhibiting increased extraction.

[0104] Experiment 9 The roots of the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus) were sliced ​​and dried to a dry matter content of 88.0% w, suitable for storage, in accordance with ISO 6496 (1999) as indicated above. The sliced ​​and dried material was ground into particulate starting material. The "fine powder" fraction was separated from the main fraction (now the "fine powder" is depleted) using a sieve with a pore size of 100 microns. Subsequently, a portion of the "fine powder" fraction and a portion of the main fraction were combined again to prepare two compositions: a composition containing 20% ​​by weight of particles with a particle size of less than 100 microns (Example 27) and a composition containing 30% by weight of particles with a particle size of less than 100 microns (Comparative Example N). The particle size distribution measurements for Example 27 and Comparative Example N were performed according to the procedure described above, and the results are shown in Figure 10 (cumulative) and Figure 11.

[0105] A multi-stage filtration experiment was conducted according to Figure 12. The experiment included cycle numbers 1, 2, ..., n, each of which consisted of five steps 11-15; 21-25; n1-n5. In cycle 1, in step 11, 45 grams of composition (111) was brought into contact with a bath of 300 grams of warm water (112) at 75°C for 150 seconds, and then filtered by vacuum filtration to obtain a residue or cake (113) on the uncracked filter and a juice or filtrate (114). The filtrate 114 was collected. In each of the subsequent steps 12-15 of this cycle, 200 grams of warm water (75°C) was poured over the filter containing the cake from the previous step, and the filtrate was collected. In the final step 15, filtration was carried out until cracks were visible in the cake, and the filtrate was further squeezed by hand. Subsequent cycles were carried out in a similar manner, but instead of using warm water, a mixture of filtrates obtained in the previous cycle was used in all steps except the last step. In the first step of the cycle following the first cycle, the bath consisted of the filtrate from the second step of the previous cycle (i.e., step 12) as 212a, supplemented with the filtrate from the first step of the previous cycle (i.e., step 11) as 212b up to a total of 300 grams, which was then diluted with the filtrate obtained from the last step of the previous cycle (i.e., step 15) as 212c to obtain the maximum calculated solute concentration at the inlet of 16° Brix, if necessary, to avoid crystallization during extraction. In the second to fourth steps of the subsequent cycle, instead of using hot water, a mixture of the filtrate obtained from the next step of the previous cycle and the filtrate obtained from the final step of the previous cycle was used, totaling 200 grams and at a temperature of 75°C.

[0106] In Example 27, the two experiments could be completed in 10 cycles, with total filtration times of 1292 and 986 seconds in the 10th cycle, resulting in an average of 228 seconds per step. In Comparative Example N, two experiments were conducted, but both were stopped during the third cycle because the filtration time in the third cycle was more than 900 seconds per step.

[0107] In this experiment, processing of materials in which particles with a diameter of less than 100 μm accounted for 20% by volume of the total composition proceeded favorably; in contrast, processing of materials in which particles with a diameter of less than 100 μm accounted for 30% by volume of the total composition presented significant problems due to unacceptably long filtration times.

[0108] Experiment 10: Newly crushed roots of various plants Chicory (Cichorium intybus) roots were sliced, ground into fresh particulate starting material, and then sieved using a sieve with a specific pore size. The particle size distribution of the sample in Example 28 was measured by image analysis. The sample was 454 μm D 10 , 1405 μm D 50 , 2778 μm D 90 The sample contained only 2 vol.% of particles smaller than 0.15 mm and no particles larger than 4.0 mm.

[0109] The roots of Jerusalem artichoke were sliced, freshly ground into particulate starting material, and sieved through a sieve with a specific pore size. The particle size distribution of the sample in Example 29 was measured by image analysis. The sample was 907 μm D 10 , 1913 μm D 50 , and D 3406 μm 90 The sample contained only 0.3 vol.% of particles smaller than 0.15 mm, and no particles larger than 4.0 mm.

[0110] Freshly sliced ​​chicory (Cichorium intybus) roots were prepared in a coset form as comparative example P.

[0111] A 55-gram sample was brought into contact with 60 grams of water. During extraction, the water was heated to a temperature of 65°C. extr The mixture was kept at a constant temperature, and the concentration of the dissolved substance was measured using a refractometer over a time frame of approximately one hour (3600 seconds).

[0112] Figure 14 shows that, compared to a coset of fresh chicory (Cichorium intybus), using ground powder from chicory (Cichorium intybus) and Jerusalem artichoke plant roots sieved to obtain the particle size distribution described in the claims results in a faster extraction rate after 1 hour and a higher final solute concentration ratio.

[0113] Experiment 11: Plant roots freshly centrifuged before extraction The roots of the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus) were sliced, freshly ground into particulate starting material, and sieved through a sieve with a specific pore size. The particle size distribution of the sample in Example 30 was measured by image analysis. The sample was 885 μm D 10 , 1909 μm D 50 , and 3216 μm D 90 The sample contained only 0.3 vol.% of particles smaller than 0.15 mm and 6 vol.% of particles larger than 4.0 mm. The particulate plant roots had a solid content of 21.8 wt.%.

[0114] Next, the granular plant roots were centrifuged in the previous separation step to obtain the juice separated from the pulp. The juice contained 23.5 wt.% Brix. The pulp had a solid content of 27.3 wt.% solids, from which the soluble content was 18.6°Bx.

[0115] Next, the pulp was subjected to extraction using a 5Bx solution (55g pulp / 60g water ratio) at 65°C for 2.5 minutes. After filtering the juice from the solids, a juice with a Brix of 11.5% was obtained.

[0116] Next, the remaining liquid was subjected to a second extraction (38.8g of remaining liquid / 76.2g of water) at 65°C for 2.5 minutes. The filtered juice had a Brix of 3.8°. The solid portion had a solid content of 18.7 wt.%, from which the soluble portion had a Brix of 3.8°.

[0117] Comparing Experiment 11 (i.e., including the pre-separation step) with Experiment 10 (i.e., without the pre-separation step), when the inulin-containing plant material is not dried before providing it in particulate form, the following occurs when the pre-separation step is performed: • Significantly facilitates reaching the desired temperature for extraction; • Significantly improved the filtration function after extraction; • Significantly reduces the need to evaporate water from filtered juice; • Reduced the risk of inulin breakdown. This has been proven.

Claims

1. In a method for obtaining an inulin-containing composition, the following: - Steps include preparing inulin-containing plant material; - A step of obtaining the inulin-containing plant material in particulate form, wherein the particles have a particle size distribution such that at least 45 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 0.15 mm, and at least 90 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 4.0 mm; - A step of subjecting the particulate inulin-containing plant material to an extraction step, which includes contacting the particulate inulin-containing plant material with an aqueous extractant to extract inulin from the plant material into the extractant to obtain inulin-enriched juice and inulin-depleted pulp; - Preferably, the step of separating the inulin-enriched juice as a filtrate from the inulin-depleted pulp as a residual liquid by vacuum filtration, pressure filtration and / or centrifugation, A method characterized by including the following.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, before obtaining the inulin-containing plant material in the particulate form, the inulin-containing plant material is dried to a dry matter content of at least 80 wt.% by measurement according to ISO 6496.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, before obtaining the inulin-containing plant material in the particulate form, the inulin-containing plant material is not dried, and the particulate inulin-containing plant material is subjected to a pre-separation step to extract a juicy fraction therefrom before the extraction.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least 30 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 0.15 mm, and at least 90 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 3.0 mm.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least 30 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 0.10 mm, and at least 90 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 2.0 mm.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least 25 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 0.10 mm, and at least 70 vol% of the particles have a particle size ≤ 1.0 mm.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least 5 vol%, preferably at least 10 vol%, of the particles have a particle size of ≤0.15 mm or ≤0.10 mm.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the particulate inulin-containing plant material is subjected to a plurality of extraction steps N, wherein N ≥ 2.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the extraction step or at least one of the plurality of extraction steps is carried out in a countercurrent, wherein the input material is supplied so as to flow in the opposite direction to the flow direction of the aqueous extractant.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the residual liquid obtained in extraction step n is used as the input material for the subsequent extraction step n+1, where n+1 ≤ N, and more preferably, the residual liquid obtained in the last extraction step is used as the input material for the preceding extraction step.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the filtrate obtained in the extraction step n+1 is used as an aqueous extractant in the extraction step n.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the aqueous extractant in extraction step n has a higher carbohydrate content (measured in °Brix) than the aqueous extractant in the subsequent extraction step n+1.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the inulin-containing plant material is dried, and the aqueous extractant has a carbohydrate content in the range of 0°Brix to 40°Brix, more preferably 0°Brix to 35°Brix, more preferably 0°Brix to 30°Brix, and most preferably 0°Brix to 20°Brix.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the total number of extraction steps N is at least 4, and the carbohydrate content of the aqueous extractant decreases from 30° Brix in the first extraction step to 0° Brix in the final extraction step.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the extraction step or at least one of the plurality of extraction steps, and the step of separating the filtrate from the residual liquid are carried out by a vacuum band filter, a pressure filter and / or a rotary vacuum filter and / or a centrifuge.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at least one of the extraction steps or the plurality of N extraction steps, and preferably all of the extraction steps, has a duration of 10 to 300 seconds, preferably 30 to 150 seconds, and more preferably 50 to 70 seconds per extraction step, and / or the plurality of extraction steps have a total duration of up to 20 minutes, preferably up to 10 minutes.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the weight ratio of the amount of final juice or filtrate to the amount of the input material is 0.5 to 1.2, corrected for the typical dry substance of 25% fresh material in all of the extraction steps.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the temperature of the extractant in at least one of the extraction steps or the plurality of extraction steps is set to 55°C to 95°C, more preferably 60°C to 75°C.

19. below: a. The step of adding a flocculant to the extractant to form at least one floc containing at least one impurity of the extractant; b. A step of discharging the floc after the floc has been formed, Furthermore, including here, c. Steps a. and b. are preferably carried out in the final extraction step, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that at least one of the extraction or the multiple N extraction steps and / or at least one of the optional floc formation steps is carried out at a pH of 3 to 5.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the step of obtaining the inulin-containing plant material in particulate form is carried out by crushing and / or grinding the inulin-containing plant material, and optionally thereafter by sieving.

22. The method according to any one of claims 2 or 4 to 21, characterized in that the step of drying the inulin-containing plant material to the dry matter content is carried out by sun drying or oven drying at a temperature of 30°C to 200°C, preferably 40°C to 100°C.

Images