Kevin J Andres

US Patent:

47768720, Oct 11, 1988

Filed:

Sep 30, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/781964

Inventors:

Perry Mulleavy - Aptos CA
W. B. Raymer - Friday Harbor WA
Kevin J. Andres - Bonne Terre MO
Thomas G. Patton - E. Lansing MI
Donald W. Protheroe - Farmington MO
Robert W. Paskewitz - Huntsville TX

Assignee:

Monterey Mushrooms, Inc. - Watsonville CA

International Classification:

C05G 300
A01G 104

US Classification:

71 5

Abstract:

A mushroom growth enhancer is provided consisting of a cracked soybean product in combination with a preservative agent. The cracked soybean product is size-adjusted to -10+30 U. S. standard mesh and dehulled. The dehulled, size-adjusted product is then combined with a preservative agent. The resulting combination is pasteurized at 220. degree. F. for 5 minutes. After pasteurization, excess water is evaporated to prevent spoilage by microorganisms not destroyed during pasteurization. After water evaporization, the resulting product is rapidly cooled. Rapid cooling prevents denaturation of the soybean protein. Because the present invention consists of a substantially undenatured protein product, the use of adversely high temperature conditions and harmful chemical denaturants is not required. Instead, the combination of reduced particle size, pasteurization, preservative agent addition, and dehulling result in a product effectively used as a nutrient source by growing mushrooms, while eliminating the use thereof by undesired foreign microorganisms.