Stability of soybean seed composition and its effect on soymilk and tofu yield and quality

Soymilk was made from 10 soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] lines grown at three locations for 2 years, using an 18:1 water/soy protein ratio. Tofu was made with either glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) or calcium sulphate dihydrate (CS). Genotype and year effects were substantially greater than location effects on soybean protein content and seed composition; soymilk and tofu yield, solids levels, and pH; and tofu colour, hardness, and firmness. Genotype by location and genotype by year interaction effects were minor relative to the genotype and year effects. Yield of soymilk, GDL tofu, and CS tofu, which averaged 7.39 l, 6.29 kg, and 6.15 kg per kg soybeans, respectively, were all positively correlated with seed protein and stachyose, and negatively correlated with seed oil, free sugar, sucrose and remainder content. Seed protein was positively correlated with tofu hardness and firmness, while seed oil, free sugar, sucrose, and remainder content were generally negatively correlated with tofu quality parameters. Results of stepwise regression analysis showed that seed protein was the major determinant of soymilk yield and solids content, while soymilk yield was, in turn, the major factor determining GDL tofu yield. Procedures used in making soymilk and tofu play a major role in determining which seed component has a major effect on soymilk and tofu yield and quality.     

Comparison of Two Small-Scale Processing Methods for Testing Silken Tofu Quality

In developing a simple, reliable, small-scale method to assess silken tofu quality in our soybean improvement program, we examined two processing methods and two coagulants, glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) or nigari (magnesium chloride) in two experiments. Silken tofu was prepared from a commercial soybean variety (expt 1) or seven soybean varieties (V1–V7) which were grown and harvested together (expt 2). The soybeans were soaked overnight (the soak method, with 55 g soybeans) or ground dry first (the dry method, with 60 g soybeans) before processing. The quality of the silken tofu was evaluated and compared among varieties and coagulant-processing methods and their interactions. Moisture and protein content in soymilk and soybean seeds, soymilk yield and protein and solid recovery in soymilk were determined. Compared with the dry method, the soak method allowed faster soymilk extraction, produced soymilk with lower solid and higher protein content and firmer silken tofu with either GDL or nigari as coagulant. Depending on whether nigari or GDL was used as coagulant, the soak method also produced silken tofu with the highest or the lowest water loss which correlated strongly and negatively with tofu hardness (r?=??0.93***). Differences were detected among varieties for the key quality attributes. Taken together, the soak method with GDL as coagulant would be the preferred combination to use to assess tofu quality.     

Effect of Soybean Varieties and Growing Locations on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Soymilk and Tofu

ABSTRACT: Soybean varieties and growing location greatly affected the protein content and color of soymilk and the protein content and yield of tofu ( P < 0.05). Protein content of soybeans was the most important affecting factor for the qualities of soymilk and tofu. There were significant correlations between the protein contents of soybeans and soymilks ( P < 0.05). There were also significant correlation between the soybean protein and the total solid content of soymilk (P < 0.05). Tofu moisture content had significant effect on the hardness and yield of tofu (P < 0.05). The correlation between soybean protein and tofu yield was significant at P < 0.05. The protein content and yield of tofu can be predicted by analyzing soybean protein.     

EFFECT OF SOYBEAN STORAGE ON TOFU AND SOYMILK PRODUCTION1

Century 84 and Century -L₂L₃ (lacking lipoxygenase isozymes 2 and 3) near isogenic soybean varieties were stored at five temperature and relative humidity conditions for up to three months. At one-month intervals, soybeans were retrieved from storage and processed into soymilk and tofu. Chemical and physical characteristics of the soybeans, soymilk, and tofu were analyzed. In general, soybean storage above 25C and 50% relative humidity adversely affected the characteristics of the soymilk (reduced pH and solids content) and tofu (decreased yield and moisture content, and darker color) produced. Century -L₂L₃ soybeans were more resistant to changes during adverse storage than were Century 84 soybeans.     

Yield and Quality of Tofu as Affected by Soybean and Soymilk Characteristics. Calcium Sulfate Coagulant

Nine light hilum soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) varieties were used to study the characteristics of soybeans and soymilk that affect the yield and quality of tofu coagulated with calcium sulfate. The yield of tofu was not affected by the size of soybeans. Soybean varieties high in protein, fat and phosphorus contents produce tofu with higher protein, fat and phosphorus contents. Two models for predicting the yield of tofu were proposed. According to model one, soymilk with higher pH and total solids gives a higher yield of tofu. According to model two, soybeans high in protein and ash and low in phosphorus give a higher yield of tofu.     

Relationships between protein and other chemical composition and texture of tofu made from soybeans grown in different locations

Understanding quantitative relationships between protein and other chemical components in diverse soybean genotypes (lines) grown in different locations and the firmness of tofu can provide scientific insight for selecting soybean suitable for tofu making. Locations showed significant effects on seed components, including total protein, major storage proteins, subunits and polypeptides of the major storage proteins, and calcium, but not magnesium or phytic acid. Results showed that 11S content, but not 11S/7S ratio, was only correlated with filled tofu firmness when analyzed over all locations. A strong and positive correlation between firmness and A₃ polypeptide of the 11S protein content was found for both pressed tofu (r = 0.80, p < 0.001) and filled tofu (r = 0.76, p < 0.001) over three locations (overall pooled data) and within most individual locations. The correlation of filled tofu firmness and A₃ polypeptide was significant for each of the three individual locations. However, the correlation of pressed tofu firmness and A₃ polypeptide content was significant at two of three locations. Mean calcium content was positively correlated with mean pressed and filled tofu firmness over all locations, but calcium was not correlated with pressed tofu firmness at any individual location, and only one location showed a significant correlation of calcium and filled tofu firmness. In addition, pressed tofu firmness was found to be negatively correlated with tofu yield. The findings that A₃ polypeptide's strong relationship with tofu firmness within certain locations may be used by the food industry to select proper soybean for manufacturing tofu and to facilitate tofu soybean breeding for tofu making.     

Changes of soybean quality during storage as related to soymilk and tofu making

ABSTRACT:  Soybeans are stored and transported under various humidity and temperature conditions. Soymilk and tofu are two of the most important foods made from whole soybeans. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of storage conditions on soybean quality as related to soymilk and tofu-making properties. Soybeans of 3 different genotypes (Proto, IA2032, and Vinton 81) were stored in varying conditions: temperature ranging from 4 to 50 °C, relative humidity from 55% to 80%, initial moisture content from 6% to14%, and storage time up to 15 mo depending upon storage conditions. The effects of different storage conditions on soybean color, solids and protein extractability, soymilk pH, tofu yield, tofu solids and protein contents, tofu color, and texture were investigated. While no significant changes occurred for the soybeans stored at 4 °C, the soybeans stored at high temperatures (30 to 50 °C) exhibited significant quality loss ( P < 0.05). The degradation of soybean lightness (Hunter L ), color difference (Δ E ), and solid extractability exhibited a linear relationship with time. Soak weight decreased at high temperature and relative humidity, but increased at mild storage conditions. Several combinations of storage conditions at temperatures exceeding 30 °C produced a drastic loss in tofu yield. Storage also affected the tofu making process by reducing optimum mixing time to produce the highest tofu yield. Varietal difference in soybean storability was observed. The results provided useful information for the soybean processing industry to store soybeans using the optimal storage conditions and to estimate soybean quality after storage.     

Variation in the phytic acid content of soybeans and its effect on consistency of tofu made from soybean varieties with high protein content

The relationships of contents of phytic acid and protein to the breaking stress of tofu were examined using soybeans of three Japanese varieties with high protein content harvested in different locations from the years 2001 to 2003. The phytic acid content was more variable than protein content within different cultivating locations and years for the same variety and showed significant negative correlation to the breaking stress of tofu made with 0.25% MgCl₂ for all the varieties (P < 0.001, r = ?0.60). In particular, Sachiyutaka variety was characterized by the highest negative correlation between the breaking stress of tofu and the phytic acid content in soymilk (P < 0.001, r = ?0.73). As MgCl₂ concentration increased, the correlation between the phytic acid content and the breaking stress of tofu was reduced, and finally there was no significant correlation between them when the breaking stress reached a maximum at the particular MgCl₂ concentration which is probably concerned with varietial characteristics of soybeans. These results support the idea that the variation in the content of phytic acid, which can act as a buffer against coagulation of soy protein, accounts for the fluctuation in consistency of tofu made with lower MgCl₂ concentrations (ca. 0.25%) using soybeans of the same variety with different cultivating conditions. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SOYBEAN COMPONENTS AND TOFU TEXTURE1

Tofu was prepared from samples of Amsoy 71 and Vinton or Vinton 81 soybeans grown in different environments. Relationships between soybean, soymilk and tofu protein, lipid, phytic acid, calcium, copper and iron were examined. All components except lipid in soybeans were significantly correlated with the same component in soymilk, but only phytic acid, copper and iron were significantly correlated in soybeans and tofu (moist basis). When relationships were examined on a dry basis, soybean and tofu protein were significantly correlated (r = 0.93). Soybean phytic acid was significantly correlated with tofu calcium (r = 0.90). Tofu calcium and hardness (r = 0.73) and springiness (r = 0.83). were significantly related, and tofu protein was significantly related to fracturability (r = 0.75). The higher-protein varieties (Vinton/Vinton 81) generally produced tofu that had a higher protein content and a firmer, more springy texture than that of the Amsoy 71 beans. Phytic acid may preferentially bind the calcium coagulant, altering the curd structure and the yield, composition and texture of the resulting tofu.     

The viscoelastic properties of soybean curd (tofu) as affected by soymilk concentration and type of coagulant

The viscoelastic properties of different types of tofu were investigated. Soymilk concentrations were 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9%. Coagulants used were 30 mm CaSO₄ or 30 mm glucono‐delta‐lactone (GDL). As the concentration of soymilk was increased viscosity and handling difficulties increased. A high concentration of soymilk in tofu gave a high break stress and produced hard tofu. The four‐element Burgers model fitted the creep behaviour and both viscous and elastic parameters could be acquired from model analysis, reflecting changes in elasticity and viscosity of tofu. The constant viscous parameter in the model increased with increasing soymilk concentration. The viscous parameters of viscoelastic materials like tofu gel, obtained from small deformation tests, seemed to correlate, to some extent, with the break stress obtained from large deformation tests. For hard tofu production increasing the soymilk concentration within a certain range and the partial replacement of calcium sulphate coagulant by GDL could be effective options.     

The Role of Composition and Content of Protein Particles in Soymilk on Tofu Curding by Glucono-δ-lactone or Calcium Sulfate

ABSTRACT: The effects of composition and content of protein particles on tofu curding were investigated by using soymilk prepared from mixtures of glycinin-rich and β-conglycinin-rich soybeans. The breaking stress of tofu curds increased with the increase of protein particle content in soymilk. The soymilk from glycinin-rich soybeans had a high protein particle content and formed harder tofu curds. There is a significant positive correlation between the content of protein particles and the breaking stress of tofu curds. It is suggested that the increase of the quantity of protein particles reinforces the combination among protein particles during the tofu curding, thus forming a stronger network of tofu curds.     

PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SOFT TOFU FORMULATED FROM SELECTED SOYBEAN VARIETIES1

Currently, hundreds of soybean varieties with a wide range of quality attributes are available. The majority of these soybean varieties have not been evaluated for their quality in soymilk and tofu. In this research, tofu was prepared using the hot ground method by coagulating soymilk from four soybean varieties (Macon, Saturn, OHIOFG1 and OHIOFG2) with calcium sulfate dihydrate. Soybean variety significantly affected yield, held water, color parameters, viscosity, storage modulus, and textural properties of tofu cakes. Soymilk with higher pH, viscosity, and protein produced tofu with higher protein, water held, and yield. Varietal differences should be considered in selecting soybeans for tofu production. Macon soybeans produced the best tofu with regards to quality attributes.     

Effect of soy protein subunit composition on tofu quality

Tofu was made, using two coagulants, from soybean lines which lacked specific glycinin and β-conglycinin protein subunits and the quality evaluated to determine the effects of specific protein subunits. The group IIb (A₃) glycinin subunit played the major role in contributing to tofu firmness, regardless of coagulant, while the group IIa (A₄) subunit had a negative effect on tofu quality in 2002. Soybeans with the group I (A₁A₂) subunit resulted in tofu with textural properties about one-third higher, expressed as a percent of Harovinton’s values, than tofu prepared from soybeans without the group I subunit. The individual components of group I had contradictory effects on GDL tofu quality in 2002, with the A₁ subunit having a negative effect and A₂ having a major positive effect. Lack of the α′ subunit of β-conglycinin increased gel hardness relative to the complete 7S protein.     

Effect of microbial transglutaminase on the rheological and textural characteristics of black soybean packed tofu coagulating with Agar

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) on the rheological and textural characteristics of black soybean packed tofu containing agar as the coagulant. Results showed that the addition of MTGase increased the gelation temperature of soymilk, and produced a firmer and more elastic packed tofu with low cooking loss. Dynamic rheological and textural parameters of the tofu were significantly affected by enzyme concentration, incubation temperature and time. Both G′ and η∗ were positively correlated to the hardness, gumminess and adhesiveness of packed tofu, thus the rheological parameters (G′ and η∗) were good indicators of the texture of the packed tofu. Results suggested that good quality packed tofu could be produced by mixing 90 g black soymilk solid and 2 g agar powder in 1 L of water and incubating with 10 g MTGase for 30 min at 55 °C.     

脂肪氧化酶缺失品种豆腐的感官和质构评价

豆制品的豆腥味与大豆中的脂肪氧化酶活性有关,为了降低豆腥味,培育出了脂肪氧化酶缺失类型的大豆品种.本研究分析了脂肪氧化酶缺失品种大豆(北农103)和普通大豆的脂肪氧化酶活性、可溶性蛋白含量、蛋白质亚基组成、Ca、Mg和植酸磷的含量等理化性质,并以这两种大豆为原料分别用卤水、石膏和内酯为凝固剂加工豆腐,对其豆腐产品进行了感官和质构评价.感官分析结果表明,脂肪氧化酶缺失品种(北农103)豆腐的豆腥味明显弱于普通大豆豆腐,由北农103大豆品种加工成的内酯和卤水豆腐的质构特性好于普通品种大豆,而石膏豆腐则相反.     

Influence of four different coagulants on the physicochemical properties,textural characteristics and flavour of tofu

The coagulation mechanism and quality characteristics of tofu depend on the choice of coagulant. The effects of using magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), calcium sulphate (CaSO₄), glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) and fermented soybean whey (FSW) as coagulants for tofu were investigated using solid-phase microextraction (SPME), two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC×GC-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analysis of textural characteristics and physicochemical properties. Results showed that GDL tofu exhibited the highest yield (202 g 100 g⁻¹) and moisture content (76.3%). FSW tofu had the highest protein content (18.5%), amino acid content (15.85%) and textural properties. GC×GC-MS analysis revealed the number of 49, 44, 55 and 63 flavour substances, respectively. In sensory evaluation tests, GDL tofu was reported to possess a smooth surface and white colour. The microstructure of FSW tofu was dense and uniform. Through the above technical researches, the study suggested FSW gave tofu the best quality, more unique flavour and more potential popular among consumers.     

Statistical and Kinetic Studies of the Changes in Soybean Quality during Storage as Related to Soymilk and Tofu Making

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was to develop statistical equations and kinetic models to describe the changes of soybean quality during storage. Significant correlations ( P  < 0.0001) were found among most of quality attributes including color parameters (Hunter L , a , b , and Δ E ), solid extractability (as expressed by soymilk solids content), soymilk pH and protein content, tofu yield, hardness, and protein content. Regressed linear equations were developed between color indices ( L/L ₀, ΔE ) and soymilk/tofu making properties. Empirical equations were developed to relate soybean color indices ( L/L ₀, ΔE ) and storage conditions including variables of initial moisture content (MC), relative humidity (RH), temperature ( T ), and duration ( t ). Kinetics of the changes in soybean color and extractability during storage at 70% RH and 22 to 40 °C were investigated. The kinetics was well described by zero-order kinetics. The Arrhenius equation adequately described the temperature dependence of the reaction rate constants for all parameters, from which the activation energies and rate constant were obtained. The equations developed in this study provided simple methods to monitor soybean quality and predict quality changes of soybeans during storage at various conditions.     

Incorporation of Soymilk Lipid into Soy Protein Coagulum by the Addition of Calcium Chloride

ABSTRACT: The effect of protein composition on the lipid incorporation into protein coagulum (tofu curd) was investigated using soymilk prepared from mixtures of glycinin-rich and β-conglycinin-rich soybeans. The lipid incorporation takes place with the addition of CaCl₂ so that a particulate fraction of the protein is aggregated. The incorporation occurred by less addition of CaCl₂ with increasing glycinin in soymilk. The protein particle content and the glycinin content of the particles increased along with increasing glycinin. The lipid incorporation took place at lower CaCl₂ concentration when the particulate glycinin content was high. The mechanism of the lipid incorporation into soybean curd is discussed from these results.     

Soybean cultivars impact quality and function of soymilk and tofu

The functional properties of soymilk and tofu prepared from Benning and Danbaekkong soy cultivars were identified. The protein content in soymilk was significantly higher for Danbaekkong, at 46.4 g kg^?1, than for Benning at 42.0 g kg^?1. The 11S/7S globulin ratios of Danbaekkong and Benning were estimated at 0.93 and 0.38, respectively. Soymilk from Danbaekkong was more non‐Newtonian (n = 0.69) than soymilk from Benning (n = 0.84). Tofu prepared from Danbaekkong was significantly harder, chewier and gummier than tofu from Benning. Differences in protein content, protein ratio, viscosity, textural properties and color of soymilk can be applied as indicators of quality and functionality in soy foods such as tofu. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of different coagulants on yield and quality of tofu from soymilk

Soymilk tofu coagulated with four indigenous coagulants was compared in terms of chemical, textural, colour, and sensory attributes with calcium sulphate (CS) coagulated tofu. Coagulants used are Epsom salt (ES), lemon juice (LJ), alum and top water of fermented maize (TWFM). Protein and magnesium content significantly (P < 0.05) increased from 44.5 to 51.7 g/100 g and 252 to 324.6 mg/100 g, respectively, in soybean grain to soymilk. Calcium and magnesium contents increased and decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in tofu coagulated with CS and ES, respectively. Lightness (L) values were 86.3, 86.2, 77.8, 72.4 and 84.6, redness (a) values are 0.34, 0.21, 0.87, 1.05 and 0.32, and yellowness (b) values were 24.0, 23.9, 27.3, 20.3 and 23.4 for CS, ES, LJ, alum and TWFM. The hardness, chewiness and brittleness of textural properties of tofu were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by different sources of coagulation. Sensory evaluation data shows that LJ impacts a significantly acceptable sensory attribute to tofu. This study has demonstrated that tofu quality is affected by the type of coagulant used in curding the soymilk.