Yield and Quality of Tofu as Affected by Soybean and Soymilk Characteristics: Glucono-delta-lactone Coagulant

Nine light hilum soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] cultivars were used to study characteristics that affect yield and quality of tofu (soybean curd) coagulated with glucono-delta-lactone (GDL). Pressed and packed (nonpressed) curds were examined. Yield of tofu was not affected by size of beans. Protein and total solids in soymilk increased when protein and moisture increased in soybeans. Yield of pressed GDL tofu increased with protein content of soybeans (or soymilk) plus decreased calcium content. Fracturability of pressed GDL tofu increased with levels of phosphorus. Hardness of packed tofu increased with protein content in soymilk. Yield of pressed GDL tofu was 20% higher than CaSO₄ tofu.     

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.     

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.     

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     

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.     

The effect of different varieties of soybean and calcium ion concentration on the quality of tofu

The Japanese food tofu (bean curd) was prepared by the traditional method using 15 varieties of soybeans. The tofu quality was evaluated on the basis of colour, taste and texture. The texture measurements were subjective and instrumental (hardness and cohesiveness).A slight variation in the texture of tofu was due to the 7S and 11S proteins in the soybean but an important factor affecting the texture of tofu was found to be the amount of calcium ions added during processing. The firmness and coarseness of the product increased with increases in the amount of calcium ions added and a linear relationship was found between the protein content of the beans and the calcium sulphate concentration required for good quality tofu.     

GENOTYPE BY ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION FOR SOYMILK AND TOFU QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS1

Understanding the genetic and environmental influences responsible for variation in end‐use quality of soymilk and tofu will help soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] breeders develop cultivars for use in high‐quality products. This study was conducted to examine the relative contribution of genotype, environment, and their interaction to soymilk and tofu quality. Twelve genotypes were evaluated at two locations for 2 years, and a second group of 60 genotypes was tested at three locations for a single year. Genotype was the primary source of variation for most quality characteristics measured in soymilk and tofu. The relatively important genotype by environment interactions for tofu firmness and gumminess suggested the need for extensive testing to evaluate for these traits. A large genotype by environment interaction for chewiness prevented selection for this trait. These results indicate that breeders should consider genotype by environment interaction when developing soybean cultivars for soymilk and tofu.     

Studies on the Yield and Quality Characteristics of Tofu

Tofu made from imported U.S. soybeans and local Ta-Lien soybeans showed a similar yield. The yield of tofu from whole soybean was higher than that of defatted soybean flake. Significant different qualities of tofu products were prepared by using various coagulants. It was found that calcium sulfate (gypsum) and bittern (called nigari in Japanese) were suitable coagulants for making the Chinese-style tofu, but not glucono-δ-lactone. Other coagulants were not desirable for manufacturing good quality Chinese-style tofu. Commercial tofu products in Taiwan had various rheological properties.     

Aflatoxins distribution in fractions derived from tofu production

ABSTRACT

Tofu or bean curd is obtained from soybean seeds being a widespread food product in Asia. The commodity used for its production can be contaminated with aflatoxins, which are secondary metabolites synthetised by species of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Intake of contaminated food products causes toxic effects on consumers. The aim of this work was to study aflatoxin distribution in fractions obtained from pilot-scale tofu production with contaminated soybeans. The presence of the aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁ and G₂ (AFs) in soaking water, okara, whey and tofu was analysed. Aflatoxin analysis was performed by HPLC with fluorescence detection. The distribution of aflatoxins in all the analysed fractions was not a normal distribution. The liquid fractions (soaking water and whey) had less contamination than solid fractions (tofu and okara). The percentage AFB₁ remaining in nutritionally important fractions, okara and tofu, was between 6.2% and 67.7% (median = 18.1%) and 0.5% and 13.2% (median = 3.5%), respectively. AFB₂, AFG₁ and AFG₂ had a similar distribution. These results showed that throughout tofu production, AFs can be present in the products intended for human consumption.     

Tofu Yield and Textural Properties from Three Soybean Cultivars as Affected by Ratios of 7S and 11S Proteins

Crude 11S and 7S proteins of three soybean cultivars were fractionated, and tofu was prepared from soymilk with 11S/7S protein ratios of 1.6 to 3.2. Higher 11S/7S ratio produced lower yield (p≤0.05) of Vinton and Sturdy tofu. Higher 11S/7S ratio resulted in higher firmness of Proto and Sturdy tofu. Increase in 11S/7S ratio increased cohesiveness of Sturdy tofu. The maximum extent of decreasing Vinton tofu yield and increasing Proto and Sturdy tofu firmness was ∼10% of the unmodified tofu. Results indicated that tofu characteristics were cultivar dependent and manipulation of 11S/7S ratio may not result in substantial effects on tofu yield or quality.     

大豆蛋白质含量对北豆腐得率和品质的影响

论文选取了12种不同的大豆品种,研究了大豆中粗蛋白、水溶性蛋白对豆腐品质的影响.研究结果表明,豆腐的得率与粗蛋白成正相关,与水溶性蛋白成显著正相关;豆腐的保水性与大豆中粗蛋白和水溶性蛋白含量成显著正相关关系,相关系数分别为0.755和0.968;豆腐的硬度与豆腐的蛋白质和水溶性蛋白含量成负相关;就所选取的12种大豆品种而言,中豆8号、郑9007、郑92¨6、科丰6号、豫豆25、豫豆28等品种大豆蛋白质含量和水溶性含量都较高,更适合用作北豆腐的加工.     

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     

Growth and thermal inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in four kinds of traditionally non-fermented soya bean products

This study evaluated growth and thermal inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated in tofu, dougan, qianzhang and doupi which were stored at 4, 25 and 37 °C and heated at 55, 60, 65 and 70 °C. Growth of the two pathogens in four soya bean products increased with temperature or A_w of soya bean products increasing. At the same temperature, lag time (LT) values of L. monocytogenes (16.32–0.94 h) and E. coli O157:H7 (2.66–0.98 h) in tofu which has the highest A_w were the lowest. When inoculated soya bean products were stored at 4 °C, L. monocytogenes grew slowly, while E. coli O157:H7 did not grow but survived for 14 days. With temperature increasing, δ-values of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 in the four soya bean products were decreased. With A_w of soya bean products increasing, thermal resistance of L. monocytogenes decreased, while that of E. coli O157:H7 increased. This study could assist retail soya bean products processors and food industry to enhance safety of soya bean products and design thermal processing regimes.     

大豆组分与北豆腐得率及品质的相关性研究

选取11种大豆为原料,研究了大豆组分与制成的北豆腐得率、品质指标(保水性、质构指标)之间的关系。结果表明:北豆腐湿基、干基得率及保水性均与大豆中蛋白质含量、水溶性蛋白质含量、11S亚基含量以及11S/7S呈显著正相关,与大豆中脂肪含量呈显著负相关。北豆腐硬度与大豆蛋白质、水溶性蛋白质、11S亚基含量以及11S/7S均呈显著负相关;北豆腐弹性与7S、11S亚基含量呈显著负相关;北豆腐黏聚性与大豆水溶性蛋白质、植酸含量呈显著负相关,与7S、11S亚基含量呈极显著正相关;胶着性与大豆水溶性蛋白质呈极显著负相关。聚类分析结果显示,用郑9525、郑94059和郑0102这3种大豆制作的北豆腐得率、保水性及质构特性均较好。     

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.     

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.     

Comparison of milk protein composition and rennet coagulation properties in native Swedish dairy cow breeds and high-yielding Swedish Red cows

Recent studies have reported a very high frequency of noncoagulating milk in Swedish Red cows. The underlying factors are not fully understood. In this study, we explored rennet-induced coagulation properties and relative protein profiles in milk from native Swedish Mountain and Swedish Red Polled cows and compared them with a subset of noncoagulating (NC) and well-coagulating (WC) milk samples from modern Swedish Red cows. The native breeds displayed a very low prevalence of NC milk and superior milk coagulation properties compared with Swedish Red cows. The predominant variants in both native breeds were α_S1-casein (α_S1-CN) B, β-CN A² and β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) B. For κ-CN, the B variant was predominant in the Swedish Mountain cows, whereas the A variant was the most frequent in the Swedish Red Polled. The native breeds displayed similar protein composition, but varied in content of α_S1-CN with 9 phosphorylated serines (9P) form. Within the Swedish Mountain cows, we observed a strong inverse correlation between the relative concentration of κ-CN and micelle size and a positive correlation between ionic calcium and gel firmness. For comparison, we investigated a subset of 29 NC and 28 WC milk samples, representing the extremes with regard to coagulation properties based on an initial screening of 395 Swedish Red cows. In Swedish Red, NC milk properties were found to be related to higher frequencies of β-CN A², κ-CN E and A variants, as well as β-LG B, and the predominant composite genotype of β- and κ-CN in the NC group was A²A²/AA. Generally, the A²A²/AA composite genotype was related to lower relative concentrations of κ-CN isoforms and higher relative concentrations of α_S1-, α_S2-, and β-CN. Compared with the group of WC milk samples, NC milk contained a higher fraction of α_S2-CN and α-lactalbumin (α-LA) but a lower fraction of α_S1-CN 9P. In conclusion, milk from native Swedish breeds has good characteristics for cheese milk, which could be exploited in niche dairy products. In milk from Swedish Mountain cows, levels of ionic calcium seemed to be more important for rennet-induced gel firmness than variation in the relative protein profile. In Swedish Red, lower protein content as well as higher fraction of α_S2-CN and lower fraction of α_S1-CN 9P were related to NC milk. Further, a decrease in the frequency of the composite β-κ-CN genotype A²A²/AA through selective breeding could have a positive effect on milk coagulation properties.     

The effect of oyster shell powder on the extension of the shelf life of tofu

The effects of oyster shell powder addition (0%, 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% of soy milk) on quality and shelf life of tofu (soybean curd) were investigated. Yield and moisture of tofu prepared with 0.1% of shell powder were higher than that coagulated with a single use of MgCl₂. Syneresis was low when shell powder was added to tofu, but higher when MgCl₂ was added. Shell powder addition (0.05% and 0.2% of soymilk) showed a high level in hardness and gumminess comparing with tofu prepared with a single use of MgCl₂. However, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between 0.05% and 0.2% addition of shell powder. When 0.05% of shell powder was added, overall acceptability showed a high score because tofu had a good mouthfeel, moderate firmness and lower beany-flavour. However, there was not a significant difference (p > 0.05) between no addition and 0.05% and 0.1% addition of shell powder. Tofu prepared with shell powder (0.05% and 0.1% addition) had a shelf life of above 2 days longer than that prepared with a single use of MgCl₂. The addition of shell powder (0.05% and 0.1%) for tofu manufacturing resulted in a good sensory evaluation and the extension of shelf life.     

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.     

Nondestructive determination of pear internal quality indices by visible and near-infrared spectrometry

The relationships between the nondestructive visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) measurements and the internal quality indices of pear fruit were established, and the potential of Vis-NIR spectrometry technique was investigated for its ability to nondestructively measure soluble solids content (SSC) and firmness of intact pear fruit. Intact pear fruit were measured by diffuse reflectance Vis-NIR in 350–1800 nm range. In this study, calibration models relating Vis-NIR spectra to SSC and firmness were developed based on multi-linear regression (MLR), principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) with respect to the logarithms of the reflectance reciprocal log(1/R), its first derivative D₁ log(1/R) and second derivative D₂ log(1/R). The best combination, based on the robust models and the prediction results, was PLSR method with respect to log(1/R) at equatorial position of pear fruit. The PLSR models for prediction samples resulted correlation coefficient (r_p) of 0.912 and 0.854, and root mean standard error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.662°Brix and 1.232 N for SSC and firmness, respectively. The results indicate that Vis-NIR spectrometry technique could provide an accurate, reliable and nondestructive method for assessing the internal quality indices of intact pear fruit.