The Application of Pulse Flours in the Development of Plant-Based Cheese Analogues: Proximate Composition, Color, and Texture Properties

Despite the many benefits of pulses, their consumption is still very low in many Western countries. One approach to solving this issue is to develop attractive pulse-based foods, e.g., plant-based cheeses. This study aimed to assess the suitability of different types of pulse flour, from boiled and roasted yellow peas and faba beans, to develop plant-based cheese analogues. Different stabilizer combinations (kappa- and iota-carrageenan, kappa-carrageenan, and xanthan gum) were tested. The results showed that firm and sliceable pulse-based cheese analogues could be prepared using all types of pulse flour using a flour-to-water ratio of 1:4 with the addition of 1% (w/w) kappa-carrageenan. The hardness levels of the developed pulse-based cheese analogues were higher (1883–2903 g, p < 0.01) than the reference Gouda cheese (1636 g) but lower than the commercial vegan cheese analogue (5787 g, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the crude protein (4–6% wb) and total dietary fiber (6–8% wb) contents in the developed pulse-based cheese analogues were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than in the commercial vegan cheese analogue, whereas the fat contents were lower. In conclusion, flours from boiled and roasted yellow peas and faba beans have been shown to be suitable as raw materials for developing cheese analogues with nutritional benefits.

Production and quality evaluation of soy cheese (tofu) using various coagulants

Food formulations that incorporate soy ingredients are being exploited as veritable alternatives. Cheese analogues are healthy alternatives to obtain the benefits of consuming functional foods. There is a need to enhance the production and quality of soy cheese. In this study, soy cheese (tofu) samples were prepared from soybean using four selected coagulants - Moringa oleifera seed extract (MC), tamarind seed extract (TC), lime juice (LC) and alum (AC). The effects of the coagulants on the physicochemical, microbial and sensory qualities of the soy cheese samples were evaluated. The results of the physical properties of the samples showed that MC had higher yield (12.84%) and acidity (0.37%), while AC had the highest values in hardness (84.55%) and dry matter (36.72%) content. The result of the proximate composition revealed that MC had the lowest moisture content (60.52 %) and the highest protein content (22.51%). The ash content of the soy cheese samples from plant coagulants MC (3.00%), TC (2.80%) and LC (3.5%) were lower than that of the alum coagulant AC (3.89%). The cheese from alum coagulant (AC) had more minerals than those from plant coagulants. TC had the highest vitamin C (2.69 mg/100 g), while MC had the highest vitamin B1 (6.07 mg/100 g) and B2 (29.21 mg/100 g) contents. There was no detection of coliform in the soy cheese samples. There were no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) in the appearance and overall acceptability of MC sample and LC sample MC sample from Moringa oleifera seed extract coagulant had the highest sensory scores for flavour (8.35), texture (8.40) and overall acceptability (8.63). The results of quality properties of the cheese samples differed with the coagulants used. Moringa Oleifera coagulated cheese (MC) had superiority in nutrients and sensory qualities Hence, it is recommended for tofu production.

BIOLOGICAL VALUE OF PROTEIN OF CULINARY PRODUCTS BASED ON MILK-PROTEIN CONCENTRATE

The aim of this work is to determine the usage effectiveness of milk-protein concentrates as an analogue of cottage cheese at culinary products manufacturing. For attaining the set aim, we determined the biological value of protein in products, made using a milk-protein concentrate, comparing to traditional culinary products of fatless cottage cheese. The research object was chosen as a milk-protein concentrate of buttermilk, obtained by the method of thermo-acid coagulation. Puree of cranberries was used as a coagulant. Classic recipes of different groups of culinary products, based on cottage cheese: cheese cakes, cottage cheese casserole, cottage cheese stuffing and cottage cheese biscuits were used as control samples for the studies. The protein value of the milk concentrate and also products on its base was determined by the method of digestible indispensable amino acid score calculation. The conducted studies have demonstrated that despite the less amino acid score of the concentrate, comparing with a control sample, products on its base have higher amino acid score, comparing with their cottage cheese analogues. Thus, the amino acid score of cheese cakes based on the concentrate is 84 % and exceeds the control sample, which amino acid score is 33 %, in 2.5 times. The amino acid score of cottage cheese casserole based on the concentrate is 68 % and exceeds the control sample in 1.7 times. The amino acid score parameter of protein stuffing is 94 % that exceeds the control sample with score 36 % in 2.6 times. The amino acid score of biscuits based on the concentrate is 26 % that exceeds the score of a cottage cheese analogue in 2 times. The obtained results may be used for elaborating and correcting the food ration for the population under conditions of protein deficiency.