A Novel Approach to Improving the Quality of Bittern-Solidified Tofu by W/O Controlled-Release Coagulant. 2: Using the Improved Coagulant in Tofu Processing and Product Evaluation

Abstract

To improve the quality and yield of traditional firm tofu prepared with bittern as coagulant, water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions with bittern solution as the aqueous phase, where the ratio of the bittern solution to the oil phase was 1:1.5 or 1:1 (w/w), and an emulsifier at a concentration of 0.8 or 1.0 wt.% were prepared. The parameters water content, water-holding capacity, yield, texture, and microstructure of the tofu were tested. The results indicated that the bittern W/O emulsions provided satisfactory controlled-release application potential. The use of the W/O emulsions significantly improved tofu’s water content, and the product remained moist for at least 24 h. Moreover, emulsified bittern increased the yield and made the gel network more homogenous and compact compared with the control. As expected, emulsions with an emulsifier concentration of 1.0 wt.% showed slightly better controlled-release capacity than those with 0.8 wt.%.