Coagulation of soymilk and quality of tofu as affected by freeze treatment of soybeans

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of freezing of soybeans on the coagulation of soymilk and quality of tofu. Soymilk, prepared from frozen soybeans, was found to coagulate faster in the presence of coagulant and produced a more uniform-structured gel than that from unfrozen soybeans. Tofu, prepared from frozen soybeans, showed a more orderly and denser network structure than that from unfrozen soybeans, thereby inducing an increase in some textural parameters such as hardness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness as well as syneresis. Freezing also brought about some changes in tofu quality: lower yield, lower fat and higher protein contents. Results of sensory evaluation showed that tofu from frozen soybeans had better sensory properties in terms of flavour and mouthfeel. From these results, it was concluded that freezing promoted the coagulation process of soymilk and changed the quality of tofu in a positive way.