Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of saltwort on the quality characteristics of tofu. In addition, we examined the potential for commercialization of tofu containing saltwort. For this study, saltwort was added to tofu at 0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20% and quality and sensory tests were administered. Analyzing the mineral contents of saltwort juice, K was present in the greatest amount, followed by Mg, P, Ca, and F (in decreasing order). There were significant differences in yield rates and turbidity between the groups. Acidity was highest in the control group, and acidity and volume of tofu tended to decrease with an increase in saltwort powder. L value and a value decreased as the content of slaltwort powder increased, but b value increased with increasing saltwort powder concentration. Hardness, chewiness, and gumminess were rated higher in the control and the 4% supplement groups than the others groups. In the sensory evaluation, cross section and soybean flavor were the highest in the 4% saltwort supplement group, and the presence of an "off-flavor" increased with the content of saltwort powder. The saltiness score was highest in the 20% supplement group. The 4% and 8% supplement groups were favored in the "feel after swallowing" assessment. Softness was the lowest in the 20% supplement group, and the 4% supplement group had the highest overall acceptability. As demonstrated by these results, the addition of saltwort positively affected the overall sensory evaluation of tofu and supplementation with saltwort at 4% and 8% might be considered the most appropriate choices. In conclusion, saltwort tofu expected to increase the functionality of new products, particularly with respect to product variety and health improvement.
