ENGLAND – A group of researchers at the University of Leeds has unveiled a novel colloidal technique aimed at enhancing the texture and appeal of plant-based meats in a groundbreaking leap towards encouraging wider adoption of plant-based diets.
This innovation, they assert, could potentially deliver a juicy sensation comparable to meat without the addition of fat—a significant stride in addressing both consumer preferences and climate change targets.
While the push towards plant-based diets is imperative for meeting environmental goals, researchers acknowledge a significant obstacle: the unsatisfactory dry and astringent texture associated with many plant-based meat alternatives.
Led by Professor Anwesha Sarkar, the team at the University of Leeds is reshaping this culinary landscape through the innovative transformation of plant proteins, turning them from lackluster and parched to succulent and satisfying.
Central to this breakthrough is a microgel process that revolves around the simple addition of water to plant proteins.
The transformation begins with the creation of plant protein microgels, achieved through a technique called microgeletion.
Initially dry and rough in texture, the plant proteins are immersed in water and heated, causing the protein molecules to reconfigure and form a cohesive network or gel that traps water around the proteins.
Following this stage, the gel is homogenized, breaking down the protein network into microscopic particles that are virtually invisible to the naked eye.
When these microgels experience pressure—akin to the forces experienced during consumption—they release water, generating a lubricious mouthfeel reminiscent of single cream.
“We have effectively turned dry plant protein into a hydrated one, using the protein itself to weave a web that retains water around it. This imparts the much-desired hydration and juicy sensation in the mouth,” Professor Sarkar explains.
A notable aspect of this breakthrough is that the plant-based protein microgels are fashioned without any need for added chemicals or agents. The transformation process harnesses water, a readily available and widely used ingredient in the food industry.
Published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, this research addresses a key hurdle in the current market—namely, the perceived dryness of plant proteins, which has posed a challenge to consumer acceptability.
With this pioneering discovery, the team aspires to invigorate consumer interest in plant-based proteins, potentially ushering in a new era of dietary choices that reduces dependence on animal products for protein consumption.
Recognizing that over half of the annual 18 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents attributed to food production emanate from rearing and processing animal products, the researchers propose that protein microgels offer a distinctive foundation for designing future foods that are healthy, appealing, and sustainable.
As interest in plant-based diets gains momentum, the innovative strides made by the University of Leeds researchers not only promise to reshape the culinary landscape but also provide a tangible contribution towards a greener, more sustainable future.
For all the latest food safety news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
