Grape Pomace as a New Coagulant for Tofu Production: Physicochemical and Sensory Effects

Influence of calcium sulfate incorporated with gluconolactone coagulant on the quality of whole soybean flour tofu

This work proposes a novel method for whole soybean flour tofu preparation by combining calcium sulfate (CS) and glucose-delta-lactone (GDL) coagulation. Importantly, the characteristics of the synthesized gel and the quality were studied. MRI and SEM results showed that the whole soybean flour tofu possessed satisfactory water holding capacity and water content at a CS to GDL ratio of 3:2, significantly improving the cross-linking network gel in tofu and accounting for its similar color to soybeans. Furthermore, GC-IMS analysis showed that the whole soybean flour tofu prepared at a 3:2 ratio had more flavor components (51 types) than commercially available ones (CS or GDL tofu) and exhibited satisfactory results during consumer sensory evaluation. Overall, this method is effective and applicable for the industrial preparation of whole soybean flour tofu.

The Wine Industry By-Products: Applications for Food Industry and Health Benefits

Each year, 20 million tons of wine by-products are generated, corresponding to 30% of the total quantity of vinified grapes. Wine by-products are a source of healthy bioactive molecules, such as polyphenols and other molecules (pigments, fibers, minerals, etc.). The abundance of bioactive compounds assures a promising future for nutritional foodstuff production. Wine by-products can be used to fortify aromatized waters and infusions, bread, pasta, dairy products, alcohol, sugary beverages, and processed foods. These innovative products are part of the Mediterranean diet and are of great interest to both human and environmental health. Pre-clinical studies show that consumption of food produced with wine by-products or with their extracts attenuates the inflammatory state and increases antioxidant status. As such, wine by-products provide protective effects against the underlying pathophysiological hallmarks of some chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cancer. However, the poor bioavailability warrants further investigation on how to optimize the efficacy of wine by-products, and more clinical trials are also needed. The scientific evidence has validated the uses of the dietary nature of wine by-products and has helped to promote their use as a functional food to prevent chronic human diseases.