Physicochemical and Sensory Evaluation of Whole Soybean Curd Supplemented with Pine Needle Powder

To develop functionally and nutritionally improved whole soybean curd (WSC), the effects of partial (0 ~ 4%) replacement with pine needle powder (PNP) on the quality characteristics of WSC were investigated. The moisture content and pH ranged from 76.96~77.80% (wet basis) and 6.69~6.74, respectively, with no considerable differences. Lightness significantly decreased with higher PNP content in the formulation (P<0.05), as indicated by visual observation that the color of WSC became darker. Redness and yellowness also significantly decreased (P<0.05). The texture profile analysis indicated that WSC containing PNP was softer and less cohesive than control WSC. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging activities significantly increased (P<0.05) with higher substitution of PNP, and they were well correlated. Results from the consumer test revealed that WSC with 1% PLP received the most favorable acceptance scores for sensory attributes, including overall acceptability. The present study indicated that the characteristics of PNP may play a role in improving WSC quality in terms of physicochemical, sensorial, and antioxidant characteristics.