JP2023176115A - Livestock meat-like food composition additive, and livestock meat-like food composition using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a livestock meat-like food composition additive that can improve workability of when the livestock meat-like food composition is formed.SOLUTION: The livestock meat-like food composition additive is characterized in that it contains a cellulose nanofiber and a methylcellulose.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

The present invention relates to an additive for a meat-like food composition, and a meat-like food composition using the same.

In recent years, demand for livestock meat raw materials has continued to expand with population growth and income expansion, particularly in emerging countries, and there are concerns that there will be a shortage of supply of livestock meat raw materials in the future. Furthermore, due to religious reasons, personal beliefs, and even health appeals, meat-like foods that contain a lot of plant-based ingredients such as soybeans and grains and use little or no meat ingredients are attracting attention. There is.

As such animal meat-like foods, for example, animal meat-like processed foods obtained by mixing specific textured soybean protein with binding raw materials and molding and heating have been proposed (Patent Document 1), and starch and soybean A hamburger-like food for people with swallowing difficulties has been proposed that contains a textured soybean protein blended with a protein material and an emulsion blended with isolated soybean protein, water, and oil (Patent Document 2).

International Publication No. 2011/043384 JP2016-67250A

However, these conventionally known proposals use a powdered soybean protein material as a binding raw material, which is kneaded with water and oil. The meat-like food composition was sticky and had poor dough consistency, resulting in poor workability when molding the meat-like food composition. Furthermore, if the blended amount of livestock meat raw materials is lowered, it may not be possible to obtain a texture similar to livestock meat, and the added starch may cause slimy or pasty texture, so improvements have been desired.

Therefore, the present invention provides an additive for a livestock meat-like food composition that can improve workability when molding the livestock meat-like food composition, and a livestock meat-like food composition that can obtain a livestock meat-like processed food with excellent texture. An object of the present invention is to provide a food composition.

As a result of intensive studies, the present inventors found that the problems can be solved by the following (1) to (6).
(1) An additive for livestock meat-like food compositions, characterized by containing cellulose nanofibers and methylcellulose.
(2) The additive for livestock meat-like food compositions according to (1), wherein the cellulose nanofibers are chemically modified cellulose nanofibers.
(3) The chemically modified cellulose nanofibers are oxidized cellulose nanofibers in which the amount of carboxyl groups is 0.5 mmol/g to 3.0 mmol/g based on the absolute dry weight of the chemically modified cellulose nanofibers. The additive for livestock meat-like food compositions according to (2).
(4) The chemically modified cellulose nanofibers are carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibers in which the degree of carboxymethyl substitution per glucose unit of the chemically modified cellulose nanofibers is 0.01 to 0.50. 2) The additive for livestock meat-like food compositions.
(5) The additive for livestock meat-like food compositions according to (2), wherein the storage elastic modulus G1 at 25°C and the storage elastic modulus G2 at 60°C satisfy G2/G1≧2.
(6) A livestock meat-like food composition comprising the additive for a livestock meat-like food composition according to any one of (1) to (5).

According to the present invention, there is provided an additive for a livestock meat-like food composition that can improve the workability when molding the livestock meat-like food composition, and a livestock meat that can produce a livestock meat-like processed food that has excellent texture. A similar food composition can be provided.

The details of the present invention will be described below, and unless otherwise specified, descriptions such as "AA to BB%" shall mean "AA% or more and BB% or less."

That is, the present invention is an additive for livestock meat-like food compositions, which is characterized by containing cellulose nanofibers and methylcellulose.

<Cellulose nanofiber>
The additive for livestock meat-like food compositions of the present invention is characterized by containing cellulose nanofibers. Cellulose nanofiber is a material produced by finely loosening plant fibers to the nano level, and is generally a fine fiber with an average fiber diameter of about 3 to 500 nm and an average aspect ratio of 50 or more. The average fiber diameter and average fiber length of cellulose nanofibers can be obtained by averaging the fiber diameter and fiber length obtained from the results of observing each fiber using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). can. Additionally, the aspect ratio can be calculated using the following formula:
Aspect ratio = average fiber length / average fiber diameter

Cellulose nanofibers can be produced by applying strong shear force to cellulose raw materials, either unmodified or chemically modified. In the present invention, the cellulose raw material may be unmodified or chemically modified, but chemically modified is more preferable. Cellulose nanofibers produced using chemically modified cellulose raw materials have more uniform fiber length and fiber diameter than cellulose nanofibers produced using unmodified cellulose raw materials, so they have better dispersibility in water. It is assumed that it is stable and exhibits better effects. The method of chemical modification is not particularly limited, but for example, oxidation, etherification, phosphorylation, esterification, silane coupling, fluorination, cationization, etc. can be performed. Among these, oxidation using an N-oxyl compound, carboxymethylation, or cationization is preferred, and carboxymethylation or oxidation is particularly preferred since it is used for food.

<Cellulose raw material>
In the present invention, cellulose raw materials for producing cellulose nanofibers include plants (e.g., wood, bamboo, hemp, jute, kenaf, agricultural residue, cloth, pulp (softwood unbleached kraft pulp (NUKP), softwood bleached Kraft pulp (NBKP), hardwood unbleached kraft pulp (LUKP), hardwood bleached kraft pulp (LBKP), softwood unbleached sulfite pulp (NUSP), softwood bleached sulfite pulp (NBSP), thermomechanical pulp (TMP), recycled Pulp, waste paper, etc.), animals (e.g., ascidians), algae, microorganisms (e.g., acetic acid bacteria), microbial products, etc. are known, and any of them can be used in the present invention. Cellulose fibers derived from plants or microorganisms are preferred, and cellulose fibers derived from plants are more preferred.

The fiber diameter of the cellulose fiber raw material used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and the number average fiber diameter is 1 μm to 1 mm. Those that have undergone general purification have a diameter of about 50 μm. For example, in the case of refined chips or the like that are several centimeters in size, it is preferable to mechanically process them using a disintegrator such as a refiner or a beater to reduce the size to about 50 μm.

<Oxidation>
In the present invention, the cellulose raw material can be oxidized using a known method, and is not particularly limited. It is preferable to adjust the amount to 3.0 mmol/g.

As an example thereof, it can be obtained by oxidizing cellulose in water with an oxidizing agent in the presence of N-oxyl compounds and compounds selected from the group consisting of bromides, iodides or mixtures thereof. Through this oxidation reaction, the primary hydroxyl group at the C6 position of the glucopyranose ring on the cellulose surface is selectively oxidized, and a cellulose fiber having an aldehyde group and a carboxyl group or a carboxylate group on the surface can be obtained. The concentration of cellulose during the reaction is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5% by weight or less. The N-oxyl compound refers to a compound capable of generating nitroxy radicals. As the N-oxyl compound, any compound can be used as long as it promotes the desired oxidation reaction.

The amount of the N-oxyl compound used is not particularly limited as long as it is a catalytic amount that can oxidize cellulose as a raw material. For example, it is preferably 0.01 to 10 mmol, more preferably 0.01 to 1 mmol, and even more preferably 0.05 to 0.5 mmol, per 1 g of bone dry cellulose. Further, it is preferably about 0.1 to 4 mmol/L to the reaction system. Bromide is a compound containing bromine, examples of which include alkali metal bromides that can be dissociated and ionized in water. Moreover, iodide is a compound containing iodine, and examples thereof include alkali metal iodide. The amount of bromide or iodide to be used can be selected within a range that can promote the oxidation reaction. The total amount of bromide and iodide is, for example, preferably 0.1 to 100 mmol, more preferably 0.1 to 10 mmol, and even more preferably 0.5 to 5 mmol, per 1 g of bone dry cellulose.

As the oxidizing agent, known ones can be used, such as halogen, hypohalous acid, halous acid, perhalogenic acid, salts thereof, halogen oxides, peroxides, and the like. Among these, sodium hypochlorite is preferred because it is inexpensive and has a low environmental impact. The appropriate amount of the oxidizing agent to be used is, for example, preferably 0.5 to 500 mmol, more preferably 0.5 to 50 mmol, even more preferably 1 to 25 mmol, and most preferably 3 to 10 mmol, per 1 g of bone dry cellulose. . Further, for example, it is preferably 1 to 40 mol per 1 mol of the N-oxyl compound.

In the cellulose oxidation process, the reaction can proceed efficiently even under relatively mild conditions. Therefore, the reaction temperature is preferably 4 to 40°C, and may be room temperature of about 15 to 30°C. As the reaction progresses, carboxyl groups are generated in the cellulose, so a decrease in the pH of the reaction solution is observed. In order for the oxidation reaction to proceed efficiently, it is preferable to add an alkaline solution such as an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution to maintain the pH of the reaction solution at about 8 to 12, preferably about 10 to 11. Water is preferred as the reaction medium because of its ease of handling and the fact that side reactions are less likely to occur. The reaction time in the oxidation reaction can be appropriately set according to the degree of progress of the oxidation, and is usually about 0.5 to 6 hours, for example about 0.5 to 4 hours. Further, the oxidation reaction may be carried out in two stages. For example, by oxidizing the oxidized cellulose obtained by filtration after the completion of the first-stage reaction again under the same or different reaction conditions, the efficiency can be improved without being inhibited by the salt produced as a by-product in the first-stage reaction. Can be oxidized well.

Another example of the carboxylation (oxidation) method is a method of oxidizing a cellulose raw material by bringing it into contact with a gas containing ozone. This oxidation reaction oxidizes the hydroxyl groups at at least the 2- and 6-positions of the glucopyranose ring and causes decomposition of the cellulose chain. The ozone concentration in the ozone-containing gas is preferably 50 to 250 g/m ³ , more preferably 50 to 220 g/m ³ . The amount of ozone added to the cellulose raw material is preferably 0.1 to 30 parts by weight, more preferably 5 to 30 parts by weight, when the solid content of the cellulose raw material is 100 parts by weight. The ozone treatment temperature is preferably 0 to 50°C, more preferably 20 to 50°C. The ozone treatment time is not particularly limited, but is about 1 to 360 minutes, preferably about 30 to 360 minutes. When the ozone treatment conditions are within these ranges, excessive oxidation and decomposition of cellulose can be prevented, resulting in a good yield of oxidized cellulose. After the ozone treatment, additional oxidation treatment may be performed using an oxidizing agent. The oxidizing agent used in the additional oxidation treatment is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include chlorine-based compounds such as chlorine dioxide and sodium chlorite, oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, persulfuric acid, and peracetic acid. For example, the additional oxidation treatment can be performed by dissolving these oxidizing agents in water or a polar organic solvent such as alcohol to prepare an oxidizing agent solution, and immersing the cellulose raw material in the solution.

The amount of carboxyl groups, carboxylate groups, and aldehyde groups in the cellulose fiber can be adjusted by controlling the amount of the oxidizing agent mentioned above and the reaction time. To measure the amount of carboxyl groups, for example, prepare 60 mL of 0.5% by weight slurry (aqueous dispersion) of oxidized cellulose, add 0.1 M hydrochloric acid aqueous solution to adjust the pH to 2.5, and then add 0.05 N sodium hydroxide. Measure the electrical conductivity by dropping the aqueous solution until the pH reaches 11, and calculate using the formula below from the amount of sodium hydroxide (a) consumed in the neutralization stage of the weak acid, where the electrical conductivity changes slowly. can do:
Amount of carboxyl group [mmol/g oxidized cellulose or cellulose nanofiber] = a [mL] x 0.05/weight of oxidized cellulose [g]

<Carboxymethylation>
In the present invention, carboxymethylation of the cellulose raw material can be carried out using a known method, and is not particularly limited. It is preferable to adjust so that As an example, the following manufacturing method can be mentioned, but it may be synthesized by a conventionally known method, or a commercially available product may be used. Cellulose is used as the base material, and the solvent is 3 to 20 times the weight of water and/or lower alcohol, specifically methanol, ethanol, N-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, N-butanol, isobutanol, tertiary butanol, etc. A single medium or a mixture of two or more of them is used. Note that the mixing ratio of lower alcohol is 60 to 95% by weight. As the mercerization agent, alkali metal hydroxide, specifically sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, is used in an amount of 0.5 to 20 times the mole per anhydroglucose residue in the bottom starting material. The bottom starting material, a solvent, and a mercerization agent are mixed, and mercerization treatment is performed at a reaction temperature of 0 to 70°C, preferably 10 to 60°C, and a reaction time of 15 minutes to 8 hours, preferably 30 minutes to 7 hours. Thereafter, a carboxymethylating agent is added 0.05 to 10.0 times in mole per glucose residue, and the reaction temperature is 30 to 90°C, preferably 40 to 80°C, and the reaction time is 30 minutes to 10 hours, preferably 1 hour. The etherification reaction is carried out for ~4 hours.

The degree of carboxymethyl substitution per glucose unit can be measured, for example, by the following method. That is, 1) Accurately weigh about 2.0 g of carboxymethylated cellulose fiber (absolutely dry) and place it in a 300 mL Erlenmeyer flask with a stopper. 2) Add 100 mL of a solution prepared by adding 100 mL of special grade concentrated nitric acid to 1000 mL of methanol, and shake for 3 hours to convert carboxymethylcellulose salt (CM-modified cellulose) into hydrogen-type CM-modified cellulose. 3) Accurately weigh 1.5 to 2.0 g of hydrogenated CM cellulose (absolutely dry) and place it in a 300 mL Erlenmeyer flask with a stopper. 4) Wet the hydrogenated CM cellulose with 15 mL of 80% methanol, add 100 mL of 0.1N NaOH, and shake at room temperature for 3 hours. 5) Back titrate excess NaOH with 0.1N H ₂ SO ₄ using phenolphthalein as indicator. 6) Calculate the degree of carboxymethyl substitution (DS) by the following formula:
A = [(100 x F' - (0.1N H ₂ SO ₄ ) (mL) x F) x 0.1] / (absolute dry weight (g) of hydrogenated CM cellulose)
DS=0.162×A/(1-0.058×A)
A: Amount of 1N NaOH required to neutralize 1g of hydrogenated CM cellulose (mL)
F': Factor of 0.1N H ₂ SO ₄ F: Factor of 0.1N NaOH

<Cationization>
In the present invention, the cellulose raw material can be cationized using a known method, and by cationization, for example, ammonium, phosphonium, sulfonium, or a group containing these ammonium, phosphonium, or sulfonium can be added to the cellulose molecule. , groups containing ammonium are preferred, and groups containing quaternary ammonium are particularly preferred. The specific cationization method is not particularly limited, but as an example, cationization of glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride, 3-chloro-2hydroxypropyltrialkylammonium hydrite, or its halohydrin type to the cellulose raw material is used. By reacting an alkali metal hydroxide (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc.) as an agent and a catalyst in the presence of water and/or an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a cation having a group containing quaternary ammonium is produced. Modified cellulose can be obtained. In addition, in this method, the degree of cation substitution per glucose unit of the obtained cation-modified cellulose can be controlled by controlling the amount of the cationizing agent to be reacted and the composition ratio of water and/or alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. It can be adjusted by. The degree of substitution here refers to the number of substituents introduced per unit structure (glucopyranose ring) constituting cellulose. In other words, it is defined as "the value obtained by dividing the number of moles of the introduced substituent by the total number of moles of hydroxyl groups in the glucopyranose ring." Since pure cellulose has three substitutable hydroxyl groups per unit structure (glucopyranose ring), the theoretical maximum value of the degree of substitution of the cellulose fiber of the present invention is 3 (minimum value is 0).

In the present invention, the degree of cation substitution per glucose unit of the cationized cellulose is preferably 0.01 to 0.40. By introducing cationic substituents into cellulose, the cells electrically repel each other. Therefore, cellulose into which cationic substituents have been introduced can be easily nano-fibrillated. Note that if the degree of cation substitution per glucose unit is less than 0.01, sufficient nanofibrillation cannot be achieved. On the other hand, if the degree of cation substitution per glucose unit is greater than 0.40, the fibers may swell or dissolve, making it impossible to maintain the fiber form and making it impossible to obtain nanofibers. The degree of cation substitution per glucose unit can be calculated by the following formula after drying the sample (cation-modified cellulose) and measuring the nitrogen content with a total nitrogen analyzer TN-10 (Mitsubishi Chemical). . The degree of substitution herein refers to the average number of moles of substituents per mole of anhydroglucose unit.
Degree of cation substitution = (162×N)/(1-151.6×N)
N: Nitrogen content

<Defibration>
In the present invention, the defibrating device is not particularly limited, but a strong shearing force may be applied to the aqueous dispersion using a device such as a high-speed rotation type, a colloid mill type, a high pressure type, a roll mill type, or an ultrasonic type. is preferred. In particular, for efficient fibrillation, it is preferable to use a wet high-pressure or ultra-high-pressure homogenizer that can apply a pressure of 50 MPa or more to the aqueous dispersion and a strong shearing force. The pressure is more preferably 100 MPa or more, and still more preferably 140 MPa or more. In addition, prior to defibration and dispersion treatment with a high-pressure homogenizer, if necessary, the cellulose nanofibers described above may be pretreated using a known mixing, stirring, emulsifying, and dispersing device such as a high-speed shear mixer. is also possible.

When defibrating by the above treatment, the solid content concentration as a cellulose fiber raw material is 0.1% by weight or more, preferably 0.2% by weight or more, especially 0.3% by weight or more, and 10% by weight or less, especially 6% by weight or more. It is preferably less than % by weight. If the solid content concentration is too low, the amount of liquid will be too large relative to the amount of cellulose fiber raw material to be treated, resulting in poor efficiency, and if the solid content concentration is too high, fluidity will be poor.

In the present invention, the form of cellulose nanofibers contained in the additive for livestock meat-like food compositions is not particularly limited, and may be a dispersion of cellulose nanofibers, a dry solid of cellulose nanofibers, or an intermediate state thereof. It may be a wet solid. In the present invention, the dry solid of cellulose nanofibers means a dispersion containing cellulose nanofibers that has been dehydrated and dried to a water content of 12% or less.

Examples of the dry solid material of cellulose nanofibers include a dried dispersion of cellulose nanofibers, or a dried mixture of cellulose nanofibers and a water-soluble polymer. Note that the latter is preferable in terms of redispersibility. Examples of the water-soluble polymers include cellulose derivatives (carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, ethylcellulose), xanthan gum, xyloglucan, dextrin, dextran, carrageenan, locust bean gum, alginic acid, alginate, pullulan, starch, and starch. , arrowroot flour, positive starch, phosphorylated starch, corn starch, gum arabic, locust bean gum, gellan gum, gellan gum, polydextrose, pectin, chitin, water-soluble chitin, chitosan, casein, albumin, soybean protein solution, peptone, polyvinyl alcohol , polyacrylamide, polysodium acrylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, polyamino acid, polylactic acid, polymalic acid, polyglycerin, latex, rosin-based sizing agent, petroleum resin-based sizing agent, urea resin, melamine resin, epoxy resin, Polyamide resin, polyamide/polyamine resin, polyethyleneimine, polyamine, vegetable gum, polyethylene oxide, hydrophilic crosslinked polymer, polyacrylate, starch polyacrylic acid copolymer, tamarind gum, gellan gum, pectin, guar gum and colloidal silica, and the like. Refers to a mixture of one or more. Among these, it is preferable to use carboxymethyl cellulose and its salts from the viewpoint of compatibility.

The dry solid material of cellulose nanofibers is obtained by adjusting the pH of an aqueous dispersion of cellulose nanofibers or a mixture containing a dispersion of cellulose nanofibers and a water-soluble polymer to 9 to 11, and then dehydrating and drying the same. This is preferable from the viewpoint of redispersibility. When a water-soluble polymer is added to a dispersion of cellulose nanofibers, the amount of water-soluble polymer added is preferably 5 to 50% by weight based on the absolute dry solid content of the cellulose nanofibers. If it is less than 5% by weight, sufficient redispersibility effects will not be exhibited. On the other hand, if it exceeds 50% by weight, problems such as a decrease in viscosity characteristics and dispersion stability, which are characteristics of cellulose nanofibers, will occur.

The method for dehydrating and drying the cellulose nanofiber dispersion or the mixture containing the cellulose nanofiber dispersion and a water-soluble polymer may be any conventionally known method, such as spray drying, squeezing, air drying, hot air drying, and vacuum drying. Examples of drying equipment specifically used in the method of the present invention are as follows. Continuous tunnel dryer, band dryer, vertical dryer, vertical turbo dryer, multi-stage disk dryer, ventilation dryer, rotary dryer, flash dryer, spray dryer dryer, spray dryer , cylindrical drying equipment, drum drying equipment, screw conveyor drying equipment, rotary drying equipment with heating tubes, vibration transport drying equipment, etc., batch-type box drying equipment, ventilation drying equipment, vacuum box drying equipment, agitation drying equipment, etc. These drying devices can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, it is preferable to use a drum dryer from the point of view of energy efficiency because thermal energy is directly and uniformly supplied to the material to be dried. Further, a drum dryer is preferable from the point of view that the dried product can be recovered immediately without applying more heat than necessary.

The dry solid may be pulverized and classified. In particular, it is preferable to perform dry pulverization or wet pulverization because the particles can be further refined. Examples of devices used for dry grinding include impact mills such as hammer mills and pin mills, media mills such as ball mills and tower mills, and jet mills. Examples of devices used in wet grinding include homogenizers, mass colloiders, pearl mills, and the like.

<Methylcellulose>
The additive for livestock meat-like food compositions of the present invention is characterized by containing methylcellulose. By using methylcellulose and cellulose nanofibers together, a three-dimensional crosslinked structure is formed in which the crystalline cellulose nanofibers are incorporated into the gel (crosslinked) structure of methylcellulose, which increases gelatinity as the temperature rises. It is assumed that this will synergistically improve the gel properties, and it is possible to impart a good elastic texture to the meat-like processed food obtained by molding and heating the meat-like food composition containing this additive. can.

The methylcellulose contained in such an additive for livestock meat-like food compositions is preferably adjusted to a range of cellulose nanofibers: methylcellulose = 10 to 90% by weight: 90 to 10% by weight, and cellulose nanofibers: More preferably, the range is methylcellulose = 30 to 90% by weight: 70 to 10% by weight, and even more preferably the range is cellulose nanofiber: methylcellulose = 50 to 90% by weight: 50 to 10% by weight.
By blending methylcellulose within this range, it is possible to obtain more elasticity and a meat-like texture.

In the present invention, the form of methylcellulose to be contained in the additive for livestock meat-like food compositions is not particularly limited, and may be a dispersion of methylcellulose, a dry solid of methylcellulose, or a wet solid intermediate therebetween. There may be. In addition, in this invention, a commercial item can also be used as methylcellulose.

<Additives for livestock meat-like food compositions>
The additive for livestock meat-like food compositions of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it contains cellulose nanofibers and methylcellulose, but is suitable for livestock meat-like food compositions that involve processes such as heating and shaping. Regarding the improvement of gel properties by promoting the formation of a three-dimensional crosslinked structure, from the viewpoint of exhibiting a higher synergistic effect, "G2/ G1'' preferably satisfies 2 or more, more preferably 2.4 or more, even more preferably 2.5 or more, and particularly preferably 3 or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 or less. The higher the storage modulus G, the more advanced the gelation is. When G2/G1 is within this range, it shows that the effect of developing gel properties is high as the temperature rises, and that the crystalline cellulose nanofibers are incorporated into the three-dimensional crosslinked structure and show a high synergistic effect. means.

<Animal meat-like food composition>
The livestock meat-like food composition of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it contains the above additive for livestock meat-like food compositions. Examples of the livestock meat-like food composition of the present invention include those that further contain a plant-derived protein, and the content of the livestock meat material is preferably 30% by weight or less.

<Plant-derived protein>
In the present invention, plant-derived proteins include, for example, oil seeds such as soybean, pea, rapeseed, cottonseed, peanut, sesame, safflower, sunflower, corn, safflower, and coconut, or rice, barley, and wheat. Protein materials derived from grain seeds, extracted and processed proteins such as rice glutelin, barley prolamin, wheat prolamin, wheat gluten, soy globulin, soy albumin, peanut albumin, etc., and their heat treatment, acid treatment, and alkali treatment. , enzyme-treated proteins, etc. Soybean protein is preferred in terms of availability and economy. In addition, the soy protein referred to here may be any material containing protein derived from soybeans, such as whole soybeans, halved soybeans, reduced-fat soybeans, defatted soybeans, water-containing ethanol-washed or acidic soybeans, etc. Examples include concentrated soybean protein obtained by concentrating the protein by washing with water, etc., as well as isolated soybean protein or soybean milk, hydrolysates thereof, okara, whey, etc., and at least one of these can be selected. Among these, defatted soybeans are particularly preferred because of their excellent economic efficiency.

The properties of such plant-derived proteins are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected from granules, powders, pastes, fibers, etc. depending on the properties required for the meat-like food composition.

In the present invention, the livestock materials include livestock (pigs, cows, sheep, goats, horses, etc.), poultry (chickens, quail, ducks, ducks, ducks, geese, turkeys, etc.), deer, wild boars, and other birds and animals. It means meat material. Note that the livestock meat material includes not only so-called meat (muscle) but also tissues commonly used in processed livestock foods such as skin, fat, sinew, cartilage, internal organs, and blood.

The meat-like food composition of the present invention can reproduce an excellent meat-like texture without containing any meat material. In order to obtain the advantage that even people who do not eat animal meat for various reasons can eat it, it is preferable to keep the content of animal meat ingredients as low as possible. For example, it is preferable that the content of animal meat ingredients is 20% by weight or less. , more preferably 10% by weight or less. Further, it is more preferable that it contains no animal meat material at all (the content of animal meat material is 0% by weight). However, in order to keep the cost, supply stability, and quality stability of livestock meat materials constant, livestock meat materials can be contained within a certain level.

When the livestock meat-like food composition of the present invention contains plant-derived protein, the plant-derived protein and cellulose nanofiber are in a ratio of plant-derived protein: cellulose nanofiber = 60 to 99.5% by weight: 40 to 0.5% by weight. Preferably, the range is plant-derived protein: cellulose nanofiber = 70 to 99% by weight: 30 to 1% by weight, and plant-derived protein: cellulose nanofiber = 80 to 98.5% by weight: 20 to 1.5 A range of % by weight is more preferable (provided that the total weight of the plant-derived protein and cellulose nanofiber is 100% by weight). By satisfying this range, it is possible to exhibit an excellent meat-like texture, and it is also possible to improve workability due to superior water retention.

There are no particular restrictions on the other raw materials used in the livestock meat-like food composition of the present invention, and other additives may be used in accordance with the desired flavor, texture, physical properties, appearance, etc., as with ordinary processed livestock foods. be able to. For example, thickeners other than methylcellulose, vegetables, animal proteins other than meat materials (eggs, dairy products, etc.), seasonings, flours including bread crumbs, starches, dietary fiber, polysaccharide thickeners, fats and oils, sugars. , salts, spices, coloring agents, preservatives, etc. can be used.

In addition, the livestock meat-like food composition of the present invention preferably contains plant-derived protein in an amount of 20% by weight or more, more preferably 25% by weight or more, and preferably 27% by weight or more based on the total solid content. More preferred. The upper limit is preferably 90% by weight or less, more preferably 80% by weight or less, even more preferably 70% by weight or less. In the livestock meat-like food composition, it is preferable to use appropriate amounts of the other additives mentioned above in addition to the plant-derived protein, since it is possible to reproduce the texture and flavor more similar to livestock meat.

The livestock meat-like food composition of the present invention can be obtained by kneading each of the above-mentioned raw materials. There are no particular restrictions on the kneading method, but in order to obtain excellent meat-like texture and water retention, the additive for the meat-like food composition of the present invention containing cellulose nanofibers and methylcellulose is mixed with plant-derived protein. It is preferable to knead as uniformly as possible.

<Meat-like processed food>
The livestock meat-like food composition of the present invention thus obtained can be molded into various shapes, and a livestock meat-like processed food can be obtained by heat treatment. Examples of such meat-like processed foods include sausages, hamburgers, meatballs, pressed ham, chopped ham, salami, nuggets, minced meat cutlets, cabbage rolls, meatloaf, terrines, meatballs, meat buns, gyoza, shumai, and shaped meat. Can be mentioned.

The meat-like processed food of the present invention is a meat-like food composition containing an additive for a meat-like food composition containing cellulose nanofibers and methylcellulose, preferably containing a plant-derived protein, and preferably containing a meat material. If the content is 30% by weight or less, it can be commercialized in the same form as conventional processed meat foods, and the same manufacturing method can be adopted.

Since the additive for livestock meat-like food compositions of the present invention contains cellulose nanofibers and methylcellulose, workability when molding livestock meat-like food compositions containing the additives is improved. Furthermore, the processed meat-like food obtained by molding and heating this meat-like food composition has excellent texture.

The present invention will be explained in detail below using Examples, but the present invention is not limited to the Examples described below.

<Production of carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibers>
Into a stirrer that can mix pulp, add 200 g dry weight of pulp (NBKP (softwood bleached kraft pulp), manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.) and 111 g dry weight of sodium hydroxide to obtain a pulp solid content of 20% (w). /v). Thereafter, after stirring at 30° C. for 30 minutes, 216 g (in terms of active ingredient) of sodium monochloroacetate was added. After stirring for 30 minutes, the temperature was raised to 70°C and stirred for 1 hour. Thereafter, the reactant was taken out, neutralized, and washed to obtain carboxylmethylated pulp with a degree of carboxymethyl substitution per glucose unit of 0.25. Thereafter, the carboxymethylated pulp was adjusted to a solid content of 1% with water, and treated with a high-pressure homogenizer at 20° C. and a pressure of 150 MPa five times to defibrate to obtain carboxymethylated cellulose fibers. The obtained fibers had an average fiber diameter of 15 nm and an aspect ratio of 50.

Carboxymethylcellulose (trade name: F350HC-4, manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.) was added to the 0.7% by weight aqueous suspension of the above carboxymethylated cellulose fibers (cellulose nanofibers) at 10% by weight based on the cellulose nanofibers. and stirred for 60 minutes with a TK homomixer (12,000 rpm). After adding 0.5% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution to this aqueous suspension and adjusting the pH to 9, the vapor pressure was 0.5 MPa. G, a drum dryer D0405 (manufactured by Katsuragi Industries) with a drum rotation speed of 2 rpm was used to obtain a mixed dry solid of cellulose nanofibers and carboxymethyl cellulose with a water content of 5% by weight. The dry solid was pulverized using a dry mill to obtain cellulose nanofiber (CNF1) for use as an additive in the present invention.

(Examples 1-2, Comparative Example 1)
Cold water was added to a mixture of soybean protein (New Fuji Pro SHE, manufactured by Fuji Oil Co., Ltd.) and CNF1 and/or methyl cellulose at the blending ratio shown in Table 1 (total amount 100 g) and stirred. Once thoroughly mixed, canola oil was added little by little while stirring to emulsify the mixture to form an emulsion curd, which was then packed in a bag and stored in a refrigerator for more than 3 hours to obtain an emulsified soybean curd.
Using the obtained soybean curd, mix soybean curd, granular soy protein dissolved in an appropriate amount of water, sautéed onions, shortening, and liquid properties listed in Table 2 in an aluminum bowl at the blending ratio (total amount 500 g) listed in Table 2. Other materials shown were added and stirred thoroughly.
Thereafter, the remaining ingredients exhibiting the powder properties listed in Table 2 were added and stirred thoroughly until the mixture became viscous, to obtain a meat-like food composition.
While kneading the obtained meat-like food composition by hand, it was visually confirmed that it adhered to the wall of the aluminum bowl and to the hands.

The meat-like food composition was divided into 80 g/piece and molded into hamburger shapes.
Heat it on an iron plate at 220°C for 1 minute to give grill marks on both sides of the hamburger-shaped meat-like food composition, and then steam it in a convection oven (temperature 85°C/15 minutes) without adding any meat ingredients. Meatless hamburgers of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1 were obtained. The obtained meatless hamburgers and meat-like food compositions were evaluated as follows.

<Workability>
While kneading the meat-like food composition in an aluminum bowl with hands wearing rubber gloves, the amount of adhesion to the wall of the aluminum bowl and the amount of adhesion to the rubber gloves was visually checked and judged based on the following criteria.
◎: Due to strong water retention, the meat-like food composition is easily aggregated, and the amount of adhesion to the aluminum bowl wall and rubber gloves is small.
〇: Water-retentive, the meat-like food composition is easily aggregated, and adhesion to the aluminum bowl wall and rubber gloves is suppressed.
×: Water retention is poor and the meat-like food composition is sticky, so adhesion can be seen on the aluminum bowl wall and rubber gloves.

<Hamburger texture>
The obtained meatless hamburger steak was sampled by five panelists, and the texture was evaluated based on the following criteria, and the average thereof was calculated.
◎: The texture is rich in elasticity and the texture of soybean protein can be felt well.
○: The soybean protein has a meaty feel, and the texture is typical of a hamburger steak.
△: The soybean protein does not have much grainy texture, and the texture is poor.
×: There is no grainy texture of soybean protein, and the texture is slimy.

<Syneresis/oil syneresis during heating after frozen storage>
The obtained meatless hamburger steak was stored frozen in a freezer (-18°C) for 12 hours. Thereafter, the hamburger steak was taken out, thawed and heated in a microwave oven (600 W), and the state of syneresis and oil separation generated on the surface of the hamburger steak was visually confirmed.
○: Some syneresis and oil syneresis were observed on the surface of the hamburger steak, but the amount was small.
×: Syneresis and oil syneresis are observed on the surface of the hamburger steak.

※粒状大豆たんぱく・・・ニューフジニック２５Ｎ：ニューフジニック４３Ｎ＝７：３配合

*Granular soy protein...New Fujinic 25N: New Fujinic 43N = 7:3 combination

As can be seen from Table 2, the livestock meat-like food compositions of Examples 1 and 2 to which the additive for livestock meat-like food compositions containing cellulose nanofibers and methylcellulose of the present invention were added were the comparative examples that did not contain the additive of the present invention. The workability during manufacturing is improved compared to the livestock meat-like food composition No. 1, and the meatless hamburger obtained by molding and heating this livestock meat-like food composition has excellent texture. Yes, syneresis and oil syneresis were suppressed when the obtained meatless hamburger steak was thawed and heated after frozen storage.

(Examples 3-4, Comparative Examples 2-3)
An aqueous dispersion of cellulose nanofibers for additives (CNF1) and methylcellulose, and an aqueous solution of methylcellulose were prepared at the blending ratios shown in Table 3, and used as additives for livestock meat-like food compositions. The storage modulus G of the obtained additive for livestock meat-like food compositions was measured using a rheometer (Physica MCR301, manufactured by Anton Paar) while increasing the temperature from 25°C to 80°C at a rate of 0.18°C per second. was measured. Table 3 shows the storage modulus G1 at 25°C, the storage modulus G2 at 60°C, and the value of G2/G1.

As can be seen from Table 3, since the additive for livestock meat-like food compositions of the present invention contains cellulose nanofibers and methylcellulose, it has a high effect of improving gel properties when the temperature is raised, and the crystalline cellulose nanofibers are absorbed by overheating. It can be seen that it is incorporated into the formed methylcellulose crosslinked structure, forming a three-dimensional crosslinked structure.

Claims (6)

An additive for livestock meat-like food compositions, characterized by containing cellulose nanofibers and methylcellulose. The additive for livestock meat-like food compositions according to claim 1, wherein the cellulose nanofibers are chemically modified cellulose nanofibers. The chemically modified cellulose nanofibers are oxidized cellulose nanofibers in which the amount of carboxyl groups is 0.5 mmol/g to 3.0 mmol/g based on the absolute dry weight of the chemically modified cellulose nanofibers. , the additive for livestock meat-like food compositions according to claim 2. 3. The chemically modified cellulose nanofibers are carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibers having a degree of carboxymethyl substitution per glucose unit of the chemically modified cellulose nanofibers of 0.01 to 0.50. The additive for the livestock meat-like food composition described above. The additive for livestock meat-like food compositions according to claim 2, wherein the storage elastic modulus G1 at 25°C and the storage elastic modulus G2 at 60°C satisfy G2/G1≧2. A livestock meat-like food composition comprising the additive for livestock meat-like food compositions according to any one of claims 1 to 5.