Description
Reconstructed meat products are engineered by mechanically separating muscle fibers and reassembling them with protein binders and fats, using heat, pressure, or extrusion to achieve desired texture and safety.
Technical
The process relies on the denaturation of myosin at 60–70 °C, which releases muscle proteins that can be aligned by extrusion or high‑pressure homogenization. Gelation of soy protein isolate at 80–90 °C or collagen cross‑linking at 70–80 °C forms a cohesive matrix that mimics natural meat structure. The addition of fat at 10–20 % further emulates marbling and improves mouthfeel.
Science
Primary Reaction
Protein denaturation and gelation
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
savorymeatyumamiproteinaceoussubtletoastedcaramelized
Origin & History
Civilization