Multi-scale approach: Structure–texture relationship of meat and meat analogues

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Elle Ina Wilhelm - , Chair of Food Engineering, Technical University of Berlin, Project Eaden GmbH (Author)
  • Luiza Fritzsche - , Project Eaden GmbH (Author)
  • Christoph Simon Hundschell - , Chair of Food Engineering, Technical University of Berlin (Author)
  • Thomas A. Vilgis - , Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (Author)
  • David Olivier Schmelzeisen - , Project Eaden GmbH (Author)
  • Anja Maria Wagemans - , Chair of Food Engineering, Technical University of Berlin (Author)

Abstract

Plant-based meat analogues are considered a sustainable substitute for meat. However, the current attempts to reproduce the visible fibrous structure on a macro scale (1 mm) have not yet achieved the desired texture properties. The role of the meso-scale fiber structure (50–200 μm) in the meat texture remains uncertain. To characterize the texture properties, this study employed Warner–Bratzler shear force tests and texture profile analysis, comparing cuts that were parallel and perpendicular to the fiber direction. Scanning electron microscopy was employed for the purpose of structural characterization. Anisotropy and texture properties were observed to differ between the meat and the meat analogues. The meat exhibited a fibrous structure at both the macro and meso scales, while the meat analogues displayed a porous structure without a clear fiber direction from the meso scale onward. The texture of meat is primarily determined by the connective tissue and muscle fibers, whereas the texture of meat analogues is mainly influenced by the fibers. This study elucidates the structure–texture relationships of meat and meat analogues at macro and meso scales, developing a mechanistic model to explain their differing responses to mechanical stress. These findings are crucial for improving the texture properties of meat analogues, advancing their ability to mimic meat's texture.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number017171
JournalPhysics of fluids
Volume37
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0003-4468-921X/work/176863445
Mendeley 5c234ff2-85d4-3dc6-bb08-36bc8519e5d6
Scopus 85216375880