The Quality and Sensory Characteristics of Tofu with Various Levels of Black Garlic Extract

The quality and sensory characteristics of tofu were investigated with various levels of black garlic extract (BE) added to it in 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7%-weight soymilk, before it was coagulated with MgCl2 (MC, BEM-A, BEM-B, BEM-C and BEM-D) and concentrated to 8 Brix deep ground sea-like water (SC, BES-A, BES-B, BES-C and BES-D). The overall acceptability of the tofu samples was higher (SC > BES-A > BEM-A) than that of the other samples. The addition of BE was influenced by the color, flavor and taste of the tofu, and the more BE was added, the tougher the tofu became. The tofu yield with various amounts of black garlic extract did not significantly differ among the samples. The pH range was 5.61~6.15 and decreased as more BE was added, whereas the turbidity increased. Also, the L value of the tofu decreased as more BE was added. The a value showed a tendency opposite that of the L value. The b value did not significantly differ among the samples. The texture profile analysis of the tofus showed that the hardness, chewiness, and gumminess significantly increased as more BE was added. In conclusion, it was found that the addition of 1% BE will improve the quality and sensory characteristics of tofu.