Method for producing aseptically packaged tofu

Abstract

To provide a method for producing aseptically packaged tofu, allowing extended shelf life and ambient-temperature distribution without the need for costly container sterilizing equipment or aseptic packaging equipment.SOLUTION: The present invention provides an aseptic tofu production container having a structure in which soymilk and a coagulant are packaged in isolation from each other, and a production method in which the container, with the soymilk and the coagulant kept separated, is retort-sterilized as a whole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for aseptically filled tofu and to a method for producing aseptically filled tofu. [Background technology]

[0002] Tofu has long been known as a food that allows easy intake of plant-based protein. Tofu is a processed food made by solidifying soy milk made from soybeans using a coagulant, but it has a short shelf life and requires careful freshness management. However, in recent years, products have been developed that can withstand long shelf lives and room temperature distribution by filling sterilized ingredients in containers sterilized in a sterile environment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-272660 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for producing aseptic packed tofu that does not require complex and expensive sterilization equipment.

[0005] Conventional methods for producing aseptic tofu in sealed containers, such as that described in Patent Document 1, require complex and expensive equipment, such as an aseptic tank for storing sterilized mixed soy milk and coagulant, a sterilizer for filling containers, and an aseptic chamber for the container filling process, resulting in high costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The aseptic filled tofu container (product container body 1) of the present disclosure is characterized in that the soy milk filling chamber 3 and the coagulant filling chamber 5 are separated by an isolation seal part 6, and the isolation seal part 6 is opened without opening the product container body 1, and the filled soy milk and coagulant are mixed inside the product container 1.

[0007] In the method for producing aseptic packed tofu of the present disclosure, the soy milk and coagulant packed in the container are subjected to retort sterilization together with the container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, no sterilization equipment other than a retort machine is required, and no raw material filling aseptic chamber is required. Instead, aseptic tofu that has a long shelf life and can be distributed at room temperature can be produced using conventional, very common filled tofu production equipment and widely used retort sterilization equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 2 is a conceptual diagram of a packed tofu container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <Filling container body (product container body 1)> The product container body 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a filling container for producing aseptic tofu as claimed in claims 1. It is made from existing synthetic resin materials, paper, aluminum foil, etc. that have a certain degree of heat resistance, thermal conductivity, rigidity, flexibility, air barrier properties, light blocking properties, etc.

[0011] The soy milk filling port 2 and the coagulant filling port 4 are provided independently and separately, and are isolated by an isolating seal 6 to prevent the filled soy milk and coagulant from mixing. Therefore, the soy milk filled in the container will not coagulate even when heated for sterilization. Unlike other strong welded sealed parts, the isolating seal 6 has a heat-sealed structure that can be peeled open with a certain amount of pressure.

[0012] <Manufacturing method of filled tofu> The method for producing aseptic packed tofu according to the claims and claim 2 of the present invention utilizes the product container body 1 shown in Figs.

[0013] The soy milk filling port 2 and the coagulant filling port 4 shown in Figures 1 and 2 are filled to capacity and heat sealed, and then a sterilization process with an F value of 4 or higher is carried out in a retort sterilizer. This sterilizes the product container body 1, the soy milk, and the coagulant.

[0014] After the sterilization process, the product is cooled to below 20°C, preferably to about 8°C, to avoid unintended coagulation reactions. After cooling, pressure is applied to the coagulant chamber 5 to increase the pressure inside the coagulant chamber, peeling open the isolation seal 6 and spraying the coagulant inside the coagulant filling chamber 5 into the soymilk filling chamber 3. At this time, the soymilk and coagulant are mixed without opening the product container body 1, so the sterility inside the product container body 1 is maintained.

[0015] In order to mix the soy milk and the coagulant thoroughly, it is possible to use a rotating device such as a concrete mixer to vibrate the container after peeling open the isolating seal 6.

[0016] Through the above process, the soy milk and coagulant that were packed separately in the container are mixed together, and aseptic packed tofu is produced through the same coagulation process using heat as for regular packed tofu.

[0017] Although the above examples have been described as specific examples of forms for implementing the invention, the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0018] 1 Product container body 2 Soy milk filling port (welded and sealed after filling) 3 Soy milk filling room 4 Coagulant filling port (welded and sealed after filling) 5 Coagulant filling chamber 6. Isolation sealing section (isolation of soy milk chamber 3 and coagulant chamber 5)

Claims

1. This product container for producing aseptically filled tofu is characterized by a structure in which a soy milk filling chamber (3) and a coagulant filling chamber (5) are separated by an isolation seal (6), and the isolation seal (6) is opened without opening the product container body (1), and the filled soy milk and coagulant are mixed inside the product container (1).

2. A method for producing aseptically packed tofu using the container according to claim 1.

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