Added: 05/17/2006 |
Textured Soy Protein As Equal Replace For MeatVegetarians fall into groups defined by the types of animal-derived foods they eat. A healthy vegetarian diet consists primarily of plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seed. Because the emphasis is on non-meat food sources, a vegetarian diet generally contains less fat and cholesterol, and typically includes more fiber.
First patented by William Thomas Atkinson in the middle of the twentieth century, now the textured soy protein products can be found in natural food stores and larger supermarkets, usually in the bulk section.
If you follow a vegan diet, you may need to find alternatives for eggs and dairy products. Try meatless products, such as tofu dogs, soy burgers, nut loaves or texturized soy protein, add variety to your vegetarian diet. These products, found in many grocery stores and health food markets, simulate the taste and texture of meat and usually have less fat and fewer calories. The products of textured soy protein are quick to cook, high in protein, and low in fat, and due to the high popularity of vegetarian movement, are found plentifully in many markets, shops and stores. Many of the meatless products, such as tofu or tempeh, are made from soybeans or so called textured soy protein.
Textured soy protein (TSP), also known as textured vegetable protein, is a meat substitute made from defatted soy flour, a by-product of making soybean oil. Textured soy protein products are typically referred to as imitation meat because designed, as vegetarian food products, to imitate the flavor and texture of processed meat.
The products of textured soy protein are quick to cook, high in protein, and low in fat. First patented by William Thomas Atkinson in the middle of the twentieth century, now the textured soy protein products can be found in natural food stores and larger supermarkets, usually in the bulk section.
The roots of textured soy protein goes back to Chinese and Indian Buddhist cuisine as these products is often eaten by Buddhists who choose not to eat meat for religious reasons and is often made from gluten. In the UK, Ireland and European Union textured soy protein products are derived from a variety of grains and vegetable proteins including rice and peas. The foods thus produced imitate not raw meat but cooked, processed meats such as sausage, hamburger, roast beef, bacon, steak pie and so on.
Textured soy protein comes in some forms, the most popular of which are ground fine and in coarser chunks. Because of the ability take on the texture of whatever meat it is substituting for, it makes textured soy protein a more versatile substance.
When bought in bulk textured soy protein comes as small dry chunks with no flavor of its own. That is why it needs to be rehydrated and flavored (both can be accomplished in the same step) and only then added to cooking. Using textured soy protein, one can make vegetarian or vegan versions of popular dishes like chili, sloppy joes, tacos, burgers and whatnot.
And these versions are not only healthier and cheaper, but more tasty as well.
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