Protein texturization

Abstract

A bland protein product having a texture and mouth feel simulating animal meat is prepared from a dough-like mixture of proteinaceous material and water. The proteinaceous material can comprise relatively low protein content blends or even single ingredients such as soy flour. The process comprises continuously extruding the protein dough in the form of a relatively thin sheet of semi-rigid protein material into a first confined treating zone while simultaneously subjecting the thin sheet in the extrusion die to externally applied heat to texturize both surfaces of the sheet before it enters into the first confined zone. A stream of heated gas and condensables is introduced into the first confined zone to buoy up, flex and help propel the sheet of surface - texturized protein through the confined zone where additional texturization takes place. The sheet then is cut into segments by rotating longitudinal knife edges against a stationary straight edge and the segments are conveyed through a second confined zone where final texturizing takes place. Finally, the protein segments are passed through a suitable back pressure means at the end of the second confined zone, and recovered in usable form. Apparatus for performing this process is also disclosed.