Enzymes as Food Additive
Enzymes are nontoxic protein substances that occur naturally in foods or may be produced by microorganisms or biotechnology to catalyze various reactions. They are early inactivated by a specific PH and temperature. Although the presence of some enzymes may produce negative quality changes, other enzymes are often intentionally added to foods for their beneficial effect. Microorganisms are responsible for producing some of the enzymes desired in foods; thus, the microbes may be intentionally added to food.
Some examples of enzymes that are additions to other foods include bromelain (from pineapples), ficin (from figs), and papain (from papaya). The enzymes act as meat tenderizers of muscle tissue or connective tissue. Amylases hydrolyze starch in flour and are used along with acids in the production of corn syrup. Invertase used to hydrolyze sucrose and prevent its crystallization. Pectinases clarify pectin-containing jellies or juices; proteases may be used a meat tenderizers, to create cheeses from milk (rennin), and to produce soy sauce. Glucose oxidase is added to foods such as egg whites in order to prevent the Maillard browning.
Enzymes as Food Additive
What are food additives? Food additives can be defined as chemical substances deliberately added in foods, directly or indirectly, in known and regulated quantities, for purposes of assisting in the processing of foods, preservation of foods, or in improving the flavor, texture, or appearance of foods.
The most popular articles
-
Functions of Food Additives Hundreds of chemical additives are incorporated into foods directly or migrate into foods from the environment ...
-
Chelating agents have acquired greater importance in food processing. Their ability to bind metal ions has contributed significantly to stab...
-
The term does not include chance contaminants. An additive may be reactive or inactive; it may be nutritive or nonnutritive; it should be ne...
-
History of Food Additive Before the Civil War, people raised most of what they ate and processed it themselves and food additives were limit...
-
Alkaline Compounds as Food Additive Alkaline compounds are compounds that raise the pH. Alkaline compounds, such as sodium hydroxide or pota...
-
Nutrients functions are to improve or maintain the nutritional quality of foods. Many food additives, including vitamins and minerals, serve...
-
Food additive is a substance or mixture of substances, other than basic food stuff, which is present in food as a result of any activity of ...
-
Flavoring Agents Flavoring agents are the largest single group of food additives. Food and beverage applications of flavors include dairy, f...
