Effect of fresh chlorella powder on improving qualities and storage condition of organic soybean tofu

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a fresh chlorella powder on yield, quality and self-life of organic soybean tofu. After added with a fresh chlorella powder, yields, physical properties, color, shelf-life and sensory properties of the organic soybean tofu added with chlorella powder was compared to the properties of soybean tofu. The yield of soybean tofu increased with the addition of more than 1% chlorella powder. Hardness of the organic soybean tofu with chlorella significantly increased compared to that of the soybean tofu. However, Hunter’s color values of L, a, and b decreased by increases in the chlorella powder concentration. Total microbial population of the soybean tofu was higher than that of the organic soybean tofu with chlorella. However, pH of chlorella tofu decreased during storage period at 4℃. After 7 days storage at 4℃, the total microbial population decreased significantly with the addition of 2% chlorella powder. The L and a value of chlorella tofu was increased. On the other hand, the b value of chlorella tofu was decreased during storage. The results revealed that a fresh chlorella powder was a useful material to improve yield, quality and storage condition of the organic soybean tofu.