Abstract
This research aimed to determine the feasibility of using mushrooms as an alternative ingredient in texturized vegetable protein (TVP) production using a single-screw extruder. TVPs from King Oyster (TVP-KO) and Pheonix mushroom (TVP-PH) were successfully developed and characterized. The visual appearance of TVP was reddish-brown, with a distinct roasted mushroom-soybean aroma. When rehydrated and cooked, both TVPs provided a minced meat-like appearance and chewy meat texture comparable to commercial TVP (TVP-Com); however, they had inferior water and oil holding and rehydration capacities. TVPs contained comparable protein content to TVP-Com (45-47 wt%), slightly lower carbohydrate content (33-36 wt% vs. 39 wt%), and ash (3-4 wt% vs. 8 wt%), but higher lipid content (7-8 wt% vs. 0.84 wt%) than TVP-Com. Sai-aua prepared from TVP-KO gained the highest overall acceptability. Mushrooms proved to be a potential source for TVP production due to their availability, low cost, nutritional value, and health benefits. Moreover, this finding helps add value to traditional meat products, which offer an opportunity for developing non-animal products with satisfactory sensory properties and low cost. In addition, the study would provide scientific resources for developing plant-based meat products that address health awareness and economic and environmental sustainability concerns.