Abstract:

The objective of this study was to optimize the processing conditions for manufacturing tofu from fresh leaves of
Premna microphylla Turcz, collected from Shizhu county of Chongqing, using response surface methodology (RSM). The
optimal conditions for manufacturing of Premna microphylla Turcz leaf tofu were found as follows: pulping with a ratio of
leaves to distilled water of 1:12 (g/mL), pH adjustment to 4.0, and addition of 1% aqueous CaCO3 suspension to a final concentration
of 0.08%. The hardness of tofu under the optimized conditions was 147.292 g, gel strength 133.835 g, the amount
of exudates 21.3 mL/100 g, and tofu yield 826.2%. Moreover, the appearance and texture of the tofu were good.

Key words: Premna microphylla Turczleaf tofu, processing conditions, response surface methodology