Abstract: A textured soybean product is produced from full-fat soybean by hydrating whole soybean by treatment with a dilute alkaline solution; mixing the hydrated soybean with full-fat soy flour and equilibrating the moisture content thereof; and passing the mixture through an extrusion cooker. The textured product has excellent flavor, color, and appearance, and can be formulated into an all-vegetable ground meat analogue or it can be used as an extender in blends with ground meat.

Abstract: A process for preparing a bland, stable, aqueous dispersion of soybeans comprising:I. providing enzyme active soybean cotyledons, either intact or subdivided, while maintaining the moisture level thereof within prescribed limits;Ii. heating said soybean cotyledons sufficiently to inactivate the lipoxidase enzyme contained therein and to partially tenderize said soybean cotyledons;Iii. further tenderizing said soybean cotyledons until the soybeans exhibit a tenderometer value of between about 16 and about 300 pounds per 100 grams of soybeans on an equivalent whole bean basis; andIv. homogenizing an aqueous slurry of said tenderized soybeans, said slurry having a soybean concentration of less than about 20% by weight, in at least one pass through a homogenization zone at a pressure between about 1000 and 10,000 psi at a temperature between about 32.degree. F. and a boiling point of the slurry at the pressure within the homogenizing zone, thereby obtaining a bland, stable soybean dispersion.

Abstract: Soybean dehulling, blanching and grinding apparatus is provided for preparation of a relatively coarse ground slurry consisting of water and approximately 12% by weight of bean tissue. Soybeans having a moisture content of approximately 13% are dehulled in a rapid and efficient manner and without crushing or grinding the cotyledons. After separation from the hulls, the whole cotyledons are blanched by dropping the same in boiling water without prior soaking. The blanching apparatus blanches the cotyledons rapidly and without producing excessive foaming. The blanched soybeans are then mixed with water and ground in a horizontally positioned grinding tube by means of a series of blades which also move the product along the tube while providing a uniform mixture of bean tissue and water. A screen is provided at the end of the tube which prevents the issuance of material until the solids have a desired size, as determined by the perforations in the screen.