Juicy, tender, mouthwatering. From chicken wings to hamburgers, America loves its meat. America is the world’s largest consumer of animal-derived products. An average American consumes 274 pounds of meat in a year. But beyond this delicious goodness, this million-dollar industry has been receiving severe backlash.
The meat industry is ridden with unethical practices. As consumers are becoming more conscious about their choices, there is an increased demand for vegan products.
What is veganism?
Veganism is abstaining from any animal or animal-derived product. It includes plant-based products. With the advent of veganism, companies are emerging with alternatives catering to the demand of consumers. Vegan meat has garnered all the hype as an alternative to animal meat.
Vegan meat is a plant-based alternative to animal products.
Why choose vegan?
Animal products have become an integral part of our lives. The breakfast bacon, the bucket of chicken wings, or the outdoor barbecue. It is impossible to imagine our meals without mouthwatering goodness. But behind our delicious burger lies the sad reality of the animal industry
The animals
From being mercilessly slaughtered to severe exploitation, these animals go through extreme trauma for the sake of our tastebuds. Enormous light has been shed on the unethical practices of the industry. It has provoked many consumers to adopt veganism as an alternative.
It is more sustainable
The animal industry requires large acres of land and other resources. A large amount of water is required to support livestock. Acres of land are converted to pastures for crop cultivation of feed crops. The animal industry produces 18% of the greenhouse emission gasses, which includes methane.
Veganism can help reduce such problems.
The health benefits
Nutritionists and health experts have been urging the world to reduce the consumption of beef and pork products. Researchers have indicated a direct link between animal fat and chronic problems such as heart diseases, hypertension,
and cancer.
Vegan meat
Many consumers are making a shift towards a plant-based diet. Today meat alternatives are flooding the market. It is a great substitute for people trying to adopt veganism without compromising on their taste buds.
These are faux meat, manufactured from plant-sourced ingredients. It mimics the texture and flavor of conventional meat. The products include alternatives for various products such as
meatballsmeat pattysausageschickensalmon
Vegan meat does not contain any animal products at all. Instead, it uses products like soy, wheat gluten, and pea protein to mimic the feel of meat products.
Conventionally, meat has a chewy, springy texture. It is bright red. Companies that manufacture vegan meat try to recreate the same mouthfeel and appearance.
the texture
plant proteins when washed off from all the sugars. It is isolated and can provide the same springiness and chewy texture of animal protein. Some of the most popular plant proteins are
soy
it is a major ingredient in a vegan diet. It has neutral flavors and is dense in nutrients. Once, isolated it can be easily manipulated.
pea protein
it is a relatively new ingredient. It has been gaining a lot of attention for its neutral flavor and high nutrient content.
Wheat protein
Wheat gluten mimics animal meat impeccably. Gluten has a stringy texture that makes it a great substitute for animal meat
Others
rice protein and mung bean protein are also incorporated in vegan meat. They help in providing the right textures. vegan protein uses starches derived from potatoes that help in binding
The Appearance
the perfect bright red color of meat can be attributed to myoglobin. It is a protein that helps in oxygen transmission. Myoglobin content is higher in beef, followed by beef and lamb, and low in poultry.
The perfect red color in vegan meat comes from beetroot extract.
Recently, the compound leghemoglobin has been gaining popularity. It is an oxygen-carrying compound found in the roots of legumes such as soy. Its red color imparts the perfect red color in a vegan substitute.
The fat
One of the components in any meat product is fat. It provides that perfect juicy mouthfeel. Animal fat is more saturated than plant fat. In plant-based meat, it is achieved by using vegetable oils. Companies use coconut oil or palm oil to recreate the flavor.
Flavoring Agents
Various herbs and spices help in elevating the flavors.
Plant-based meat and nutritional requirements
Plant-based meat is significantly low in cholesterol and saturated fats. It contains micronutrients such as zinc, and magnesium. Thus, plant-based products are considered to be a healthier alternative to animal products.
Although the amount of fat varies according to the different products, anyone seeking a healthy lifestyle can benefit from vegan alternatives.
Conclusion
Plant proteins include soy, wheat, pea, rice, and mung bean. They are wholesome and highly nutritious. Beetroot extract, leghemoglobin, and vegetable oils make the flavor more delicious without compromising on the palate.
Switching from an animal-based diet to a vegan diet can seem like a mammoth task. Vegan meat provides a familiar flavor and textures.
