Introduction
Veganism is a lifestyle and dietary choice that excludes the consumption of animal products. As more people embrace this lifestyle, the demand for plant-based alternatives to traditional animal-based foods has increased. One such alternative is vegan egg, which serves as a substitute for eggs in various recipes. But what exactly is vegan egg made of? In this article, we will dive deeper into the composition and ingredients of vegan egg products.
Plant-Based Ingredients
Tofu: Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a popular ingredient in vegan egg products. It is made from soybeans and has a similar texture to eggs when cooked. Tofu is rich in protein and provides a creamy consistency to vegan egg products.
Chickpea Flour: Chickpea flour, also called gram flour or besan, is another common ingredient in vegan egg substitutes. It is made from ground chickpeas and is known for its binding properties. Chickpea flour helps mimic the structure and texture of eggs in various recipes.
Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are often used in vegan baking as an egg substitute. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. When mixed with water, ground flaxseeds form a gel-like substance that can be used as a binding agent in vegan egg recipes.
Aquafaba: Aquafaba is the liquid that comes from canned chickpeas or the cooking water of homemade chickpeas. It has gained popularity as an egg replacement due to its ability to mimic the properties of egg whites. Aquafaba can be whipped into a foam and used in recipes that require egg whites, such as meringues or macarons.
Additional Ingredients
Turmeric: Turmeric is often added to vegan egg products to give them a yellow color, resembling the appearance of eggs. It also adds a subtle flavor to the final dish.
Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that is commonly used in vegan cooking for its cheesy and nutty flavor. It is often added to vegan egg recipes to enhance the taste and provide a savory element.
Black Salt: Black salt, also known as Kala Namak, is a type of rock salt that has a distinctive sulfuric flavor. It is commonly used in vegan egg recipes to replicate the taste of eggs. The sulfur content in black salt gives it an eggy aroma and flavor.
Conclusion
Vegan egg products are made using a variety of plant-based ingredients that mimic the texture, structure, and flavor of eggs. Tofu, chickpea flour, flaxseeds, and aquafaba are commonly used as the base ingredients, while turmeric, nutritional yeast, and black salt are added to enhance the appearance and taste. These ingredients provide a cruelty-free alternative for those following a vegan lifestyle or for individuals with egg allergies.
References
– Vegan Society: www.vegansociety.com
– The Spruce Eats: www.thespruceeats.com
– One Green Planet: www.onegreenplanet.org
