Lignocellulosic food products—those rich in lignocellulose, a key structural component of plant cell walls—often pose challenges in terms of texture and chewability. Foods such as areca nut (betel nut) are particularly known for their dense, fibrous composition, making them difficult to break down through normal mastication.

To address this issue, cellulase enzymes are employed. Cellulases specifically target the β-1,4-glycosidic bonds that hold cellulose chains together, effectively degrading the rigid plant cell wall structure. By partially hydrolyzing cellulose into smaller, more manageable fragments, cellulases help soften the food matrix. In doing so, they improve mouthfeel, reduce the need for prolonged mastication, and enhance the overall palatability of cellulosic food products such as areca nut. This enzymatic intervention ultimately makes these traditionally tough, fibrous materials easier and more comfortable to chew, broadening their appeal and accessibility.

Sunson’s latest generation cellulase solution—Fiber softening CellulaseSF-G—is expertly formulated to soften tough, lignocellulosic foods, with particular effectiveness in areca nut (betel nut) processing. Areca nuts are naturally fibrous and rigid, making them challenging to chew and difficult to fully enjoy. By applying Fiber softening Cellulase SF-G to these high-fiber materials, processors can significantly improve the texture, enhance mouthfeel, and reduce oral discomfort.

Sunson, a pioneer in lignocellulosic food softening solutions, proudly introduces its latest generation softening product—Fiber softening Cellulase SF-G. This innovative enzyme preparation is designed to maintain oral health and enhance texture. Let’s take a closer look at what Fiber softening Cellulase SF-G has to offer.

Sunson specializes in developing bio-based solutions for softening high-fiber fruit and lignocellulosic foods. Supported by a dedicated plant fiber softening research laboratory, Sunson employs cutting-edge analytical technologies—such as texture analyzers, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Through comprehensive research and continuous exploration, Sunson has successively developed a series of star products tailored to soften these challenging food materials like areca nut (betel nut).

The product is produced using finely bred microbial strains through submerged fermentation and refined processing, ensuring food-grade purity. In addition to a rich cellulase complex, Fiber softening Cellulase SF-G contains an appropriate amount of synergistic hemicellulase. This enzyme system effectively modifies both the crystalline and amorphous regions of cellulose. By selectively breaking hemicellulose side chains and disrupting the hydrogen bonds between hemicellulose and cellulose, the enzyme loosens the tightly bound fiber structure, creating a more porous, tender texture. After enzymatic treatment, the fibers swell significantly, and secondary wall lignin fibers disperse and depolymerize. The result is a product that can be easily shredded into fine strands by hand as shown in the below picture.

      Areca nut fiber in native state                                          Areca nut fiber after enzymatic treatment

According to repeated Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) measurements from the Sunson Fiber softening Laboratory, treatment with Fiber softening Cellulase SF-G does not significantly alter fiber length or toughness. Instead, the fiber hardness decreases progressively with longer enzymatic treatment as indicated by the below graphs. More notably, it enhances lignin depolymerization, greatly improving softness, water- and oil-retention properties, and overall rehydration performance, which will greatly promote marination.

                                     Changes in hardness of areca nut with incubation time

After enzymatic softening with Sunson Fiber softening Cellulase SF-G, high-fiber fruits exhibit depolymerized and softened secondary wall lignocellulosic fibers. The fibers become finer, longer, and more pliable, allowing marinades and broths to penetrate more effectively. The result is a tender, easily shreddable texture that does not irritate the oral cavity.

Sunson Fiber softening Cellulase SF-G empowers manufacturers to efficiently soften high-fiber fruits and lignocellulosic foods. Its stable performance and user-friendly application help reduce the physical irritation of high-fiber hard foods to oral membranes, thus diminishing discomfort and lowering health risks. By promoting a softer, more enjoyable texture, Fiber softening Cellulase SF-G supports the development of healthier, more palatable, high-fiber food products. For more details please contact: enquiry@sunsonzymes.com.