Process and apparatus for the production of a meat analogue

An apparatus for the production of a meat analogue comprising:

• i) a first heating unit,
• ii) a first transfer means for transferring a meat batter which comprises protein into the first heating unit, the first heating unit being operable to heat the meat batter to a temperature above the denaturation temperature of the protein but below the melting temperature of the protein,
• iii) a second heating unit being operable to heat a first heat-treated product obtained from the first heating unit to a temperature above the melting temperature of the protein in the first heat-treated product, wherein the first heating unit and the second heating unit are arranged in series,
• iv) a cooling unit located downstream the second heating unit and operable to cool down a second heat-treated product obtained from the second heating unit below water boiling temperature at ambient pressure when exiting the cooling unit, and
• v) a dividing unit located downstream the cooling unit suitable for dividing cooled down second heat-treated product obtained from the cooling unit into pieces
• wherein the apparatus is operable such that a ratio of a residence time of the meat batter in the first heating unit to a residence time of the first heat-treated product in the second heating unit of from about 3:2 to about 14:2.