Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : During paneer manufacture, pressing of coagulum in hot condition is essential.
Reason (R) : Pressing in hot condition can fuse the coagulum into a firm single block.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

Pressing paneer coagulum at \(70\ ^\circ\text{C}\) ensures proper whey drainage and allows the protein networks to fuse, which prevents the paneer from crumbling when sliced.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Paneer is made by coagulating hot milk with an organic acid, followed by pressing the curd to drain the whey and form a compact block.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Assertion (A) states that pressing the coagulum while hot is essential.
This is correct. After adding the acid coagulant at \(70\ ^\circ\text{C}\), the curd must be collected and pressed immediately while still hot.
Reason (R) explains why this hot pressing is necessary.
At high temperatures, the milk proteins (mainly casein complexes) remain flexible and active.
When pressed in this hot state, the individual curd particles easily stick together and fuse into a single, uniform block of paneer.
If the coagulum is allowed to cool before pressing, the protein network loses this binding capacity, resulting in a loose, crumbly product with poor texture and high moisture retention.
Therefore, Assertion (A) is true, Reason (R) is true, and (R) correctly explains why (A) is necessary.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).