COLORIMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF EGG YOLK AND EGG YOLK PRODUCTS

Procedures are suggested for COLOR-EYE® evaluation of various yolk forms and products. Chromaticity coordinates derived from COLOR-EYE determinations and the calculated dominant wavelength (λ_d), excitation purity (P_e) and luminous reflectance (Y_CIE) values were also determined for each yolk form and product analyzed. Characteristics of aged yolks included reduced λ_d and P_e and an increase in Y_CIE values; the greatest effects were at the highest levels of pigmentation concentration. Luminous reflectance values were substantially lowered by the addition of sugar and subsequent frozen storage; all other calorimetric criteria were relatively unchanged. Yolk age effects were negligible for the calorimetric characterization of yolks incorporated into product forms. Mayonnaise products provided the most consistent COLOR-EYE readings. These data suggest the feasibility of utilizing the COLOR-EYE, or similar instrumentation, as an objective method for the color characterization of various yolk products. Numerous options are available for converting data into other desired instrumentation values and terminology.