Changes in Shear Parameters,Protein Degradation and Ultrastructure of Pork Following Water Bath and Ohmic Cooking

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ohmic (OH) and water bath (WB) cooking on shear parameters, protein degradation and ultrastructure changes of porcine longissimus dorsi muscle at the same endpoint temperatures (EPTs; range, 20–100 °C). The cooking loss and Warner–Bratzler shear force of the OH-cooked meat were significantly lower (P?<?0.05) while protein solubility, pH and endothermic transition temperature were higher than those obtained by WB cooking at the same EPTs (range, 20–80 °C). Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed that during OH cooking, the meat had slightly fainter protein bands than that of WB-cooked ones. Less obvious shrinkage of the sarcomere and loss in the structure of Z discs were detected especially in OH-cooked meat at EPTs (100 °C). Strong correlations among pH, cooking loss, Warner–Bratzler shear force, sarcoplasmic protein solubility, T _max2, and T _max3 were observed in meat following OH cooking.     

High pressure induced changes on sarcoplasmic protein fraction and quality indicators

The combined effect of pressure and mild temperature treatments on bovine sarcoplasmic proteins and quality parameters was assessed. M. longissimus dorsi samples were pressurised in a range of 200–600 MPa and 10–30 °C. High Pressure Processing (HPP) induced a reduction of protein solubility (p < 0.001) compared to non-treated controls (NT), more pronounced above 200 MPa. HPP at pressures higher than 200 MPa induced a strong modification (p < 0.001) of meat colour and a reduction of water holding capacity (WHC). SDS–PAGE analysis demonstrated that HPP significantly modified the composition of the sarcoplasmic protein fraction. The pressurisation temperature mainly affected protein solubility and colour; a smaller effect was observed on protein profiles. Significant correlations (p < 0.001) between sarcoplasmic protein solubility and both expressible moisture (r = −0.78) and colour parameters (r = −0.81 to −0.91) suggest that pressure induced denaturation of sarcoplasmic proteins could influence to some extent WHC and colour modifications of beef. Changes in protein band intensities were also significantly correlated with protein solubility, meat lightness and expressible moisture. These results describe the changes induced by HPP on sarcoplasmic proteins and confirm a relationship between modification of the sarcoplasmic protein fraction and alteration of meat quality characteristics.     

Efficacies of soy sauce and wine base marinades for controlling spoilage of raw beef

Fresh beef slices were marinated by immersion in marinades based on soy sauce without (SB) or with lactic acid (SBLA) or red wine base without (WB) or with 0.5% v/v oregano essential oil (WBO). For control samples (immersed in saline), a mean increase of 0.9log CFU/cm² in total viable counts (TVCs) occurred during the 24 h treatment. During marination with WB and SB, mean TVC decreased by 0.7 and 0.3log CFU/cm², respectively. The mean decrease in TVC for samples marinated in WBO or SBLA was 1.2log CFU/cm². Subsequent storage of beef resulted in a rapid increase of TVC in control samples, to ≥9.5log CFU/cm² after 8 days at 5 °C or 3 days at 15 °C. Significant (P < 0.05) microbial growth occurred in marinated samples stored at 5 °C. During storage at 15 °C TVC increased in only WB samples but the final numbers of 5.9log CFU/cm² were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the numbers in the control. Results similar to those for TVC were observed for Pseudomonas spp. All marinades also gave meat with significant lower TBARS values than the controls. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the toughness of the marinated samples compared to the control, except for SBLA samples which had significantly higher (P < 0.05) shear force values. Marination with soy sauce or red wine marinades can evidently control microbial spoilage and oxidation of meat.     

Temperature- and pH-dependent effect of lactate on in vitro redox stability of red meat myoglobins

Our objective was to evaluate the influence of lactate on in vitro redox stability and thermostability of beef, horse, pork, and sheep myoglobins. Lactate (200 mM) had no effect (P > 0.05) on redox stability at physiological (pH 7.4, 37 °C) and meat (pH 5.6, 4 °C) conditions. However, lactate increased (P < 0.05) metmyoglobin formation at a condition simulating stressed live skeletal muscle (pH 6.5, 37 °C). The redox stability of myoglobins at stressed live skeletal muscle and meat conditions was species–specific (P < 0.05). Myoglobin thermostability at 71 °C was lower (P < 0.05) in the presence of lactate compared with controls and was influenced (P < 0.05) by species. The results of the present study indicate that the effects of lactate on myoglobin are temperature and pH dependent. The observed lack of influence of lactate on myoglobin redox stability at meat condition suggests that the color stability of lactate-enhanced fresh meat is not due to direct interactions between the ingredient and the heme protein.     

Effect of low voltage electrical stimulation on biochemical and quality characteristics of Longissimus thoracis muscle from one-humped Camel (Camelus dromedaries)

The effects of electrical stimulation (90 V) 20 min post mortem on meat quality and muscle fibre types of four age group camels (1–3, 4–6, 7–9, 10–12 years) camels were assessed. Quality of the Longissimus thoracis at 1 and 7 days post mortem ageing was evaluated using shear force, pH, sarcomere length, myofibrillar fragmentation index, expressed juice, cooking loss and L^∗, a^∗, b^∗ colour values. Age of camel and electrical stimulation had a significant effect on meat quality of L. thoracis. Electrical stimulation resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) more rapid pH fall in muscle during the first 24 h after slaughter. Muscles from electrically-stimulated carcasses had significantly (P < 0.05) lower pH values, longer sarcomeres, lower shear force value, higher expressed juice and myofibrillar fragmentation index than those from non-stimulated ones. Electrically-stimulated meat was significantly (P < 0.05) lighter in colour than non-stimulated based on L^∗ value. Muscles of 1–3 year camels had a significantly (P < 0.05) lower shear force value, and pH, but longer sarcomere, and higher myofibrillar fragmentation index, expressed juice, and lightness colour (L^∗) than those of the 10–12 years camels. The proportions of Type I, Type IIA and Type IIB were 25.0, 41.1 and 33.6%, respectively were found in camel meat. Muscle samples from 1–3 year camels had significantly (P < 0.05) higher Type I and lower Type IIB fibres compared to those from 10–12 year camel samples. These results indicated that age and ES had a significant effect on camel meat quality.     

Effects of lactate on ground lamb colour stability and mitochondria-mediated metmyoglobin reduction

Previous research suggests that lactate’s colour stabilizing effect in beef is through NADH production and antioxidant activity. However, no research has assessed lactate’s role in lamb colour. Hence, our objectives were to evaluate the effects of lactate on lamb surface discolouration, oxygen consumption, and metmyoglobin reduction. In experiment 1, lactate (final meat concentration = 2.5% w/w) was added to ground lamb (n = 20 carcasses) and patties were stored for 3 days at 1 °C in PVC packaging. Surface colour (CIE L∗ and a∗) and metmyoglobin reducing activity of ground lamb patties were measured. Addition of lactate improved colour stability and metmyoglobin reducing activity (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, mitochondria were isolated from lamb longissimus muscle (n = 3). Addition of lactate–LDH–NAD to mitochondria resulted in significant oxygen consumption and metmyoglobin reduction compared with mitochondrial controls without lactate (p < 0.05). Lactate can improve the colour stability of lamb, possibly by increasing metmyoglobin reducing activity.     

Near-infrared oximetry of three post-rigor skeletal muscles for following myoglobin redox forms

We investigated the response of frequency-domain multidistance (FDMD) near-infrared (NIR) tissue oximetry for detecting absolute amounts of myoglobin (Mb) redox forms and their relationship to meat colour stability. Four packaging formats were used to create different blends of Mb redox forms and meat colours during display. Changes in surface colour and subsurface pigment forms during simulated display time (0, 2, 4, and 10 d at 2 °C) were evaluated using surface reflecto-spectrophotometry (both L∗a∗b∗ and specific wavelengths) and FDMD NIR tissue oximetry. Data for both methods of direct measurement of oxymyoglobin and deoxymyoglobin were strongly related and accounted for 86–94% of the display variation in meat colour. Indirect estimates of metmyoglobin ranged from r² = 59–85%. It appears that NIR tissue oximetry has potential as a noninvasive, rapid method for the assessment of meat colour traits and may help improve our understanding of meat colour chemistry in post-rigor skeletal muscle.     

Anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamic acids of Lambert Compact cherries (Prunus avium L.) after cold storage and 1-methylcyclopropene treatment

Sweet cherries cv. Lambert Compact were treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at 0, 180 and 360 nL/L for 2 h at 25 °C and then stored at 2–4 °C in refrigerator. Their quality was measured after 12 days of storage in terms of the contents of total and individual anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamic acids, occurrence of rot, and colour change. Colour change was monitored at three day intervals during storage in the CIE L*, a*, b* colour space. 1-MCP did not retard colour change. The contents of total and individual anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamic acids showed no correlation with the colour behaviour of the cherries. All cherries lost their initial shiny red colour on storage, regardless of the treatment. 1-MCP reduced sweet cherry rot at the highest concentration used (360 nL/L) – only 6% were rotten after 12 days in the refrigerator. This differed significantly (P < 0.05) from untreated fruits and those treated with 180 nL/L 1-MCP which resulted on average in 14 and 20% rot (not statistically different P < 0.05), respectively. The occurrence of rot was shown to be correlated with anthocyanin accumulation, (R = 0.62, P < 0.10). The profile of individual anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamic acids in sweet cherry was not affected neither by cold storage nor 1-MCP treatment.     

Sensory,physical and chemical characteristics of cooked ham manufactured from rapidly chilled and earlier deboned M. semimembranosus

Effects of rapid chilling of carcasses (at − 31 °C in the first 3 h of chilling, and then at 2–4 °C) and earlier deboning (8 h post-mortem), compared to rapid (till 24 h post-mortem) and conventional chilling (at 2–4 °C, till 24 h post-mortem), on quality characteristics of pork M. semimebranosus and cooked ham were investigated. Quality measurements included pH value, colour (CIEL*a*b* values) and total aerobic count of M. semimebranosus, as well as sensory (colour, juiciness, texture, and flavour), physical (pH value, colour – CIEL*a*b* values and texture – Warner–Bratzler shear and penetration forces) and chemical (protein, total fat, and moisture content) characteristics of cooked ham. The cooked ham was manufactured from pieces of M. semimebranosus with ultimate lightness (CIEL* value) lower than 50. Rapid chilling and earlier deboning significantly increased quantity of M. semimebranosus desirable for cooked ham manufacturing. Earlier start of pork fabrication did not affect important quality characteristics of cooked ham.     

Changes in actomyosin dissociation and endogenous enzyme activities during heating and their relationship with duck meat tenderness

The objectives of this study, were to examine the relationship between duck meat tenderness, actomyosin dissociation and endogenous enzyme activities when heating the duck breast muscle, to the internal temperature of 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 °C. The shear force increased in the temperature range of 30–50 °C and 70–90 °C and decreased from 50 to 70 °C, which was negatively related with liberated actin (P < 0.05). The activity of cathepsin B and L was stable while heating the meat to a temperature below 50 °C, then it decreased rapidly with temperature increase. The calpain activity kept decreasing with the temperature increase. There was no significant change in the cathepsin D activity below 70 °C but it declined rapidly thereafter, and its activity was strongly correlated with actomyosin dissociation (P < 0.05). The results suggest that actomyosin dissociation and cathepsin D, could contribute to the tenderness of duck meat during the cooking process.     

Monitoring the effects of high pressure processing and temperature on selected beef quality attributes

The combined effects of high pressure processing (HPP) and temperature on meat quality attributes were assessed in bovine M. pectoralis profundus, with particular focus on lipid oxidation and fatty acid composition. Beef samples were pressurised at 200, 300 and 400 MPa at two different temperatures 20 °C and 40 °C. Both pressure and temperature regimes had significant effects on colour, cook loss and lipid oxidation. Pressurisation at 200 MPa had a lower impact on colour parameters than higher pressurisation levels. Cook loss also increased when higher levels of pressure were applied. Across all pressure conditions, lower cook loss was observed at 40 °C compared to 20 °C. An increase in TBARS values was observed at the higher pressure levels (300, 400 MPa). While some alterations of individual fatty acids were observed, high pressure had no effect on polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid (PUFA/SFA) or omega 6/omega 3 (n6/n3) ratio. The temperature at which HPP was applied had a significant effect on the sum of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MONO) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids. HPP at 40 °C showed higher SFA and PUFA and lower MONO compared to HPP at 20 °C. These results show that high pressure at low or moderate temperatures improves the microbiological quality of the meat with minimal affects on meat quality.     

Strategy to inactivate Clostridium perfringens spores in meat products

The current study aimed to develop an inactivation strategy for Clostridium perfringens spores in meat through a combination of spore activation at low pressure (100–200 MPa, 7 min) and elevated temperature (80 °C, 10 min); spore germination at high temperatures (55, 60 or 65 °C); and inactivation of germinated spores with elevated temperatures (80 and 90 °C, 10 and 20 min) and high pressure (586 MPa, at 23 and 73 °C, 10 min). Low pressures (100–200 MPa) were insufficient to efficiently activate C. perfringens spores for germination. However, C. perfringens spores were efficiently activated with elevated temperature (80 °C, 10 min), and germinated at temperatures lethal for vegetative cells (≥55 °C) when incubated for 60 min with a mixture of l-asparagine and KCl (AK) in phosphate buffer (pH 7) and in poultry meat. Inactivation of spores (∼4 decimal reduction) in meat by elevated temperatures (80–90 °C for 20 min) required a long germination period (55 °C for 60 min). However, similar inactivation level was reached with shorter germination period (55 °C for 15 min) when spore contaminated-meat was treated with pressure-assisted thermal processing (568 MPa, 73 °C, 10 min). Therefore, the most efficient strategy to inactivate C. perfringens spores in poultry meat containing 50 mM AK consisted: (i) a primary heat treatment (80 °C, 10 min) to pasteurize and denature the meat proteins and to activate C. perfringens spores for germination; (ii) cooling of the product to 55 °C in about 20 min and further incubation at 55 °C for about 15 min for spore germination; and (iii) inactivation of germinated spores by pressure-assisted thermal processing (586 MPa at 73 °C for 10 min). Collectively, this study demonstrates the feasibility of an alternative and novel strategy to inactivate C. perfringens spores in meat products formulated with germinants specific for C. perfringens.     

Effect of ohmic heating and vacuum impregnation on the quality and microbial stability of osmotically dehydrated strawberries (cv. Camarosa)

The combined effect of osmotic dehydration/ohmic heating (OD–OH) and vacuum impregnation/ohmic heating (VI–OH) on physicochemical and quality parameters of strawberry (a_w, color, firmness and microstructure), as well as on microbial stability of storage samples at 5 and 10 °C, was analyzed. Treatments were carried out with a 65% (w/w) sucrose solution at 30 °C, and ohmic heating at 9.2, 13, and 17 V/cm electric field strengths, corresponding to applied voltages of 70, 100, and 130 V. Dehydrated samples showed that water loss was greater in OD–OH treatments at 17 V/cm. The greatest solute gain, least firmness loss and least color loss were obtained in the VI–OH treatment at 13 V/cm. The shelf-life of strawberries treated with VI–OH at 13 V/cm and stored at 5 °C was extended from 12 d (control samples) to 25 d. Furthermore, the VI–OH treatment at 13 V/cm was the best processing condition for dehydrating strawberries.     

Physicochemical properties of five cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta and Xanthosoma sagittifolium) starches

Physicochemical properties of starches of five cocoyam cultivars were evaluated. CIE L^*, a^*, b^* colour parameters of corm and starches were measured. Amylose, pasting and functional properties of the starches were investigated using colourimetric, Rapid Visco-Analyser and standard methods respectively. Cocoyam starches were white in colour as shown by L^* (84.83–88.65), a^* (+0.01–+1.19), and b^* (+15.33–+16.54) values. Starch granule sizes varied significantly in length (6.47–13.63 μm) and width (5.36–8.45 μm), while amylose content ranged from 11.55% (NCe002) to 33.77% (NXs001). Peak (49.09–141.96 RVU), breakdown (49.09–141.96 RVU), final (189.79–327.42 RVU) viscosities, pasting temperature (84.53–88.75 °C) and time (4.55–4.97 min) varied significantly (p < 0.05) among cultivars. Also, water absorption capacity (21–36%), pH (4.8–5.3), gelling point (60.5–69.5 °C), foam capacity (4.46–18.28%), bulk density (0.14–1.15 g/mL) and swelling power (2.31–10.09) varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the cultivars. Average yield of the starches varied significantly from 10.03 (NCe001) to 18.61% (NXs001).     

Effect of green tea marinades on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines and sensory quality of pan-fried beef

The effect of a green tea marinade on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAs) was examined in pan-fried beef cooked at 180–200 °C for 4 min each side. Different marinating times were assayed and unmarinated samples cooked in similar conditions provided reference HAs levels. A green tea marinade catechin rich was prepared taking 1 g of green tea and infusing with 125 ml of boiling tap water during 10 min. Four HAs were quantified in unmarinated and marinated meat samples during 1, 2, 4 and 6 h at 5 °C. Compared with the unmarinated samples, marinating in green tea resulted in a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of levels of PhIP and AαC. Person correlation indicated that the reduction of the levels of these HAs in meat marinated with the increase of marinating time was significant (respectively, r = −0.799, p < 0.0001; r = −0.631, p < 0.05). No reduction was observed for 4,8-DiMeIQx and MeIQx.     

Conformational changes and dynamic rheological properties of fish sarcoplasmic proteins treated at various pHs

The conformational changes and rheological properties of soluble sarcoplasmic proteins isolated from striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus), treated at various pHs (2–12), were investigated. Isoelectric point of striped catfish sarcoplasmic proteins was determined to be pH 5. SDS–PAGE of sarcoplasmic proteins treated at various pHs, showed molecular masses ranging from 11 to 97 kDa. Most sarcoplasmic proteins, regardless of treated pHs, showed a molecular mass of 43 kDa. A decrease in total sulfhydryl content was observed when the pH was shifted away from 6, indicating disulfide formation at pH lower and higher than 6. Gradual increases of S₀-ANS and S₀-PRODAN were observed as pH increased from 6 to 12, indicating the unfolding of sarcoplasmic proteins during alkaline extraction. DSC thermograms of sarcoplasmic proteins treated at pH 5–9 exhibited an exothermic transition peak, probably due to disulfide bond formation, and/or hydrophobic interactions, which was highly related to the onset temperature of G′ rising. Gel network formation of sarcoplasmic proteins did not take place at extreme pHs (<4 or >9) where proteins were highly charged while the viscoelastic properties of sarcoplasmic proteins were observed at pH 5.5–9. The highest G′ value at 90 °C was observed at pH 5.5 and 8 (P ? 0.05). The gel point, a temperature at which G′ = G″, increased to higher temperature as pH was shifted away from 7.     

Physicochemical,thermal and pasting properties of starch separated from γ-irradiated and stored potatoes

The morphological, thermal and pasting properties of starch separated from potatoes of three varieties (Kufri Chandramukhi, Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Chipsona-2), treated either with CIPC (isopropyl N-(3 chlorophenyl) carbamate) or γ-irradiation (Co⁶⁰, 0.1 and 0.5 kGy) and subsequently stored at 8, 12 and 16 °C for 90 days, were studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the presence of oval and irregular shaped starch granules with a diameter range of 15–16 μm. Mean granule size of starch separated from potatoes stored at 12 °C ranged from 18–25 μm and irradiation treatment resulted in an increase in the proportion of small size granules. The irradiation of potatoes with 0.5 kGy resulted in starch with significantly lower peak-, trough- and breakdown-viscosity as compared to starch from potatoes treated with either CIPC or 0.1 kGy irradiation. The irradiation of potatoes with 0.5 kGy caused a significant increase in setback and pasting temperature. Pasting temperature of starch was observed to vary with the storage temperature. Starch separated from potatoes stored at higher temperature showed lower pasting temperature and vice versa. The starch from potatoes stored at 8 °C showed higher peak-, trough- and breakdown-viscosity and lower setback. Peak viscosity increased and swelling volume decreased with increase in storage temperature. FTIR spectra showed that the starch from irradiated potatoes displayed a significant decrease in the intensity of the C–H stretch region between 2800 and 3000 cm⁻¹, which was observed to be irradiation dose-dependent, and higher with 0.5 than 0.1 kGy. However, a slight broadening of O–H stretch (3000–3600 cm⁻¹) in starches from irradiated potatoes was observed. The spectral changes caused by γ-irradiation were apparent in the O–H stretch (3000–3600 cm⁻¹), C–H stretch (2800–3000 cm⁻¹) and bending mode of water (1600–1800 cm⁻¹).     

Acidic degradation and enhanced antioxidant activities of exopolysaccharides from Cordyceps sinensis mycelial culture

An exopolysaccharide (EPS) fraction isolated from mycelial culture of a Cordyceps sinensis fungus, designated EPS-1 with an average molecular weight (MW) of 38 kDa, was hydrolysed in dilute sulphuric acid solution at pH 1 and 90 °C, yielding two major MW fractions, 3.0 kDa and 30 kDa, respectively. While the proportion of lower MW fraction increased with the hydrolysis period (18% in 0.5 h and 92% in 10 h), the polydispersity (M_w/M_n) of EPS decreased steadily (from 1.47 initially to 1.10 in 10 h). The IR spectra of hydrolysed EPS fractions showed changes only in the C–O–C and C–O–H band peaks from that of EPS-1. These results suggest that the hydrolysis of EPS in the acidic solution caused the EPS degradation mainly by cleaving the glycosidic linkage but no change in the primary molecular structure. The hydrolysed EPS fractions had much higher (30–80%) antioxidant and radical-scavenging activities.     

Effect of dietary supplementation of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) on rabbit meat appearance,oxidative stability and fatty acid profile during retail display

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Spirulina and Thyme supplementation on rabbit meat during retail display. At weaning 294 rabbits were allocated to 7 different treatments (42 rabbits/treatment). Rabbits of the control group (C) received a diet without any supplementation throughout the experiment (5–11 weeks of age). The other groups were fed diets containing 5% Spirulina (S), 3% Thyme (T) or both supplements (ST) for the whole trial (5–11 weeks; treatments S, T and ST), or for a part of the growing period (8–11 weeks; treatments C–S, C–T and C–ST). Colour parameters, pH, water holding capacity and drip loss were determined on fresh and stored Longissimus dorsi muscle of 5 rabbits/treatment. Spirulina- and Thyme-supplemented diets had a significant effect on redness and yellowness of Longissimus dorsi. Drip loss was significantly reduced in C–T and T groups that also showed the highest content of α-tocopherol and n − 3 fatty acids content and the lower lipid oxidation.     

Animal performance and fatty acid composition of lambs fed with different vegetable oils

Twenty-seven lambs were used to investigate the effects of the inclusion of 4% hydrogenated palm oil (HPO) or sunflower oil (SFO) in the concentrate on animal performance, carcass and meat quality and fat characteristics and fatty acid composition. Animals (16.2 ± 0.27 kg initial weight) were fed concentrate (Control, HPO or SFO) and barley straw ad libitum and slaughtered at 25 kg. SFO lambs tended to eat less concentrate than HPO animals (P < 0.10). Neither HPO nor SFO affected any of the carcass characteristics studied, meat pH and meat and fat colour (P > 0.05). SFO decreased proportions of C16:0, C18:1 cis-11 and C18:3 (P < 0.05) and increased C18:1 trans (P < 0.001) and C18:2/C18:3 ratio (P < 0.05). Atherogenicity index was lower (P < 0.05) when SFO was included in the concentrate. HPO did not affected and SFO improved fatty acid composition of fattening lambs without affecting animal performance.