Color-stabilizing effect of lactate on ground beef is packaging-dependent

Previous research on lactate-induced color stability in ground beef did not address the potential influence of packaging. The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of lactate on the color stability of ground beef patties stored in different modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems. Ground beef patties with either 2.5% potassium lactate or no lactate were packaged in vacuum (VP), high-oxygen MAP (HIOX; 80% O₂ + 20% CO₂), carbon monoxide MAP (CO; 0.4% CO + 19.6% CO₂ + 80% N₂), or aerobic packaging (PVC) and stored for 0, 2, or 4 days at 2 °C. Lactate-treated patties were darker (P < 0.05; lower L∗ values) than control patties. Surface redness (a∗ values) was greater (P < 0.05) for lactate patties than the controls when stored in PVC, HIOX, and VP. However, lactate’s effects on a∗ values were not evident when packaged in CO (P > 0.05). The color-stabilizing effect of CO could have masked lactate’s effect on surface redness. While lactate patties in PVC and VP demonstrated lower (P < 0.05) discoloration than controls, no differences (P > 0.05) existed between controls and lactate samples in CO and HIOX. Our results indicated that the effects of lactate on ground beef color are dependent on packaging.     

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.     

Amaranthus hypochondriacus and Amaranthus caudatus germplasm: Characteristics of plants,grain and flours

In the present study, the plant, grain and flour characteristics of 48 Amaranthus hypochondriacus and 11 Amaranthus caudatus lines are reported. A. hypochondriacus grains had a higher thousand kernel weight (0.62–0.88 g), a creamish yellow colour (L∗ = 61.38–68.29, b∗ = 5.26–6.8 and a∗ = 19.71–23.84), whereas A. caudatus grains had a lower thousand kernel weight (0.46–0.70 g) and a reddish-brown colour (L∗ = 47.1–51.2, b∗ = 11.82–14.02 and a∗ = 7.72–13.29). The A. caudatus lines had a higher protein content, fat content and tendency for retrogradation, and lower α-amylase activity as compared to A. hypochondriacus lines. The Amaranthus lines with higher a∗-values and lower thousand kernel weight, L∗- and b∗-values, had a higher fat, crude fibre and protein content. The correlation of fat and crude fibre content with the thousand kernel weight, L∗-, a∗- and b∗-values, was significant. The A. hypochondriacus lines showed higher pasting temperature, and lower peak viscosity, breakdown and setback, as compared to the A. caudatus lines. The result reflected that the lines with higher α-amylase activity showed a lower peak viscosity, breakdown, final viscosity and gel hardness, and a higher pasting temperature.     

Evaluation of the effects of selected phytochemicals on quality indices and sensorial properties of raw and cooked pork stored in different packaging systems

The effects of lutein (100, 200 μg/g muscle), sesamol (250, 500 μg/g muscle), ellagic acid (300, 600 μg/g muscle) and olive leaf extract (100, 200 μg/g muscle) on lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances TBARs), colour (CIE L∗, a∗, b∗), pH, texture profile analysis (TPA), water holding capacity (WHC), cooking losses and sensorial properties of fresh and cooked pork patties were investigated. Raw and cooked minced pork (M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum) containing added lutein, sesamol, ellagic acid or olive leaf extract were stored aerobically or in modified atmosphere packs (MAP) for up to 8 and 12 days, respectively. Lutein, sesamol, ellagic acid and olive leaf extract had no significant effect on microbial status, cook loss, pH or WHC. Lipid oxidation was reduced (P < 0.001) in raw and cooked pork patties stored in aerobic packs and in MAP following addition of sesamol, ellagic acid and olive leaf extract. Antioxidant effectiveness in raw and cooked patties was in the order: sesamol = ellagic acid > olive leaf extract > lutein. Lutein increased (P < 0.001) b∗ yellowness values in raw pork patties. Addition of lutein, sesamol, ellagic acid and olive leaf extract to pork had no detrimental effects on the organoleptic properties of cooked patties but altered (P < 0.05) instrumental textural attributes. Results highlight the potential of using natural functional ingredients in the development of functional pork products with enhanced quality and shelf-life.     

Bovine mitochondrial oxygen consumption effects on oxymyoglobin in the presence of lactate as a substrate for respiration

Research suggests that NADH formed from lactate addition can increase mitochondrial oxygen consumption. However, limited research has assessed the subsequent effects of lactate-mediated mitochondrial oxygen consumption on oxymyoglobin. Therefore, our objective was to assess the effects of bovine mitochondrial oxygen consumption on oxymyoglobin in the presence of lactate, LDH, and NAD. Isolated beef cardiac and skeletal muscle mitochondria (n = 5) were reacted with lactate (40 mM), LDH (100 units), and NAD (0.02 mM) to initiate oxygen consumption. Myoglobin redox state was measured to assess the effects of oxygen consumption on oxymyoglobin. The addition of lactate–LDH–NAD to mitochondria increased (p < 0.05) both oxygen consumption and conversion of oxymyoglobin to deoxymyoglobin compared with control mitochondria without substrates. The addition of antimycin A to mitochondria decreased oxygen consumption and deoxymyoglobin formation (p < 0.05). The results suggest that increased oxygen consumption can influence myoglobin redox state and this effect might be partially responsible for the darkening effect in lactate enhanced beef.     

Lactate-mediated enzymatic reduction of metmyoglobin in vitro

This study examined the lactate-mediated enzymatic reduction of equine metmyoglobin (MMb) by using various lactate salts (sodium, potassium and calcium) and bovine m. triceps brachi extracts in vitro. The equine MMb was reduced by the assay mixture containing lactate, NAD⁺, and the muscle extract at pH 5.7. In the absence of the bovine muscle extract, NAD⁺ or l-lactate in the assay mixture, MMb reduction was not observed. Replacing l-lactate with d-lactate or adding oxalate (lactate dehydrogenase inhibitor) to the assay mixture resulted in no MMb reduction, suggesting that lactate dehydrogenase is involved in the MMb reduction, interacting with l-lactate and NAD⁺. An increase (P < 0.05) in the rate of MMb reduction was also observed with an increase of the amount of bovine muscle extract, NAD⁺ or lactate concentration in the assay mixture. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the rate of MMb reduction when potassium lactate was added to the assay mixture instead of sodium lactate. The MMb reduction through the lactate–NAD⁺-muscle extract system was increased (P < 0.05) with an elevation in pH from 5.1 to 6.1. The results of this research confirm that the inclusion of l-lactate can induce the MMb reduction through the lactate– NAD⁺-enzyme coupling interaction.     

Evaluation of antioxidant capacity and colour stability of calcium lactate enhancement on fresh beef under highly oxidising conditions

Fifteen USDA Select beef strip loins were divided individually into four equal width sections, and one of six treatments containing phosphate and/or calcium lactate (CAL) enhancement solutions were assigned randomly to each loin section (n = 10). Steaks from each loin section were packaged with high-oxygen (80% O₂) modified-atmosphere packaging, and/or irradiated at 2.4 kGy, stored 10 days and then displayed for 5 days at 1 °C. Instrumental colour, total reducing activity (TRA), 2-thiobarbituric acid value (TBARS), and NADH concentration were measured. Loins with CAL and phosphate maintained the most stable red colour, increased NADH (p < 0.05), and were the least oxidised. Among irradiated steaks, CAL with phosphate treatment significantly minimised lipid oxidation, increased NADH and TRA, and consequently had a higher a^∗ value. These results suggest that lactate inclusion improves colour stability of fresh beef by providing superior antioxidant capacity and increased reducing activity of myoglobin by elevating NADH concentration.     

Effects of potassium lactate,sodium metasilicate,peroxyacetic acid,and acidified sodium chlorite on physical,chemical, and sensory properties of ground beef patties

Beef trimmings were treated with 3% potassium lactate (KL), 4% sodium metasilicate (NMS), 0.02% peroxyacetic acid (PAA) or 0.1% acidified sodium chlorite (ASC) or left untreated (CON). Beef trimmings were ground, pattied, and sampled for 7 days. Under simulated retail display, instrumental color, sensory characteristics, TBARS, pH, and Lee–Kramer shear force were measured to evaluate the impact of the treatments on the quality attributes. The NMS and PAA patties were redder (a^∗, P < 0.05) than CON on days 0–3. Panelists found KL, NMS, PAA, and ASC patties to have less (P < 0.05) or similar (P > 0.05) off odor to CON on days 0–3. The NMS and PAA treated patties had lower (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation than the CON at days 0, 3, and 7. Therefore, KL, NMS, PAA, and ASC treatments on beef trimmings can potentially improve or maintain quality attributes of beef patties.     

Antioxidant capacity,total phenolics,glucosinolates and colour parameters of rapeseed cultivars

The antioxidant capacity of twenty nine rapeseed varieties was determined by using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods. Mean FRAP (3190–6326 μmol Trolox/100 g) and DPPH (3194–6346 μmol Trolox/100 g) values for methanolic extracts of rapeseed cultivars did not differ significantly. Moreover, the total content of phenolics (756–1324 mg sinapic acid/100 g), glucosinolates (4.2–87.5 μmol/g, respectively), erucic acid (0.0–56.1%) and colour parameters of the studied rapeseed cultivars were analysed. Antioxidant capacity determined by FRAP and DPPH methods correlated significantly with total phenolic content (TPC) in rapeseed cultivars (r = 0.9332, 0.9339, p < 0.001). Also, significant, inverse correlations were found between antioxidant capacity, total phenolics and luminosity (L^∗) or red colour intensity (a^∗) of rapeseed cultivars. Principal component analysis (PCA) allowed the rapeseed varieties to be differentiated based on their antioxidant capacities, total amounts of phenolics, glucosinolates, erucic acid and colour parameters.     

Beef hamburgers enriched in lycopene using dry tomato peel as an ingredient

The direct addition of dry tomato peel (DTP) to hamburgers may be useful both to obtain a new product enriched in lycopene and for providing a use for this by-product from the tomato industry. In this study, different amounts of DTP (0–6.0% w/w) were added to raw and cooked hamburgers, and the effects on the meat’s physico–chemical and sensorial characteristics were studied. The maximum DTP concentration compatible with good sensory acceptability and high lycopene content was determined. Addition of DTP increased the colour parameters a^∗ and b^∗ of raw and cooked hamburgers, and modified all textural properties probably because of the presence of fibre. The hardness values of cooked samples was significantly higher in the batch containing 6% DTP (67.6 N) than in a control batch (50.9 N, p < 0.05). The addition of DTP to 4.5% results in hamburgers with good overall acceptability and a lycopene content of 4.9 mg/100 g of cooked hamburger.     

Relationship between consumer ranking of lamb colour and objective measures of colour

Given the lack of data that relates consumer acceptance of lamb colour to instrument measures a study was undertaken to establish the acceptability thresholds for fresh and displayed meat. Consumers (n = 541) were asked to score 20 samples of lamb loin (m.longissimus thoracis et lumborum; LL) on an ordinal scale of 1 (very acceptable) to 5 (very unacceptable). A sample was considered acceptable by a consumer if it scored three or less. Ten samples were used for testing consumer response to fresh colour and 10 to test consumer response to colour during display of up to 4 days. The colour of fresh meat was measured using a Minolta chromameter with a closed cone and a Hunter Lab Miniscan was used for measuring meat on display. For fresh meat when the a^∗ (redness) and L^∗ (lightness) values are equal to or exceed 9.5 and 34, respectively, on average consumers will consider the meat colour acceptable. However a^∗ and L^∗ values must be much higher (14.5 and 44, respectively) to have 95% confidence that a randomly selected consumer will consider a sample acceptable. For aged meat, when the wavelength ratio (630/580 nm) and the a^∗ values are equal to or greater than 3.3 and 14.8, respectively, on average consumers will consider the meat acceptable. These thresholds need to be increased to 6.8 for ratio (630/580 nm) and 21.7 for a^∗ to be 95% confident that a randomly selected consumer will consider a sample acceptable.     

Effects of lactate and modified atmospheric packaging on premature browning in cooked ground beef patties

Our objectives were to determine the effects of lactate and modified atmosphere packaging on raw surface color, lipid oxidation, and internal cooked color of ground beef patties. Eight chubs (85% lean) were divided in half and each half was either assigned to the control (no lactate) or mixed with 2.5% lactate (w/w). Following treatment, patties were prepared and packaged in either vacuum, PVC (atmospheric oxygen level), high-oxygen (80% O₂ + 20% CO₂), or 0.4% CO (30% CO₂ + 69.6% N₂) and stored for 0, 2, or 4 days at 2 °C. After storage, raw surface color and lipid oxidation were measured and patties were cooked to either 66 °C or 71 °C. Lactate improved (p < 0.05) color stability of PVC, high-oxygen, and vacuum packaged raw patties, but had no effect (p > 0.05) on the a∗ values and visual color scores of patties in 0.4% CO. Lactate decreased (p < 0.05) lipid oxidation in all packaging atmospheres. Nevertheless, high-oxygen and PVC-packaged patties had more (p < 0.05) lipid oxidation than patties in CO and vacuum. Lactate had no effect (p > 0.05) on premature browning, whereas patties packaged in high-oxygen demonstrated premature browning. Conversely, cooked patties in 0.4% CO and vacuum were more red (p < 0.05) than both high-oxygen and PVC-packaged patties. Although lactate improved raw color stability, it did not minimize premature browning in cooked ground beef patties.     

Isolation,characterisation and stability of myoglobin from Eastern little tuna (Euthynnus affinis) dark muscle

This study aimed to purify and characterise the myoglobin from the dark muscle of Eastern little tuna (Euthynnus affinis). Myoglobin purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation (65–100% saturation), followed by Sephadex G-75 chromatography had a molecular weight of 15,680 Da. The isoelectric point (pI) of both oxymyoglobin (OxyMb) and metmyoglobin (MetMb) was estimated to be 5.25, as determined by zeta potential analysis. Transition temperatures were 61 and 60 °C, for OxyMb and MetMb, respectively. The colour values (L∗, a∗ and b∗) and absorption spectra of the myoglobin solutions differed significantly, depending upon the form of myoglobin. OxyMb and MetMb had the Soret bands at 413 and 407 nm, respectively. The pH and thermal stability of myoglobin were tested under a pH range of 3–11 and a temperature range of 4–70 °C, respectively. Loss of haem–globin complex and autoxidation were dominant at pH 3, as evidenced by the disappearance of the Soret band and the formation of MetMb. Heating at temperature above 60 °C had a great impact on myoglobin denaturation. With increasing temperature and incubation time, OxyMb was susceptible to oxidation and conformational changes, whilst MetMb tended to be more stable. Thus, the form of myoglobin governed its properties and stability.     

Effects of malate,lactate, and pyruvate on myoglobin redox stability in homogenates of three bovine muscles

We investigated the effects of glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolic intermediates on myoglobin redox forms and meat colour stability. Eighteen combinations of malate (M), lactate (L), and pyruvate (P) were added to beef Longissimus lumborum, Psoas major, and Semitendinosus muscle homogenates to study their effect on metmyoglobin formation during incubation at 25 °C. Changes in surface colour at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 h were evaluated by using reflecto-spectrophotometry [both L*, a*, and b* and wavelengths specific for metmyoglobin (MMb)]. Addition of M, L, and P alone or in combinations stabilized (P < 0.05) L*, a*, and b* values and myoglobin redox forms in muscle homogenates; however, there was a trend for P to be least effective. At the 2% concentrations for the individual metabolites, L was most effective at retarding MMb formation in the Semitendinosus (M was intermediate and P was least effective), and M was most effective in the Psoas major and L. lumborum muscles (L was intermediate and P was least effective). Metmyoglobin was reduced most effectively with a combination of metabolites (M + L > M + P > L + P). Enhancing meat with these metabolites can effectively extend colour life of post-rigor meat, apparently by providing more reducing conditions for myoglobin, thus increasing myoglobin redox form stability.     

Effect of sonication on colour,ascorbic acid and yeast inactivation in tomato juice

Power ultrasound is recognised as a potential non-thermal technique to inactivate micro-organisms pertinent to fruit juices. In this study tomato juice was sonicated at different amplitude levels (24.4–61.0 μm) at a constant frequency of 20 kHz for treatment times (2–10 min) and pulse durations of 5 s on and 5 s off. Hunter colour values (L∗, a∗ and b∗), pH, °Brix, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and yeast inactivation were measured. No significant differences (p < 0.05) in pH, °Brix or titratable acidity were observed. Regression modelling was used to investigate the main effects of amplitude level and treatment time. Prediction models were found to be significant (p < 0.05) with low standard errors and high coefficients of determination (R²). Model predictions for critical quality parameters of Hunter colour values (L∗, a∗ and b∗), ascorbic acid and yeast inactivation were closely correlated with the experimental results obtained.     

Effects of pyruvate on bovine heart mitochondria-mediated metmyoglobin reduction

Pyruvate can regenerate NADH through a variety of biochemical processes. However, no meat science research has determined if NADH produced via pyruvate can be used for mitochondria-mediated metmyoglobin reduction. Thus, our objectives were to assess the effects of pyruvate on mitochondria isolated from bovine cardiac muscle: oxygen consumption and metmyoglobin reduction at pH 5.6 and 7.4, 25 °C in vitro. Both mitochondria and myoglobin were isolated from fresh bovine hearts (n = 5). Mitochondria were reacted with pyruvate (50 mM), succinate (positive control; 50 mM), and antimycin A (mitochondrial inhibitor; 0.01 mM) and oxygen consumption was measured using a Clark oxygen electrode. Mitochondria (3 mg/mL) and metmyoglobin (0.15 mM) were reacted with either pyruvate, succinate, or antimycin A for 3 h. Addition of succinate and pyruvate increased oxygen consumption and metmyoglobin reduction at pH 5.6 and 7.4 (succinate > pyruvate, P < 0.05). Addition of a complex III inhibitor (antimycin A) decreased (P < 0.05) oxygen consumption as well as metmyoglobin reduction associated with pyruvate and succinate. Results from the current study suggest that pyruvate can increase the ability of mitochondria to consume oxygen and reduce metmyoglobin.     

Stability and anti-glycation properties of intermediate moisture apple products fortified with green tea

Intermediate moisture products made from blanched apple flesh and green tea extract (about 6 mg of monomeric flavan 3-ols added per g of dry apple) or blanched apple flesh (control) were produced, and their quality attributes were investigated over storage for two months at water activity (a_w) levels of 0.55 and 0.75, at 30 °C. Products were evaluated for colour (L^∗, a^∗, and b^∗ Hunter’s parameters), phytochemical contents (flavan 3-ols, chlorogenic acid, dihydrochalcones, ascorbic acid and total polyphenols), ferric reducing antioxidant potential, 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl radical-scavenging activity and ability to inhibit formation of fructose-induced advanced glycation end-products.     

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.     

Role of lactate dehydrogenase in metmyoglobin reduction and color stability of different bovine muscles

The role of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in metmyoglobin reducing activity (MRA) and color stability of different bovine muscles was studied in two consecutive experiments. In experiment 1, three different bovine muscles – M. longissimus lumborum (LL), M. semimembranosus (SM), and M. psoas major (PM) – were obtained (n = 7, respectively), cut into steaks, PVC packaged, and then displayed for 7 days at 1 °C. The LL was the most red over display time and had more (P < 0.05) LDH-B activity (catalyzing toward NADH generation), LDH1 isoform expression, NADH, and higher (P < 0.05) MRA than the other two muscles studied. The PM had the least color stability and lowest MRA. In experiment 2, LL steaks (n = 8) were cut in half, one side syringe-injected with oxamate, and the other injected with distilled water. Inclusion of oxamate decreased (P < 0.05) LDH-B activity, NADH, and a* values after 10 days display at 1 °C. These results suggest that variation in color stability of physiologically different muscles is regulated by different replenishment rates of NADH via different LDH isozymes.     

The effects of lactate on nitrosylmyoglobin formation from nitrite and metmyoglobin in a cured meat system

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of lactate on nitrite during meat curing. In the first experiment, using a model system, eight reaction components including nitrite and lactate, were used to assess the effect of each component on metmyoglobin reducing activity by excluding one component at a time. Excluding lactate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), l-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) or phenazine methosulfate (PMS) resulted in no reducing activity. A second experiment, utilising a meat mixture, investigated the effects of lactate (0%, 2%, 4% or 6%), nitrite (0 or 156 ppm), and packaging (oxygen-permeable or vacuum) on residual nitrite, meat colour and pH. Addition of lactate reduced residual nitrite in the meat mixtures. Both experiments support the hypothesis that lactate generates NADH which then reduces metmyoglobin to deoxymyoglobin. The resulting greater concentration of reduced myoglobin subsequently reacted with nitrite to produce more nitric oxide, reducing nitrite concentration and accelerating curing reactions.