THE AROMA OF CANNED BEEF: PROCESSING AND FORMULATION ASPECTS

The influence of processing techniques and formulations on chemical and sensory aroma properties has been studied with the purpose of finding ways to improve the flavor of canned meat. HTST-sterilization, "aseptic" canning and sterilization in various packaging materials including flexible pouches have been investigated. It was found that "aseptic" canning and, especially, HTST-sterilization had a pronounced positive effect on aroma, in the latter case for samples packed in thin layers (flexible pouches). It was shown that addition of e.g., fumarate or maleate in small amounts (0.06–0.15%) before sterilization decreased the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans, and the additions of certain amino acids, e.g., arginine, decreased the concentrations of the aldehydes. Both types of ingredients resulted in an improved aroma. Storage changes have also been investigated. It was found that there was a tendency towards a more accelerated change in flexible pouches compared with rigid cans.