The physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of pork jerky in comparison to beef jerky

Development of semi-dried goat meat jerky using tenderizers considering the preferences of the elderly

Elderly people avoid eating red meat and dried meat product due to its texture and stiffness; they deprive them of rich sources of nutrients. In addition, food-related diseases are exponentially increasing due to using synthetic additives in food products. Therefore, this research aimed to develop semi-dried goat meat jerky considering geriatric preferences by using natural tenderizers and nitrate. Four treatments were formulated negative control (NC [synthetic nitrite without tenderizers]), positive control (PC [Swiss chard without tenderizers]), T1 (Swiss chard with pineapple powder), and T2 (Swiss chard with pineapple and tomato powder). T1 and T2 had higher processing yield, and rehydration capacity compared with NC and PC. The fat content of T1 and T2 was lower than the control groups. Moisture was significantly higher in T1, NC, and T2 than in PC (p < 0.05). T2 showed the lowest water activity (0.87), lowest shear force (4.82 kgf), and lowest total plate count (TPC). The lowest pH and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were observed in T1 and T2. T1 showed the lowest lightness and the maximum redness (p < 0.05) while PC showed the lowest yellowness. During the storage period, moisture and pH decreased, and TPC and TBARS significantly increased whereas water activity is stable regardless of the treatment. The results of the myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel revealed that T1 and T2 more effectively converted protein to polypeptides. In addition, tenderizers positively affected thrombogenicity, atherogenicity, and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic indices. T2 observed the highest overall sensory acceptance by reducing goaty flavor. Overall, jerky treated with tenderizers is easily chewable and digestible for the elderly due to its tenderness and essential fatty acids that would be senior-friendly food.

Effect of the addition of black garlic on the quality parameters of jerked beef meat with pork

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the replacement of nitrite by natural antioxidants from black garlic (BG) on the quality parameters of jerked beef meat with pork for 60 days. Four formulations were prepared: control, 0.02% of sodium nitrite in brine curing, w/v (CON); 1.5% BG in brine curing, w/v (ASU); 1.5% BG in dry curing, w/w (ASS); and 1.5% of BG in the brine curing, w/v and 1.5% of BG in dry curing, w/w (ASUS). Nutritional composition, pH, water activity, shear force, fatty acid profile, color, and oxidative stability of the formulations were analyzed. The addition of BG did not affect the nutritional composition, pH, water activity, shear force, and fatty acid profile. On the other hand, it resulted in lower weight loss after centrifugation and lower values of L* and a*. TBARS values from the 30th day of storage were lower in the ASUS formulation, while carbonyl compounds at all times were lower than in the CON formulation. Results suggest that BG was an efficient alternative to nitrite in controlling protein oxidation during storage. Thus, the use of pork for the manufacture of jerked beef can be an alternative, and black garlic can be applied as a natural additive to the replacement of nitrite. In addition, black garlic was efficient in improving the oxidative stability of the jerked beef meat with pork.

The effect of different sterilization methods on the shelf life and physicochemical indicators of fermented pork jerky

Background

To determine the effect of different sterilization methods on shelf life and physicochemical parameters of fermented pork jerky.

Methods

Various sterilization techniques, including boiling, pasteurization, medium-temperature steam sterilization, high-temperature steam sterilization, ultrasonic sterilization, and ultraviolet sterilization, were employed in this study to treat vacuum-sealed fermented pork jerky. Changes in microbial populations, physicochemical parameters, and sensory evaluations were monitored throughout the storage period.

Results

The results indicated the presence of Staphylococcus aureus on the 24th, 21st, 33rd, 24th, 18th, and 15th days in pork jerky subjected to boiling (100°C, 20 min), pasteurization (85°C, 15 min), medium-temperature steam sterilization (105°C, 0.5 Pa, 30 min), high-temperature steam sterilization (121°C, 1.0 Pa, 20 min), ultrasonic sterilization (480 W, 30 kHz, 30 min), and ultraviolet sterilization (254 nm, 100 W/m2, 60 min), respectively. Coliforms, salmonella, and Shigella were not detected in any group during storage. The medium-temperature steam sterilization method yielded the most favorable microbiological results, with an aerobic plate count of less than 1.0 lg CFU/g. However, other physicochemical parameters and sensory evaluations were moderate, with total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) measuring 14.023 mg N/100 g and 0.427 mg MDA/kg, respectively, remaining within acceptable limits.

Conclusion

Therefore, considering microbiological indicators as the primary determinant of shelf life and taking into account other physicochemical parameters, the medium-temperature steam sterilization method was identified as the most suitable approach for extending the shelf life of fermented pork jerky while preserving its flavor.

Influence of meat sample geometry on dehydration dynamics during dry-aging of beef

Meat geometry may impact on the dehydration kinetics during dry-aging influencing the drying rate and, potentially, aspects of meat quality. In this study, three meat geometries (slices, steaks and sections) were prepared from three bovine Longissimuss thoracis et lumborum at 3 days post-mortem and were dry-aged at 2 °C, 75% relative humidity with an airflow of 0.5-2.0 m/s for 22 days (slices), 48 days (sections) and 49 days (steaks). Weights were recorded during dry-aging and drying curves were obtained for the three geometries, with the larger sections showing limited dehydration due to internal resistance to moisture migration from the core to the surface. Seven thin-layer equations were fitted to the dehydration data in order to model the drying kinetics during dry-aging. Thin-layer models described reliably the drying kinetics of the three geometries. In general, reduced k values (h^-1) reflected the lower drying rates as thickness increased. The Midilli model provided the best fit for all geometries. Proximate analyses of the three geometries and bloomed colour of sections were measured at the start and the end of the dry-aging period. Moisture loss during dry-aging led to the concentration of protein, fat and ash contents; while no significant differences were found for L*, a* and b* values of sections before and after the dry-aging process. In addition, moisture content, water activity (a_w) and LF-NMR measurements were taken at different locations within beef sections to further explore water dynamics during dry-aging.

Chemical Safety and Quality Attributes of Dried Sausage Snacks Stored in Modified Atmosphere

A sausage snack was produced by air blast drying of cottage sausage, and its safety and quality were investigated during 10-week storage period in a modified atmosphere (20% CO2/80% N2) at 4 ± 1°C and 20 ± 1°C. The results of a sensory and instrumental evaluation of colour and texture showed that significantly greater changes in these parameters were caused by drying the sausage rather than during subsequent storage of the produced snacks. Although total viable count increased and reached a maximum value of 6.5 log CFU g-1 after 70 days of storage at 20 ± 1°C, Enterobacteriaceae were not detected. The histamine level was approx. 18 mg kg-1, while the average content of the other biogenic amines after 70 days of storage ranged from 4.4 mg kg-1 (cadaverine) to 32.1 mg kg-1 (tyramine). The biogenic amine index was small and varied from 34.5 mg kg-1 (in the sausage before drying) to 73.4 mg kg-1 (at the end of the snack storage at 20 ± 1°C). The lipid hydrolysis and oxidation proceeded slowly and did not pose a threat to the product quality. The combination of drying and modified atmosphere packaging maintains good quality and safety of sausage snack during 70 days at refrigerated storage and/or 4 weeks at room temperature.

Effects of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) leaf extract with or without ascorbic acid on the quality characteristics of semi-dried restructured jerky during storage

Deterioration of jerky during storage is a major concern; this is usually combated with natural or synthetic antioxidants. This study aimed to evaluate the quality characteristics of semi-dried restructured jerky with and without loquat leaf extract (LE) powder and ascorbic acid (AA) during storage for 180 days. The jerkies were formulated with 0%, 0.15%, and 0.3% LE and/or 0.05% AA (Control, no antioxidant; AA, 0.05% AA; LE 0.15, 0.15% loquat LE; LE 0.15-AA, 0.15% loquat LE+0.05% AA; LE 0.3, 0.3% loquat LE; LE0.3-AA, 0.3% loquat LE+0.05% AA). LE is a phenolic compound, whose 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydarzyl radical scavenging activity and metal chelating activity were found to be higher than AA. All antioxidant combinations having higher LE concentration and containing AA were effective in delaying protein and lipid oxidation compared to the control or AA. At the end of storage period, LE 0.15-AA and AA had higher CIE a* and lower shear force than the control. Therefore, the combination of 0.15% LE and 0.05% AA can result in reduced protein and lipid oxidation without any negative effect on the quality characteristics of semi-dried restructured jerky.

High hydrostatic pressure combined with moisture regulators improves the tenderness and quality of beef jerky

The influence of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) at different pressure levels (0.1, 100, 200, and 300 MPa) combined with moisture regulators (MR) on the tenderness, water content, and quality of beef jerky was investigated. HHP treatment reduced the shear force (SF) of beef jerky (P < 0.05). The beef jerky treated with MR+HHP exhibited higher tenderness than the beef jerky treated only with HHP (P < 0.05). The MR+HHP samples had significantly higher moisture content than the HHP samples (P > 0.05) when the water activity was maintained at approximately 0.7. MR+HHP contributed to a shorter T₂₁ value and a higher P₂₁ value, which indicated an improvement in the water-binding ability of the beef muscle. Analysis of the microstructure showed that MR+HHP led to the fracture of the Z-line and destruction of the sarcomere structure. Sensory analysis showed that MR+HHP-200 samples had significantly higher tenderness and overall acceptable scores than other samples (P < 0.05).

Quality Characteristics and Moisture Mobility of Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus) Jerky during Roasting Process

Quality attributes and water mobility of giant salamander jerkies (GSJs) during roasting process (160°C, for 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 min) were investigated. The results showed that $a^{\ast },b^{\ast }$ values and shear force increased of GSJs roasting from 20 to 80 min, while $L^{\ast }$ , yield, and moisture content decreased significantly ( $p<0.05$ ). Sensory assessment showed that GSJs at a roasting time of 40–60 min had higher scores. GSJs contained great amount of healthy unsaturated fatty acids (including DHA and EPA), and the total amino acids and essential amino acids were among 59.33–71.77 g·100 g−1 and 25.94–31.40 g·100 g−1, respectively. The mobility of the immobilized moisture and free moisture were shrunk dramatically during roasting. The proton density weighted images also exhibited the moisture shrinkage during roasting. In addition, T22 and T23 were positively correlated with MRI signal, moisture content, and yield of GSJs, but negatively correlated with shear force and overall acceptability, respectively. Thus, in view of various quality attributes and sensory evaluation, a roasting time of 40–60 min was favored for nutritive GSJs production. LF-NMR and MRI might be employed to profile the quality characteristics during roasting as a rapid and nondestructive analytical tool.

Effect of fermentation by various bacterial strains on quality of dried duck meat slice

The effects of fermentation on the sensory qualities, lipid oxidation, harmful substances, and microbial growth of dried duck meat slice (DDMS) were investigated. The results showed that the optimal fermentation was controlled at 22.18 °C for 49.15 h with the mixed inoculation (7.09 log CFU/g) of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Pediococcus pentosaceus (2:1). Under the optimal fermentation conditions, the fermented DDMS presented higher scores of color (9.0 ± 0.16), aroma (8.8 ± 0.35), and total (8.9 ± 0.24) with lower hardness (5316 ± 98.80 g), compared to control (8.6 ± 0.21, 8.3 ± 0.26, 8.4 ± 0.08, and 7016 ± 114.17 g, respectively). Meanwhile, the histamine content decreased, and the nitrite content was reduced by nearly 60% in fermented DDMS. The lipid oxidation and microbial growth (Escherichia coli, mold, and yeast) in DDMS were also inhibited by fermentation. It provides useful data for improving the quality and safety of meat products.

Quality characteristics of semi-dried restructured jerky: combined effects of duck skin gelatin and carrageenan

The present study investigated the effects of duck skin gelatin and carrageenan on the quality of semi-dried restructured jerky. Restructured jerky was prepared as follows: G0 (control, without duck skin gelatin and carrageenan), G0C (0.3% carrageenan), G0.5 (0.5% duck skin gelatin), G0.5C (0.5% duck skin gelatin and 0.3% carrageenan), G1 (1.0% duck skin gelatin), and G1C (1.0% duck skin gelatin and 0.3% carrageenan). The moisture content was the highest for the semi-dried restructured jerky from G0.5C and G1C groups, which showed the lowest for shear force value (p < 0.05). The processing yield of semi-dried restructured jerky with carrageenan was higher compared to that of the control group (p < 0.05). The rehydration capacities of G0.5, G0.5C, and G1C groups were significantly higher than the rehydration capacity of the control group (p < 0.05). Water activity, lightness, yellowness, flavor score, texture score, and overall acceptability were the highest (p < 0.05) for the semi-dried restructured jerky from the G1C group. No significant (p > 0.05) difference was observed in appearance score among restructured jerky prepared from duck skin gelatin and carrageenan. Thus, the addition of 1.0% duck skin gelatin and 0.3% carrageenan to semi-dried restructured jerky formulations results in the optimization of quality characteristics.

Physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of El-Guedid from meat of different animal species

El-Guedid is an Algerian traditional meat-based product that is prepared from red meats. It belongs to the wide diversity of salted/dried meat products. This study described the physicochemical and microbiological properties of different products from four animal origins and during all the conservation. Results indicated that these products were mainly characterized by a low moisture with an average decrease of water content between 15.6% and 16.3% for all the samples, and a decrease in water activity ranging from 0.66 to 0.68, while the salt content ranged from 8.8 to 19.3%. A decrease in pH values oscillated from (6.3-6.4) to reach (5.2-5.5) at T0 and T365 consecutively, in all the samples. Microbial analyses revealed the absence of pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella but the sporadic contamination by Staphylococcus aureus up to one month of ripening. Lactic acid bacteria and coagulase negative staphylococci were the dominant populations in El-Guedid with Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus sakei, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus as the main species identified. All these populations decreased along the process and reached low levels (2 log CFU/g) at the end of storage (365 days). The drastic drying of El-Guedid led to safe traditional meat product that could promote its production.

The effects of breed and gender on meat quality of Duroc, Pietrain, and their crossbred

This study evaluated the effects of breed and gender in Duroc (D), Pietrain (P), and crossbred (DP) pigs. Loin samples were collected from D (n = 79), P (n = 42), and DP (n = 45) pigs. Intramuscular fat content was significantly lower in P (p < 0.001), and pH was lowest in DP pigs (p < 0.001). Gilts had higher intramuscular fat (IMF) and pH values than did castrated males (p < 0.05). Water-holding capacity was lower in DP pigs than that in D and P pigs (p < 0.001). Shear force in DP pigs was higher than that in D and P pigs (p < 0.001). Lightness and yellowness of meat in DP pigs was increased compared with coloring of P pig meat (p < 0.01). Meat from DP pigs was redder compared with meat from in D and P pigs, and it was higher in gilts than in castrates (p < 0.001). The C16:0 content was lower in P and DP pigs than in D pigs (p < 0.01). C18:2 content was higher in P and DP pigs than in D pigs (p < 0.001). Unsaturated and saturated fatty acids increased in P pigs compared with levels in D pigs (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that meat quality can be controlled by crossbreeding to increase or reduce selected properties. This study provides the basic data on the meat characteristics of F1 DP pigs. Thus, further study should be conducted to estimate the meat quality of various crossbreeds.

Quality characteristics of duck jerky: combined effects of collagen and konjac

The effects of curing solution prepared using various ratios of a combination of collagen and konjac (100/0, 80/20, 60/40, 40/60, 20/80, and 0/100) on the quality characteristics of duck jerky were investigated. The moisture, processing yield, water activity, tenderness score, and overall acceptability score of duck jerky were the highest when the ratio of added collagen and konjac was 60/40. The rehydration ratio of duck jerky increased due to the addition of collagen and konjac combinations in curing solution, and was higher for the 60/40 and 40/60 combinations than for the others. The shear force of duck jerky was the highest for the untreated jerky, and the lowest for the jerky formulated with the 60/40 combination of collagen and konjac solution. No significant differences were observed in lightness and yellowness between jerky treated with combinations of collagen and konjac. Taken together, our results indicate that addition of a combination of collagen and konjac at a 60/40 ratio results in good quality characteristics of duck jerky. Thus, we suggest that the use of combinations of collagen and konjac in duck jerky processing is beneficial for improving the quality characteristics of the jerky.

The Quality Improvement of Emulsion-type Pork Sausages Formulated by Substituting Pork Back fat with Rice Bran Oil

The effects of pork back fat (PBF) substitution with various concentrations of rice bran oil (RBO) (50%, 45%, 40% and 35%) on the physicochemical characteristics and sensory attributes of emulsion-type pork sausages were studied. The modified pork sausages were compared with control sausages produced using PBF only. The sausages with RBO had significantly lower (p<0.05) moisture content than the control sausages. Sausages made from PBF substituted with 40% RBO showed the lowest cooking loss. Substitution of PBF with RBO had no significant effect on the emulsion stability of pork sausages. All sausages with RBO showed significantly lower (p<0.05) hardness values than control sausages. Sausages with RBO also had significantly higher values (p<0.05) of unsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid contents than the controls. RBO substitution had no effect on the flavor intensity of sausages, but it improved the tenderness and produced a softer texture.

Supplementary effects of higher levels of various disaccharides on processing yield, quality properties and sensory attributes of Chinese - style pork jerky

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the supplementary effect of higher concentrations of various disaccharides on processing yield, major physicochemical properties, and sensory attributes of Chinese-style pork jerky (CSPJ).

METHODS

CSPJ samples were prepared by marinating sliced ham (4 mm) with three dissaccharides, including sucrose, lactose, and maltose, at 0%, 15%, 18%, 21%, and 24%. Subsequently, the CSPJ samples were dried and roasted. The moisture content, water activity, crude protein, moisture-to-protein ratio, pH, processing yield, shear force, color, and sensory attributes of the CSPJ samples were evaluated.

RESULTS

The quality characteristics of CSPJ samples prepared with sucrose were more acceptable. By contrast, CSPJ samples prepared with lactose showed the lowest scores. However, the processing yield and moisture content were the highest for CSPJ samples prepared with lactose, which may be associated with improved benefits for cost reduction. Furthermore, sucrose and lactose supplementation resulted in contrasting quality characteristics; for example, CSPJ samples with sucrose and maltose supplementation had higher sensory scores for color than samples with lactose supplementation. Additionally, most quality characteristics of CSPJ samples with sucrose supplementation contrasted with those of the samples with lactose supplementation; for example, the samples with sucrose supplementation had higher scores for sensory attributes than those with lactose supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Sucrose supplementation up to 21% to 24% was associated with the highest overall acceptability scores (5.19 to 5.80), enhanced quality characteristics, increased processing yield, and reduced production cost.

Quality changes of chicken meat jerky with different sweeteners during storage

Chicken meat jerky with high sugar content is popular intermediate-moisture meat product in Asia. Different types of sugar, sucrose and mixed sugar (sucrose: fructose: sorbitol 70: 15: 15), were evaluated to improve the quality of product. Quality changes of chicken meat jerky stored in vacuum and aerobic (33 and 75 %relative humidity, %RH) conditions were studied for suitable condition to extend shelf-life of product. The samples were determined the physical and chemical characteristics, as well as sensory evaluation during storage at room temperature. The moisture content and water activity (aw) of samples stored in 33 %RH conditions was continuously diminished during storage that related to harder texture and unacceptable quality in sensory evaluation. All samples stored in vacuum and 75 %RH condition demonstrated the lower shear force value than that stored in 33%RH condition (p < 0.05). Samples stored in vacuum condition had the lowest lipid oxidation (p < 0.05.) which corresponding to the highest scores in less rancidity and overall acceptance attributes. All samples stored in vacuum condition also had the highest acceptability in all sensory attributes (taste, rancidity, color and overall acceptance) followed by 75 %RH storage condition (p < 0.05). Samples prepared with mixed sugar could improve color and retard rancidity in chicken jerky meat product. Sample prepared with mixed sugar kept in vacuum condition had the lowest lipid oxidation and highest sensory score in overall acceptance attributes along the extended storage.

Effects of Replacing Sucrose with Various Sugar Alcohols on Quality Properties of Semi-dried Jerky

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing sucrose with sugar alcohols (sorbitol, glycerol and xylitol) on the quality properties of semi-dried jerky. Total 7 treatments of jerkies were prepared as follows: control with sucrose, and treatments with 2.5 and 5.0% of sucrose replaced by each sugar alcohol, respectively. Drying yield, pH, water activity, moisture content, shear force, myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) value, sugar content, and sensory evaluation were evaluated. Xylitol slightly decreased the pH when compared to the other sugar alcohols (p>0.05). The water activity of the semi-dried jerky was significantly reduced by treatment with glycerol and xylitol (p<0.05). The moisture content of semi-dried jerky containing various sugar alcohols was significantly higher than that of the control (p<0.05), while replacing sucrose with glycerol yielded the highest moisture content. The shear force of semi-dried jerky containing sugar alcohols was not significantly different for the sorbitol and glycerol treatments, but that replacing sucrose with 5.0% xylitol demonstrated the lowest shear force (p<0.05). The TBARS values of semi-dried jerkies with sugar alcohols were lower than the control (p<0.05). The sugar content of the semi-dried jerkies containing sorbitol and glycerol were lower than the control and xylitol treatment (p<0.05). In comparison with the control, the 5.0% xylitol treatment was found to be significantly different in the sensory evaluation (p<0.05). In conclusion, semi-dried jerky made by replacement with sugar alcohols improved the quality characteristics, while xylitol has applicability in manufacturing meat products.

Effects of Mechanically Deboned Chicken Meat (MDCM) and Collagen on the Quality Characteristics of Semi-dried Chicken Jerky

This study was conducted to determine the effects of using mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDCM) and collagen on quality characteristics of semi-dried chicken jerky. In experiment I, semi-dried chicken jerky was prepared with the replacement of chicken breast with MDCM (0, 10, 20, and 30%). The pH value of the jerky formulated with only chicken breast was 5.94, while the replacement of chicken breast with MDCM significantly increased the pH (p<0.05). The protein content and shear force of the jerkies decreased with increasing amounts of MDCM, whereas the fat, ash content and processing yield showed the opposite tendency (p<0.05). Replacement with up to 10% MDCM had no adverse effects on the sensory characteristics of the semi-dried chicken jerky. In experiment II, four levels of pork collagen (0, 1, 2, and 3%) were added to the semi-dried chicken jerky formulated with 90% chicken breast and 10% MDCM. The addition of collagen increased the moisture content, but decreased the ash content of the jerkies produced (p<0.05). The processing yield of the jerkies increased with increasing added amounts of collagen (p<0.05). It was found that the jerkies formulated with 0-2% collagen had significantly higher overall acceptance score than those prepared with 3% collagen (p<0.05). In conclusion, MDCM and collagen could be useful ingredients to reduce the production cost and improve the processing yield of semi-dried chicken jerky. The optimal levels of MDCM and collagen which could be added without adverse effects on the sensory characteristics were up to 10% and 2%, respectively.

Effect of curing time on the physicochemical and sensory properties of beef jerky replaced salt with soy sauce, red pepper paste and soybean paste

This study was done to investigate the quality properties of beef jerky with soy sauce, red pepper paste, and soybean paste replacing salt. Sliced beef samples were cured in salt (control), soy sauce, red pepper paste, and soybean paste for 24 or 48 h and then dried at 70°C for 8 h. Treatments showed higher final moisture content and lower Na(+) concentration than the control after drying for 8 h. The lightness and shear force values were lower in all treatment samples than in the control during 48 h of curing time. In particular, lower lipid oxidation was found in the jerky cured with red pepper paste than in the control. Sensory evaluation showed that color, flavor, and tenderness of jerky samples were improved by replacing salt with soy sauce, red pepper paste and soybean paste, and higher likeability scores of the beef jerky were obtained among those treatments after 48 h of curing time.

Synergistic Effects of Electron-beam Irradiation and Leek Extract on the Quality of Pork Jerky during Ambient Storage

To investigate the synergistic effect(s) of electron-beam (EB) irradiation and leek (Allium tuberosum Rottler) extract on the quality of pork jerky during ambient storage, we irradiated prepared pork jerky samples (control and samples with 0.5% and 1.0% leek extract) with EB technology at doses of 0, 1, 2, and 4 kGy, stored them for 2 months at 25°C, and analyzed them. Water activity was 0.73 to 0.77 in non-irradiated samples, and no significant difference in the water activity was observed between the samples treated with leek and the control. The total aerobic bacterial count was significantly decreased with an increase in the irradiation dose and leek extract addition when compared to that of the control (4.54±0.05 log CFU/g). Further, the Hunter color values (L*, a*, and b*) were found to be significantly decreased following leek extract addition and EB irradiation. However, the color values, especially the a* value of the irradiated samples significantly increased during storage. Notably, increasing the EB irradiation dose enhanced the peroxide value. Sensory evaluation revealed that irradiation decreased flavor and overall acceptability. Our findings suggest the use of EB irradiation in combination with leek extract to improve the microbiological safety of pork jerky. However, in order to meet market requirements, novel methods to enhance the sensory quality of pork jerky are warranted.

Quality Comparison of Pork Loin and Belly from Three-way Crossbred Pigs during Postmortem Storage

This study was performed to determine the meat quality characteristics of pork loin and belly from 3 different three-way crossbred pigs: Yorkshire × Landrace × Duroc (YLD), Yorkshire × Chester White × Yorkshire (YCY), and Yorkshire × Berkshire × Duroc (YBD). Each of the twenty crossed pigs were randomly selected with their live weights at the range of 110-120 kg. After being slaughtered and cooled at 0℃ for 24 h in a chilling room, the parts of loin and belly on the left side of the cooled carcasses were cut and prepared for analysis. The intramuscular fat contents of the loins from YLD were higher than those of the other crossbreds (p<0.05), and the YCY bellies had the highest moisture contents (p<0.05). Water holding capacity (WHC) of the loins from YCY were higher than the other crossbreds (p<0.05). Shear force values of the YBD loins were higher than the others (p<0.05). The TBARS values of YCY loins were significantly lower than the others at 0 d, but the difference disappeared after 14 d of storage. Sensory scores of YLD were ranked higher than the YCY or YBD in both the loins and bellies (p<0.05). The relatively high sensory values of YLD crossbred pork could be explained by the better WHC, the low shear forces, and the higher fat contents. The results indicated that the meat qualities could be altered by three-way crossbreeding.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Beef Jerky Cured with Salted-fermented Anchovy and Shrimp

The aim of this study is to evaluate the availability of salted and fermented fish (SFF) including salted and fermented anchovy (SFA) and shrimp (SFS) as a marinade of beef jerky. In curing solutions, half (SFA 1 and SFS 1) or whole (SFA 2 and SFS 2) salt-water was replaced with SFF juices. Higher water activity (a_w) was found in the beef jerky cured with SFFs than the control (C) (p< 0.05). The SFFs had the effect of causing a decrease in hardness and an increase in cohesiveness (p<0.05). Among the treatment samples, springiness was the highest in SFA2 and SFS2 (p<0.05) and the lowest values of Warner-Bratzler shear force were found in SFA1 and SFA2 (p<0.05). The SFFs also had the effect of increasing the flavor of the sensory properties; however, color measurements from both the instrumental surface color (L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue angle) and color of sensory evaluation were decreased by addition of SFFs (p<0.05). Therefore, we conclude the SFFs can improve the texture and sensory properties of the beef jerky. In particular, the SFS is a good ingredient for the curing solution. However, studies are still needed on improving the a_w, pH, and surface color of the beef jerky to apply the SFFs for making beef jerky.