Marination pressure and phosphate effects on broiler breast fillet yield, tenderness, and color

Marinades Based on Natural Ingredients as a Way to Improve the Quality and Shelf Life of Meat: A Review

Marinating is a traditional method of improving the quality of meat, but it has been modified in response to consumer demand for "clean label" products. The aim of this review is to present scientific literature on the natural ingredients contained in marinades, the parameters of the marinating process, and certain mechanisms that bring about changes in meat. A review was carried out of publications from 2000 to 2023 available in Web of Science on the natural ingredients of meat marinades: fruit and vegetables, seasonings, fermented dairy products, wine, and beer. The review showed that natural marinades improve the sensory quality of meat and its culinary properties; they also extend its shelf life. They affect the safety of meat products by limiting the oxidation of fats and proteins. They also reduce biogenic amines and the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This is possible due to the presence of biologically active substances and competitive microflora from dairy products. However, some marinades, especially those that are acidic, cause a slightly acidic flavour and an unfavourable colour change. Natural compounds in the ingredients of marinades are accepted by consumers. There are no results in the literature on the impact of natural marinades on the nutritional value and health-promoting potential of meat products, so it can be assumed that this is a future direction for scientific research.

Effect of marinating ingredients on temperature-induced denaturation of hemoglobin and its relation to red blood spot formation in cooked chicken breast

Red blood spot (RBS) commonly found in cooked chicken breast has caused severe economic loss as it is perceived as a sign of undercooked product. The objectives of this study were to investigate the cause of RBS as related to common ingredients used in marination, based on both chicken breast and isolated chicken hemoglobin (Hb) models. The effect of sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), and glucose on thermal denaturation of Hb was investigated along with the extent of RBS formation in cooked marinated chicken breast. After vacuum tumbling for 65 min and subsequent storage at 4 °C for 20 hr, STPP and glucose were not absorbed into the center of chicken breast. However, Na⁺ was absorbed after 12 hr storage. The denaturation temperature (T_d ) of isolated chicken Hb decreased to 65.8 °C in the presence of 1.5 M NaCl, while that of the control was 69.4 °C. STPP at pH 9 decreased T_d of Hb to 61.4 °C. The alkaline pH induced by STPP destabilized the Hb structure. RBSs were observed at 100% incidence when cooked to core temperatures of 50 and 70 °C for 1 min. RBSs were completely eliminated at core temperature of 85 °C. The ingredients used during marination appeared to have a minimal effect on RBS formation due to their limited absorption into the chicken breast. The cooking temperature is a major factor governing RBSs, as it directly affects the denaturation of Hb.

Investigating the effects of Functional Ice (FICE) on Salmonella-food safety, microbial spoilage and quality of raw poultry thigh meat during refrigerated storage

In meat processing, antimicrobial treatment applied during slaughter and deboning may not control pathogens and spoilage organisms during subsequent transportation and storage. “Functional Ice” (FICE), an innovation over traditional ice, was investigated for its effects on food safety, shelf life, and quality of raw poultry thigh meat during refrigerated storage. FICE was prepared by freezing aqueous solutions of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) (2.5% and 5% w/v) and sodium lactate-sodium diacetate (SL-SD) (1% and 2.5% v/v). Potable water was used to prepare ice for the control treatment. Thigh meat inoculated with Salmonella Typhimurium (10⁸ CFU/sample) was placed in FICE treatments, stored at 4 °C and sampled at 0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h (n = 375). Weight pick-up was recorded for the uninoculated thighs. Additionally, shelf life and quality were evaluated for 8 days on tray-packed thighs that were stored in FICE treatments for 48 h (STPP 5%, and SL-SD 2.5%). Differences among treatments were determined using ANOVA with LSMeans (p ≤ 0.05). Results indicated that inoculated thighs stored in individual STPP 5%, and SL-SD 2.5% treatments lead to a significant reduction in Salmonella Typhimurium compared to the control (p ≤ 0.05) after 48 h of storage. FICE treated thighs showed higher yields, lower cook loss, and an extended shelf life of 1–2 days, without any color changes. FICE has the potential to improve food safety and shelf life while improving the yields and quality during storage and transportation of raw poultry meat.

Quality Differences in Wooden and Normal Broiler Breast Meat Marinated with Traditional and Clean Label Marinades

Wooden breast (WB) is a Pectoralis major muscle myopathy in broilers that negatively impacts breast meat quality. The objective of this research was to evaluate quality differences between normal (NOR), moderately woody (MOD), and severely woody (SEV) broiler breast that were marinated with water (control); water, sodium phosphate, and salt (traditional); or water, potassium carbonate, and salt (clean label). Treatments were vacuum tumbled for 30 min and then frozen in a CO2 cabinet. A 3 × 3 factorial structure within a randomized complete block design with 3 replications was used to evaluate the effects of marinade (control, traditional, clean label) and WB severity (NOR, MOD, SEV) on tumble and cook loss, shear force, and texture profile analysis. For sensory analysis, a 2 × 3 factorial structure was used because the control was not evaluated. When averaged over WB severity, clean label marinade had less tumble loss (P < 0.05) than traditional. When averaged over marinade, NOR had less tumble loss (P < 0.05) than MOD and SEV. Marinated SEV were crunchier and less tender (P < 0.05) than MOD and NOR, and MOD was less tender (P < 0.05) than NOR. Similarly, the clean SEV was chewier (P < 0.05) than MOD and NOR, but traditional SEV was only chewier (P < 0.05) than NOR. Clean and traditional SEV were less acceptable (P < 0.05) than MOD and traditional NOR, but no difference (P > 0.05) existed in acceptability between MOD and NOR for both marinades. In addition, when averaging over WB severity, the traditional marinade was preferred (P < 0.05) over the clean label marinade. Although the clean marinade samples were tender, the clean label formulation was not interchangeable with the traditional marinade when SEV was marinated. The use of salt and sodium phosphate or potassium carbonate improved the eating quality of MOD and SEV WB. However, differences remain between NOR and SEV in tenderness, gumminess, and crunchiness that negatively impact consumer acceptability.

Incidence of White Striping and Its Effect on the Quality Traits of Raw and Processed Turkey Breast Meat

The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of white striping abnormality and its consequences on the quality traits of raw and processed turkey breast (chemical composition, color traits, and water holding capacity). In total, about 2300 breasts from 22 flocks were used to assess the incidence and 60 breasts to evaluate the quality traits. Our study showed that the total incidence of moderate and severe white striping was 61.3% out of them, moderate cases were 49.4%. Severe white striped turkey breast exhibited significantly lower protein content (21.1 vs. 23.2 and 23.16%, p<0.05) and higher fat content (2.3 vs. 0.77 and 1.76%, p<0.05) if compared to normal and moderate white striped breast respectively. Moreover, moderate and severe white striped meat showed significantly higher redness (a*) (2.98 and 3.14 vs. 1.48, p<0.05) and yellowness (b*) indexes (7.27 and 7.95 vs. 4.05, p<0.05) than normal meat, respectively.

Effect of sodium bicarbonate residue on some characteristics of processed meat products

Using sodium bicarbonate (SB) in cooking meat products is a controversial subject. The aim of this study was to estimate an effect of different SB concentrations on the quality characteristics and organoleptic properties of meat in Kubideh Kebab, an Iranian popular meat product. Ground meat was divided into four groups (a, b, c, and d). After that, SB was added in ratio 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00 g/kg respectively. A sample without SB was considered as a blank sample. The Kebab samples were prepared and cooked properly at 350°C for 4–6 minutes and at 450°C for 2–4 minutes. A significant difference was observed in the pH values and the cooking loss between the blank sample and those Kebab samples that were cooked at 350°C and 450°C and pre-treated with SB in the amount of 0.25–2.00 g per 1 kg of meat (P < 0.05). The amount of residual bicarbonate ions increased significantly in the cooked Kebab samples at both treatment temperatures in the a-d group in comparison with the blank sample, as well as between the groups (P = 0.00). The organoleptic properties did not change in the a-d groups in comparison with the blank sample.

Freezing-thawing and sub-sampling influence the marination performance of chicken breast meat

Vacuum-tumbling marination is often used to improve the yield and quality of whole or portioned broiler breast fillets. The relationship between the marination performance of whole Pectoralis major muscles and breast fillet sub-samples is not well understood. The objective was to determine the effects of sub-sampling and freezing-thawing on the marination performance and cook loss of broiler breast meat. Paired right and left breast fillets were marinated as whole fillets or sub-samples (cranial and mid-caudal portions). Samples were marinated at 48 h postmortem (fresh) or stored at -20°C and then thawed prior to marination (frozen-thawed). Samples were vacuum-tumbled in 20% wt/wt brine (5% NaCl, 3% STP) and weighed pre-marination, during marination (15, 30, and 45 min), and 24 h post-marination. Samples were then cooked to 75°C for determination of cook loss. Marinade uptake was greater in caudal sub-samples than intact fillets and cranial sub-samples after 15 min of marination (P < 0.0001). After 30 min, marinade uptake was greater in caudal sub-samples and intact fillets than cranial sub-samples (P < 0.05). After 45 min, marinade uptake for fresh samples was greatest in intact fillets and lowest in cranial sub-samples. For frozen-thawed samples, marinade uptake at 45 min was greater in caudal sub-samples and intact fillets than cranial sub-samples (P < 0.0001). Marinade uptake in sub-samples at 30 min was greater in frozen-thawed versus fresh fillets (P < 0.05). Differences in marinade retention were not observed. Cook loss was similar between fresh and frozen-thawed samples but was greater in sub-samples compared to intact fillets (P < 0.0001). Correlations between marinade uptake in intact fillets and cranial sub-samples were greater in fresh (r = 0.64 to 0.78) than frozen-thawed samples (r = 0.39 to 0.59). Correlations between marinade uptake in intact fillets and caudal sub-samples were greater in frozen-thawed (r = 0.79 to 0.82) than fresh samples (r = 0.46 to 0.63). Data suggest that the relationships between marination performance of whole breast fillets and fillet sub-samples are dependent upon prior sample handling and intra-fillet sampling location.

Preventing Soft Texture Fish Fillets through Brine Injection Technology

An exploratory study was conducted to determine if multineedle injection technology could deliver protease inhibitor ingredients into fish fillets at sufficient levels to inhibit protease activity. Pacific whiting is used as a model in this study. Fillet treatments (n=8/treatment) included noninjection (C), injection of base brine containing 3% salt and 3% sodium tripolyphosphate (B), injection of base brine and 3% egg white(BEW), and injection of base brine, 0.1% xanthan gum, and 3% dried potato extract(BPE). Xanthan gum was used as a suspension aid. Actual brine incorporation was12.2±0.5%. Cathepsin L activity was evaluated at pH 5.5 (optimal pH) and ultimate pH. Quality measures evaluated included CIE Lab color, shear force, and lipid oxidation. Fillets injected with BEWand BPEwere significantly lower in cathepsin L activity when measured at pH 5.5. BEWand BPEfillets were darker in appearance than B or C fillets. Untreated fillets (C) had higher variability in shear force value than treated fillets. There was no effect of treatment on lipid oxidation. Results suggested that injection technology can be utilized to incorporate protease inhibitor ingredients (3% EW or 3% PE) at levels sufficient to reduce cathepsin L activity in Pacific whiting fillets.

Beef quality of different portions of the biceps femoris muscle in Bos indicus cattle improved by tumbling with brine

The effect of tumbling with brines on different portions of the biceps femoris muscle was evaluated for the quality of beef from cattle older than 30 mo. Six biceps femoris muscles were divided into portions: origin (OP), insertion 1(IP1), and insertion 2 (IP2). The portions were sliced into steaks and were treated with no tumbling (control), tumbling with brine (BR), and tumbling with brine and hydrolyzed soy protein (BR+HSP). The steaks were vacuum packaged and stored for 1 and 12 d and then analyzed for pH, yield, color, cooking loss, and shear force. The control steaks from the OP had higher (P < 0.05) pH and shear force values and lower (P < 0.05) L* values than the control steaks from IP2. The pH and a* and b* values increased (P < 0.05) and the L* values and cooking loss decreased (P < 0.05) when the steaks were tumbled with BR and BR+HSP. Overall, substantial variation was found for the variables among the different portions of the biceps femoris muscle. Based on the lower lightness (low exudation) and greater yellow and red intensity (less oxidation) of the meat, the tumbling with brines improved the meat quality. However, the hydrolyzed soy protein incorporated into the brine did not increase the effect compared with using the brine alone for most of the variables.

Effect of postmortem aging on marination performance of broiler breast pectoralis major categorized by color lightness

The objective was to evaluate the effect of postmortem aging on marination performance of early-deboned chicken breast fillets (pectoralis major) with different color lightness. Effects of marination on muscle shear force were also determined. Early-deboned (2 h postmortem) broiler butterfly fillets were visually selected based on their color lightness (pale, normal, and dark) from a commercial plant. The individual butterfly fillets were separated into left and right fillets. One of them was used for 6-h marination treatment and the other for 24-h marination treatment. Samples were marinated in a vacuum tumbler (-0.6 atm, 16 rpm, 20 min) with 20% wt/wt marinade yielding 0.75% NaCl and 0.45% phosphate in the final product. The effect of aging on salt-induced water gain by breast muscle was also measured using the swelling/centrifuging method. Marinade uptake, marinade retention, raw product yield, and cooked product yield were determined after tumbling, following storage for 24 and 48 h after marination and after cooking. Salt-induced water gain was greater (P < 0.05) in nonmarinated fillets at 24 h postmortem compared with 6 h postmortem. Compared with unmarinated fillets, marination enhanced finished product yield significantly (P < 0.05) regardless of postmortem aging and color lightness. Marinade retention and product yield were different (P < 0.05) in fillets categorized by L* (lightness) values. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between 2 postmortem aging times for marinade uptake, overall product yield, cooking loss, final cooked product yield, or meat shear force regardless of initial fillet L* values. However, marinade retention of 6-h samples was significantly better than 24-h samples (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that with a targeted 15% marinade uptake, postmortem aging of 2-h deboned fillets before marination does not affect marinade uptake and product yield, but significantly affects marinade retention by boneless skinless chicken breast.

Marinade with thyme and orange oils reduces Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter coli on inoculated broiler breast fillets and whole wings

Essential oils have been reported to possess antimicrobial properties and therefore have potential usage as natural antimicrobials in food. In a previous study, thyme orange essential oil combination (TOC) used at the 0.5% level as a dip application on chicken cut-up parts had a significant antibacterial effect against Salmonella and Campylobacter. A study was designed to evaluate the effect of salt-phosphate marinade solution containing 0.5% TOC to 1) reduce Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter coli numbers on broiler breast fillets and whole wings marinated by vacuum tumbling, and 2) reduce cross-contamination of both pathogens between inoculated and uninoculated parts during marination. A total of 52 skinless breast fillets and 52 whole wings were used for the 2 replications. For each replication, each cut-up part was randomly assigned to 1 of 5 groups: treatment 1: uninoculated parts marinated without TOC; treatment 2: inoculated parts marinated without TOC; treatment 3: uninoculated parts marinated with TOC; treatment 4: inoculated parts marinated with TOC; and control: nonmarinated inoculated parts. Samples were dipped in an inoculum containing a mixture of Salmonella Enteritidis and C. coli. The treatment samples were marinated by vacuum tumbling. All samples were immediately evaluated to determine Salmonella Enteritidis and C. coli numbers. Results indicated that TOC at the 0.5% level in the marinade solution applied by vacuum tumbling significantly reduced (P < 0.05) numbers of viable Salmonella Enteritidis by 2.6 and 2.3 log cfu/mL on broiler breast fillets and C. coli by 3.6 and 3.1 log cfu/mL on whole wings. Cross-contamination was observed as the uninoculated chicken parts marinated with inoculated parts were positive. However, the number of bacterial cells recovered from the TOC treated samples were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the numbers recovered from the untreated samples. Marination with a salt phosphate formulation containing 0.5% TOC successfully reduced Salmonella and Campylobacter numbers on poultry products.

Effects of soy sauce on physicochemical and textural properties of tumbled chicken breast

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soy sauce on the physicochemical and textural properties of tumbled chicken breasts. Chicken breasts marinated with distilled water (Con), 4% NaCl solution, 4% NaCl and lactic acid solution (pH 4.9), and soy sauce solution (4% salt concentration and pH 4.9) were vacuum tumbled at 3°C for 60 min. The chicken breast marinated with soy sauce solution showed lower lightness and higher redness and yellowness due to the color of the soy sauce. The acidic marinades led to a decrease in pH value of tumbled chicken breast. The acidic marinades increased collagen solubility of sample compared with 4% NaCl solution, resulting in decreased shear force. Water-holding capacity, marination and cooking yields, and solubility of myofibrillar proteins were mainly affected by the presence of salt in the marinade, rather than by pH alternation. Our results suggested that soy sauce marination can improve the tenderness of tumbled chicken breast.

Dried plum products as a substitute for phosphate in chicken marinade

In order to address the growing demand for more natural poultry products, alkaline phosphates commonly used in chicken breast meat marinades were replaced with plum ingredients and evaluated. For initial sensory evaluation, 200 consumers of chicken were served a small portion of the chicken breast on a plate and were asked to evaluate the product for overall impression, flavor, and texture on a 9-point hedonic scale with 1 = "dislike extremely" and 9 = "like extremely." Also, a 5-point just-about-right (JAR) scale was used on questions about tenderness, juiciness, overall flavor, and saltiness. Both hedonic and JAR demonstrated that the marinades of plum concentrate and the blend of plum fiber and powder were not distinguishable from the control (P > 0.05). Using two different percentages of fiber/powder blend, two different percentages of concentrate, sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), and no marinade, measurements were made for marinade per cent pickup, thaw loss, and cook loss. Plum concentrate at 1.1% was most similar to STPP in marinade per cent pickup, thaw loss, drip loss, and cook loss. These results show that plum ingredients can potentially be used as a substitute in standard phosphate marinades.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Consumers are increasingly demanding more natural foods with less artificial additives. This research presents the results of experiments using dried plum ingredients as a substitute for phosphates commonly used in marinades for chicken. Results indicate that dried plum ingredients may be a suitable substitute for phosphates in marinades.

Combined effect of electrical stimulation, aging time and marination on quality of chicken breast fillet processed under commercial conditions

BACKGROUND

Electrical stimulation (ES) in poultry processing is reported in the literature with varying degrees of effectiveness. Furthermore, the combined effects of ES and polyphosphate marination are not completely known. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of ES, aging time prior to deboning and phosphate marination on meat quality of broiler breast fillets.

RESULTS

The implementation of ES accelerated pH decline in fillets at any aging time studied regardless of marination treatment, but no differences (P > 0.05) were found in pH of fillets deboned without aging. Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear values of ES fillets significantly decreased (P < 0.05) at 2 h of aging whereas WB of non-ES fillets decreased at 6 h of aging in breast meat, with or without marination. In non-marinated fillets the ES treatment reduced (P < 0.05) cooking loss in meat aged 0, 2 and 4 h. In marinated fillets the ES treatment decreased cooking loss at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h of aging.

CONCLUSION

ES in carcasses aged 2 or 4 h improves tenderness and reduces cooking loss. Marination improves tenderness in both stimulated and non-stimulated fillets, at all aging times.

Potassium acetate and potassium lactate enhance the microbiological and physical properties of marinated catfish fillets

Sodium or potassium salts such as lactate and acetate can be used to inhibit the growth of spoilage bacteria and food-borne pathogens, and thereby prolong the shelf-life of refrigerated seafood. However, minimal information is available regarding the combined effects of potassium salts (acetate and lactate) with an agglomerated phosphate blend on the quality and safety of refrigerated catfish fillets. The objective of this study was to determine the microbiological and quality characteristics of marinated catfish fillets treated with organic acid salts. Catfish fillets were vacuum-tumbled with a brine solution with and without the added organic acid salts, at 10% over initial, raw weight prior to tray-packing and storage at 4 °C for 14 d. Fillets were evaluated for yields, color, pH, tenderness, consumer acceptability, and shelf-life. No differences (P > 0.05) existed among the treated and untreated fillets with regards to solution pick-up and pH, but all treated fillets increased (P < 0.05) cooking yields and Intl. Commission on Illumination (CIE) a* values, and decreased (P < 0.05) CIE L* and b* values in the catfish fillets when compared to the untreated fillets. The fillets treated with a combination of potassium acetate and potassium lactate had lower (P < 0.05) psychrotrophic plate counts and lower spoilage scores than the control treatments on days 7, 10, and 14. In addition, consumers preferred (P < 0.05) treated catfish fillets (fried) with respect to appearance, flavor, and overall acceptability over the negative control. In conclusion, the combination of potassium acetate and potassium lactate enhanced sensory quality and extended the shelf-life of refrigerated catfish fillets.

Phosphate type affects the quality of injected catfish fillets

Catfish fillets were injected to 115% over green weight prior to tray-packing and storage at 4 degrees C for 1, 4, 8, and 11 d. Fillets were evaluated for yields, surface color, pH, cooking loss, tenderness, purge loss, and shelf-life. All phosphate treatments increased (P < 0.05) fillet tenderness, but the agglomerated blend of sodium phosphates (AGSP) increased (P < 0.05) pH and yields, and decreased (P < 0.05) CIE L* and CIE b* values. Psychrotrophic plate counts (PPC) of fillets treated with the agglomerated blend of polyphosphates (AGPP) were lower (P < 0.05) than the control at each storage time, but PPC of all samples reached 7 log CFU/g by day 8 of storage. All agglomerated phosphates and STP (sodium tripolyphosphate) improved yields and quality when compared to the nonmarinated control. However, AGSP was the most effective phosphate at increasing pick-up and yields and decreasing cooking loss due to the pH effect that causes more water to be trapped within the food system. Major quality differences may not have occurred between STP and agglomerated phosphates (other than AGSP) since injection relies solely on pH and ionic strength for marinade pickup, whereas tumbling also relies on mechanical action, which relies more on the presence of various phosphate chain lengths and solubility to impact yields. All phosphate treatments improved the quality of tray-packed, refrigerated catfish fillets that were enhanced through multineedle injection. However, AGSP also increased fillet pH, optimized yields, and improved color.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Use of an agglomerated phosphate blend with a high pH (AGSP) maximized the yield of catfish fillets that were marinated through multineedle injection. In addition, STP and agglomerated phosphate blends increased the yield and tenderness of catfish fillets when compared to the nonmarinated control.