ABSTRACTThe effect of tumbling and sodium tripolyphosphate on the migration of salt and nitrite in pork muscle tissue was studied using the semi‐membranosus muscles from 20 matched hams. Uniform sections of these muscles were injected with a column of cure placed in the geometric center of the muscle section perpendicular to the muscle fibers. Portions of these muscle samples were subsequently analyzed after tumbling or holding for extent of cooked cured color development. Uncooked portions were analyzed for salt and nitrite concentration at specific distances from the injection site. Both sodium tripolyphosphate and tumbling independently significantly increased the migration of salt and nitrite and resulted in a significant increase in color development. Although percent cured color area was significantly increased, both tumbling and sodium tripolyphosphate increased the residual nitrite content. Sodium tripolyphosphate added to the effect of tumbling on the percent of cured area.
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