Loin Ham Research Articles

Electrical Stimulation Induces Activation of Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway and Down-Regulates Heat Shock Proteins in Pork: An Innovative Strategy for Enhancing the Ripening Process and Quality of Dry-Cured Loin Ham.

A fundamental regulatory framework to elucidate the role of electrical stimulation (ES) in reducing long production cycles, enhancing protein utilization, and boosting product quality of dry-cured ham is essential. However, how mitochondria and enzymes in meat fibers are altered by ES during post-processing, curing, and fermentation procedures remains elusive. This study sought to explore the impact of ES on the regulation of heat shock proteins (HSP27, HSP70), apoptotic pathways, and subsequent influences on dry-cured pork loin quality. The gathered data validated the hypothesis that ES notably escalates mitochondrial oxidative stress and accelerates mitochondrial degradation along the ripening process. The proapoptotic response in ES-treated samples was increased by 120.7%, with a cellular apoptosis rate 5-fold higher than that in control samples. This mitochondrial degradation is marked by increased ratios of Bax/Bcl-2 protein along the time course, indicating that apoptosis could contribute to the dry-cured ham processing. ES was shown to further down-regulate HSP27 and HSP70, establishing a direct correlation with the activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathways, accompanied by dry-cured ham quality improvements. The findings show that ES plays a crucial role in facilitating the ripening of dry-cured ham by inducing mitochondrial apoptosis to reduce HSP expression. This knowledge not only explains the fundamental mechanisms behind myofibril degradation in dry-cured ham production but also offers a promising approach to enhance quality and consistency.

Construction of a convenient microbial-growth observation system based on microscopic image analysis applicable to the evaluation of preservative effects

The pour-plate method, a conventional approach to the evaluation of food microbial contamination, is costly and time-consuming. We have developed a novel and efficient system to evaluate microbial growth on the surfaces of foods using a membrane filter and microscope followed by image analysis. While Wickerhamomyces anomalus cells directly inoculated onto loin ham were undetectable because of the complex surface structure of the food, the placement of a hydrophilic polytetrafluoroethylene membrane filter on the loin ham enabled us to clearly observe the yeast cells on the filter by microscopy without affecting their growth. Under microscopic observation, cells on the membrane filter as well as those on the agar plate were always observed with surrounding annular dark regions, which were separated from the background by clear boundaries. We defined the areas inside the boundaries, including the cells and the annular dark regions, as the “bounded areas”. In image analysis, the numbers of pixels in the bounded areas increased exponentially in parallel with the viable cell count (CFU/g), suggesting that the pixel numbers were proportional to the viable cell numbers. We applied this system to investigate the adverse effects of sorbic acid preparation (SAP), a common food preservative, on yeast growth. The yeast was incubated on filter-overlaid agar medium in the presence or absence of SAP, resulting in a dose-dependent reduction in the specific pixel increase rate (k [/h]) determined by image analysis as well as in the specific growth rate (μ [/h]) estimated by the agar-plate-based conventional method. Regression analysis revealed a strong correlation between the k and μ values (R2, 0.985) normalized to the corresponding values without SAP. Our system could be applied to estimate the growth rate of microbes on foods and to examine the effects of environmental factors on microbial growth by using the k value as an index. Furthermore, this system would contribute to enhancing food safety, extending shelf life, and solving the important global problem of food loss.

Effects of Mustard Seed Extract on Physicochemical and Storage Characteristics of Dry-aged Pork Loin Ham

Effects of Mustard Seed Extract on Physicochemical and Storage Characteristics of Dry-aged Pork Loin Ham

Analysis of cured pork loin ham quality using wet-aging and a pulsed electric field system.

The effects on the quality of loin ham from using wet-aging with a commercial refrigerator (CR) and with a pulsed electric field system refrigerator (PEFR, at 0 and - 1°C) were compared. The CR sample recorded an increased cooking loss alongside a decrease in color stability and shear force. In contrast, the samples using PEFR observed improved color stability, water holding capacity, and weight loss. In electronic nose analysis, wet-aging samples were shown to be significantly different from raw meat samples, however, the use of PEFR did not significantly affect the flavor. In electronic tongue analysis, wet-aging was observed to increase the umami of the loin ham, whilst the PEFR - 1°C sample showed the highest umami. In sensory evaluation, the PEFR 0°C sample showed significantly higher overall acceptability than raw meat. Conclusively, the application of wet-aging with PEFR in the manufacturing of loin ham led to an improvement in quality.

Effects of sorbitol-mediated curing on the physicochemical properties and bacterial community composition of loin ham during fermentation and ripening stages

In this study, the impacts of loin ham with sorbitol-mediated curing on its physicochemical properties and bacterial community composition during fermentation and ripening were investigated. The salt content, pH, and water activity (aw) were lower in the sorbitol group than in the control group throughout the fermentation and ripening stages (P < 0.05). In addition, the L* values were higher in the sorbitol group (P < 0.05). Additionally, microbial diversity diminished in all groups as the fermentation and ripening process proceeded, with Lactobacillus turning into the dominant genus in the control group and Staphylococcus and Lactobacillus becoming dominant in the sorbitol group. Pearson’s correlation analysis confirmed that the physicochemical properties have been significantly correlated with the bacterial community. In conclusion, sorbitol-mediated curing not only facilitates salt reduction while prolonging the storage period of loin ham, but also improves the distribution of bacterial community in loin ham and enhances its quality.

아질산염 대체제로써 방울토마토 페이스트가 등심햄의 품질 특성에 미치는 영향

The aim of this study was to analyze effect of cherry tomato paste for nitrite replacement on loin ham. Loin hams were prepared with cherry tomato paste at three levels of curing solutions (control: NPS 1.2%, salt 1.2% and cherry tomato paste 1%, salt 1.2% and cherry tomato paste 3%, salt 1.2% and cherry tomato paste 5%). pH tended to decrease as the amount of cherry tomato paste increased. The lightness decreased with a significant difference as the amount of cherry tomato paste increased (p&lt;0.05). Yellowness and chroma tended to increase with the increase in the amount of cherry tomato paste, while the redness and hue angle of treatment with 3% cherry tomato-paste were similar to those of the control (p&gt;0.05). The cooking yields of loin-ham with 3% and 5% cherry tomato-paste were significantly higher than those of the control and loin-ham with 1% cherry tomato-paste (p&lt;0.05). The shear force tended to decreasing with increasing amount of cherry tomato paste. The myofibrillar protein content of loin-ham treated with cherry tomato paste was significantly higher than that of the control (p&lt;0.05). Therefore the addition of 3% cherry tomato paste to pork loin ham has a positive effect on its quality and sensual properties.

Studies on Flavor Compounds and Free Amino Acid Dynamic Characteristics of Fermented Pork Loin Ham with a Complex Starter.

Staphylococcus simulans and Lactobacillus plantarum screened from Guizhou specialty food were used to prepare fermented pork loin ham. The sensory qualities and flavor profiles of fermented pork loin hams from 0 to 42 days were investigated in order to reveal the dynamics of fermented pork loin ham. The results show that total free amino acids (TFAA) content reached the highest value on the 35th day, and the umami amino acids, including aspartic acid (ASP), glutamic acid (GLU), glycine (GLY), and alanine (ALA), were the main amino acids in all periods. Notably, the RV coefficient (0.875) indicates that free amino acids (FAA) are highly correlated with the sensory score of the E-tongue. In terms of the volatile compounds identified, the esters content gradually increased between 7 and 42 days, and ethyl octanoate was the most abundant compound during all periods. These esters imparted a characteristic aroma component to the fermented pork loin ham. The most important finding was that the increase in the content of esters represented by octanoic acid-ethyl ester might be related to the increase in the content of FAA with the increase in fermentation time. Both the E-nose and E-tongue showed good discrimination ability for fermented tenderloin ham with different fermentation times, which was crucial in cases with large clusters. In addition, the multiple factor analysis (MFA) indicated that the E-nose aroma value might be the key factor in distinguishing fermented pork loin ham with different fermentation times.

생물전환기술을 활용한 채소 발효물과 아스코르브산을 첨가한 돈육 등심햄의 품질특성

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine the quality characteristics of pork loin ham using vegetable fermented products by bioconversion technology, with/without ascorbic acid. Methods: Eight different groups of pork loin ham were prepared according to the following formula: The control was prepared with 150 ppm nitrite, and celery, the beet and dropwort treatment groups were prepared with 150 ppm natural nitrite in bioconversion with Staphylococcus carnosus, the control A, celery A, beet A, and dropwort A treatment groups were prepared with both 150 ppm bioconversion natural nitrite and 0.05% ascorbic acid. Experiments were conducted to analyze pork loin ham with natural nitrite, for color, pH, nitrosohemechrome, total pigments, curing efficiency, residual nitrite content, 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and shear force. Results: The redness of the exterior surface of the cured pork loin ham with natural nitrite and with/without ascorbic acid was higher or similar to that of the control, while the redness of the interior surface of the control with synthesis nitrite was the highest. The Hue angle (°) of the interior surface in the control was the lowest, and the chroma of the interior surface in the control was the highest. The pH, total pigments, and residual nitrites of the control were the highest. The curing efficiency of the control A group with the synthesis nitrite and ascorbic acid was the highest. The TBARS of the celery treatment group was higher than the control, and the TBARS value decreased as ascorbic acid was added to all treatment groups. The shear force of the control was higher than in the other treatments. Conclusion: Therefore, we suggest that the industrial utilization of dropwort fermented products by bioconversion technology and ascorbic acid can be replaced by synthesis nitrite, for the health of consumers and the development of clean label meat products.

Physicochemical Quality Properties of Loin and Tenderloin Ham from Sows.

This study was conducted to investigate the physicochemical properties of hams obtained from loin and tenderloin cuts from standard pigs and sows. pH levels of loin ham before cooking, standard pig was significantly lower than that of sow (p<0.001). The lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) values of loin ham from standard pigs were significantly higher than those of sow loin ham (p<0.001). The water-holding capacity (WHC) and curing yield of sow loin was significantly higher than standard loin (p<0.01). The cooking loss of standard pig loin ham was significantly higher than that of sow loin ham (p<0.01). Differences in sensory quality evaluation, except in the case of tenderness, for the two loin hams were not significant. pH levels of tenderloin ham before cooking, standard pig was significantly lower than that of sow (p<0.001). Redness (a*) values of before and after cooking tenderloin ham of sow was higher than that of standard pig (p<0.001). L* values of tenderloin ham of standard pig was significantly higher than that of sow (p<0.001). WHC and curing yield of tenderloin ham from sow was significantly higher than that from a standard pig (p<0.001, p<0.05). The cooking losses of sow and standard pig tenderloin ham were 26.06% and 28.31%, respectively (p<0.001). Differences in sensory quality evaluation, except in the case of tenderness and color, for the two tenderloin hams were not significant. In conclusion, sow pigs loin and tenderloin is suitable for ham product more than standard pigs loin and tenderloin.

Effects of red glasswort as sodium chloride substitute on the physicochemical properties of pork loin ham.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the effect of red glasswort (RG) (Salicornia herbacea L.) curing on the physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of cooked pork loin ham (M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum).MethodsAll treatments were cured with different salt and RG powder levels. RG0 treatment was prepared with only 4% NaCl (w/w) as a control, and RG25, 3% NaCl:1% RG (w/w); RG50, 2% NaCl:2% RG (w/w); RG75, 1% NaCl:3% RG (w/w); RG100, 0% NaCl:4% RG (w/w) treatments were prepared sequentially. All samples were individually vacuum packaged in polyethylene bags and stored for 7 d at 3°C±1°C.ResultsThe results showed that as the rate of RG substitution increased, pH value, redness, myofibrillar protein solubility, and myofibrillar fragmentation index increased (p<0.05), but salt concentration and shear force decreased (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in cooking loss and moisture content. In terms of sensory evaluation, RG100 exhibited higher scores in tenderness and juiciness than RG0 (p<0.05).ConclusionThe partial substitution of NaCl by RG could improve the physicochemical properties, textural and sensory characteristics of cooked pork loin. Therefore, it is suggested that RG as a natural salt replacer could be an effective ingredient for developing low-sodium cured hams.

Comparison of Three Commercial Collagen Mixtures: Quality Characteristics of Marinated Pork Loin Ham.

Various commercial collagen mixtures aimed at improving the quality of meat products are available, but the optimal composition is unclear. This study aimed to compare the functional properties, including physicochemical characteristics and lipid oxidative stability, of loin ham marinated with three commercial collagen mixtures sold as food additives. The addition of collagen mixtures led to significant increases in the moisture content, water holding capacity (WHC), cooking yield, and instrumental tenderness, regardless of the type of collagen mixture. In particular, meat samples containing collagen mixture C showed the highest (p<0.05) WHC and tenderness among all groups. Furthermore, collagen mixture B induced increases (p<0.05) in pH values in both raw and cooked samples. The a* values of samples with collagen mixtures were lower (p<0.05) than those of samples without collagen mixtures. All collagen mixtures effectively improved oxidative stability during 7 days of storage at 4°C. The samples containing collagen mixture B had the lowest lipid oxidation (p<0.05) among groups. These results indicated that collagen mixture C could be used in injection brine to enhance the quality characteristics of meat products, particularly the WHC and tenderness. Collagen mixture A could be used for meat products with high fat contents based on its ability to improve lipid oxidative stability during long-term storage.

An innovative curing process with plasma‐treated water for production of loin ham and for its quality and safety

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the potential of plasma‐treated water (PTW) as an alternative to synthetic sodium nitrite in loin ham manufacturing. Two brine solutions made of sodium nitrite were compared against PTW for curing of loin ham. In comparison to chemical brining PTW resulted in increased redness (a*‐value), while allowing to maintain low residual nitrite content and total bacterial counts. No significant differences were found in yellowness (b*‐value), lightness (L*‐value), and lipid oxidation among the treatment groups. Furthermore, the loin ham manufactured using PTW showed no genotoxicity by Ames test. Therefore, PTW could be considered as an effective and innovative substitute for synthetic nitrite in cured meat manufacturing without compromising on quality changes.

Evaluation of Shelf-life of Loin Ham as Affected by Different Packaging Types and Storage Temperatures

Evaluation of Shelf-life of Loin Ham as Affected by Different Packaging Types and Storage Temperatures

레드와인 주입량에 따른 등심햄의 품질 특성

레드와인 주입량에 따른 등심햄의 품질 특성

Cooking, storage, and reheating effect on the formation of cholesterol oxidation products in processed meat products.

BackgroundCholesterol is an important biological compound; however, its oxidation products have been proven to be harmful to human health. Cooking, storage, and reheating methods significantly affect the safety of meat products, as they contribute to the production of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs).MethodsThree cooking methods were used to cook sausages, loin ham, bacon, luncheon meat, and pressed ham, in order to investigate the effect of cooking, storage, and reheating on total cholesterol and on the formation of COPs. Cooked samples were stored at 4 °C and reheated after 3 and 6 storage days by the same cooking method or by microwaving. The samples were assessed for total lipids, cholesterol, and cholesterol oxides.ResultsThe average cholesterol content in the processed meat varied from 76.0 mg/100 g to 201.70 mg/100 g. Microwaved ham showed the lowest cholesterol content compared to that of other processed meat products. Significant differences were found in cholesterol content and cholesterol oxidation products depending on cooking, storage, and reheating methods. Six cholesterol oxides were found in processed meat, of which 7β-hydroxycholesterol and α-epoxides were detected as the major oxidation products.ConclusionsMicrowaving and oven grilling resulted in higher production of COPs in processed meat as compared with other cooking methods. Refrigerated storage tended to significantly increase the COPs content.

Migration of smoke components into pork loin ham during processing and storage

The migration of smoke components into pork ham during smoke processing was measured and estimated by using the hypothetical equilibrium absorption at the surface of the casing (Cmax) via Fick’s equation. The temperatures of the heating medium, surface, and core of the product were monitored. 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol was used as an index for smoke components and was evaluated by HPLC. Empirical equations used to predict the concentration of smoke components (CWe) generated inside the smokehouse based on the weight of burned wood were obtained. CWe values were used to estimate the migration of smoke components into ham at several internal positions and agreed well with the measured values, regardless of the initial weight of wood. Smoke components adhered to the surface of the ham casing and then migrated to the interior of the ham, but did not reach the core even after 7days of storage.

원료육 등급과 쑥 첨가가 loin ham의 이화학적 특성 및 기호성에 미치는 영향

원료육 등급과 쑥 첨가가 loin ham의 이화학적 특성 및 기호성에 미치는 영향

Quantitative Analysis of Biogenic Amines in Raw and Processed Foods of Animal Origin on Korean Domestic Market

This study was performed to examine the levels of biogenic amines (BAs) in foods of animal origin such as egg, ham, sausage, milk, cheese and yoghurt distributed on Korean domestic markets, and to compare the results withthose of western countries. Egg yolk had more BAs than egg white. BAs detected in ham samples were the highest level in barbecued tender loin ham. Sausage samples had less BAs than ham samples. However, the delicatessen sausages had significantly higher levels of histamine than the other sausage samples (p<0.001). Cadaverine, spermidine and spermine were detected in market milks and their concentrations were very low compared with other samples. In Cheddar cheese, tyramine (44.46′0.83 μg/g) was the major BA. The major BA of stirred yoghurt samples was histamine. These results suggest that BAs of the foods of animal origin distributed on Korean domestic markets were not much different from those of western countries and would not cause any harmful effect to consumers.

Improvement of shelf stability and processing properties of meat products by gamma irradiation

To evaluate the effects of gamma irradiation on the processing properties of meat products, emulsion-type sausage, beef patties and pork loin ham were manufactured. Most contaminated bacteria were killed by 3 kGy-irradiation to raw ground beef, and sausage can be manufactured with desirable flavor, a reduction of NaCl and phosphate, and extension of shelf life using gamma irradiation on the raw meat. The beef patties were manufactured with the addition of antioxidants (200 ppm), BHA, ascorbyl palmitate, α-tocopherol, or β-carotene, and gamma-irradiation. Retardation of lipid oxidation appeared at the patties with an antioxidant. A dose of 5 kGy was observed to be as effective as the use of 200 ppm NaNO 2 to provide and maintain the desired color of the product during storage. After curing, irradiation, heating and smoking could extensively prolong the shelf life of the hams.

The Improvement of Color and Shelf Life of Ham by Gamma Irradiation

This study was undertaken to determine if gamma irradiation can circumvent the need for sodium nitrite to obtain and maintain the desired color of pork loin ham. A dose of 5 kGy was observed to be as effective as the use of 200 ppm of sodium nitrite to provide and maintain the desired color of the product for 30 days. Peroxidation of the product was reduced with addition of sodium nitrite but increased with irradiation. However, organoleptic quality of the irradiated ham without added sodium nitrite was acceptable.