Evaluation of Venison Color by an Objective Method using CIELAB Values

Abstract

ABSTRACT A trained color panel was used to score both venison color and color acceptability for comparison with instrumental color measurements. Panel color scores were highly correlated with acceptability (r = 0.97) and could be predicted from CIE L*, a* and b* values by regression (R 2 (adj) = 0.84). The use of a* alone explained the greatest amount of variation R 2 (adj) = 0.78), and the inclusion of both L* and b* significantly improved the model. The use of hue angle and chroma either individually or in combination with L* did not provide better relationships. The use of L*, a* and b* is recommended for satisfactory prediction of panel color scores of venison with no less than three observations per sample.