Gel Color and Texture of Surimi-like Pork from Muscles at Different Rigor States Post-mortem

Abstract

Gels were made from surimi-like pork (SLP) made from muscles obtained at 1, 24 and 72 h post-mortem. The SLP from pre-rigor muscle had higher pH and moisture percentage compared to in-or post-rigor muscles. Also, SLP from pre-rigor muscle showed higher concentration of water-soluble protein that was washed out during the process. Gel from post-rigor muscle exhibited higher a* and b* value, and also resulted in higher Chroma and lower hue values. The dark color of gel from post-rigor muscle was related to higher concentration of sarcoplasmic protein in SLP and denser structure in the gel matrix. SDS-PAGE showed higher intensity of the phosphorylase in the sarcoplasmic protein fraction from pre-rigor muscle. Gel from post-rigor muscle showed higher hardness and sensory firmness, and the greater firmness was related to higher concentration of protein in SLP, and a compact network with smaller pockets in the gel matrix.