Effect of freezing temperature, thawing and cooking rate on water distribution in two pork qualities

The effects of freezing temperature (−20 versus −80 °C) in combination with long-term freezer storage (−20 °C) on water mobility and distribution in pork of two qualities (normal and high ultimate pH) were explored using low-field NMR T2 relaxometry. A marked effect of freezing temperature on the characteristics of intra- and extramyofibrillar water (T2 relaxation times) in the thawed pork was demonstrated, implying that the freezing temperature in combination with prolonged freezer storage affects the distribution and chemical–physical state of water in the thawed meat. Determination of technological properties (thawing and cooking loss) revealed that the observed T2 variations related to water distribution and water properties, which were found to be consistent with the degree of structural damage assessed by light microscopy, also were reflected in the technological quality of the meat. Low freezing temperature in combination with prolonged freezer storage was associated with increased thawing and cooking loss. In addition, pH in the fresh meat had a pronounced effect on the distribution of myofibrillar water, as a more homogenous pore size distribution was evident in meat with high pH compared with normal pH. A clear effect of cooking rate on the T2 relaxation characteristics in the cooked pork was also demonstrated, probably reflecting a cooking rate-induced effect on the myofibrillar structures. The effect of cooking rate on water distribution resulted in a significantly lower cooking loss upon a slow cooking rate (0.5 °C/min from 25 to 65 °C and 0.3 °C/min from 65 to 80 °C) compared with a fast cooking rate (1 °C/min).