Effects of aging/freezing sequence and freezing rate on meat quality and oxidative stability of pork loins

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aging/freezing sequence and freezing rate on quality attributes and oxidative stability of frozen/thawed pork loins (M. longissimus lumborum, n = 6). Six treatments were prepared by combining 3 aging/freezing sequences (FT, freezing/thawing only; AFT, aging prior to freezing/thawing; and FTA, freezing/thawing and aging) with 2 freezing rates (slow- and fast-freezing). The lowest purge/thaw loss and drip loss were found for AFT, in which fast-freezing reduced total exudate loss (P < 0.05). Aging combination (AFT/FTA) decreased shear force of frozen/thawed pork loins, and FTA with slow-freezing caused the lowest shear force (P < 0.05). However, aging combination regardless of the sequence accelerated discoloration and lipid/protein oxidation during display (P < 0.05). This study suggests that aging prior to freezing coupled with fast-freezing could be an effective way to minimize quality defects of frozen/thawed only meat, particularly water-holding capacity and tenderness.