The influence of mechanically deboned meat and pH on the water-holding capacity and texture of emulsion type meat products.

The influence of the amount of mechanically deboned pork meat (MDM) on the quality of model 'Frankfurters' was studied, and the relationship between the pH of the blends versus the texture and water-holding capacity (WHC) of the finished products was investigated. In the experiments 2·9%, 5·8% and 11·6% pork loin were exchanged with MDM. It was found that addition of MDM increased the pH and the WHC, and that moderate addition of MDM resulted in greater yield stress and elasticity modulus, while higher concentrations of MDM resulted in very soft texture. The pH of the meat blends was very important for the functional properties of the pasteurized products. It made no difference whether pH was determined by the meat raw materials alone or adjusted through addition of NaOH or MDM.