Raw material pH, pump level and pump composition on quality characteristics of pork

Boneless, paired pork loins (n=120) were selected based on pH at 14 h postmortem. Ultimate pH, drip loss, instrumental color (L*, a*, and b* values), and proximate analysis were determined prior to pumping. Paired loins were cut into four sections and pumped to 100%, 106%, 112% or 118% of original weight to result in a product containing 0.4% sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) for Experiment 1 (Exp. 1) and 0.4% STP plus 0.4% salt for Experiment 2 (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, additional pump level increased (P<0.05) vacuum package purge. Higher raw materials pH reduced purge. A pump level x pH interaction (P<0.05) occurred for cook loss at 70C In Exp. 2, increased raw materials pH reduced (P<0.05) purge loss and resulted in juicier, more tender pork. Pumped pork had higher (P<0.05) tenderness, juiciness, and saltiness scores than controls.