DEVELOPMENT OF A TEST TO PREDICT GELATION PROPERTIES OF RAW TURKEY MUSCLE PROTEINS

A method for extraction and fractionation of muscle proteins into five fractions based on salt (NaCl) solubility was developed. The influence of protein extractability, solubility, muscle pH and total protein on gelation was investigated. Shear stress (gel strength) and shear strain (gel deformability) at failure of cooked (70°C) comminuted turkey breast gels were correlated with the 10 min protein extract and proteins soluble in 0.30–0.35M NaCl. Shear strain was correlated with muscle pH and shear stress was sensitive to total protein. Meat pH and the extraction/fraction method can be used on raw meat to indicate functional properties related to texture of cooked meat. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved