Abstract
The effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) and ageing (3, 7, 14 and 21days) on the shear force, protein profile, and post-mortem proteolysis of beef loins (M. Longissimus lumborum, LL) and topsides (M. Semimembranosus, SM) were investigated using a range of pulsed electric field treatments [voltages (5 and 10kV) and frequencies (20, 50, and 90Hz)]. PEF treatment decreased the shear force of beef LL and SM muscles by up to 19%. The reduction in the shear force in the LL was not affected by the treatment intensity whereas the reduction in the SM was dependent on PEF frequency. PEF treated beef loins showed increased proteolysis, both early post-mortem and during subsequent post-mortem storage reflected by increased degradation of troponin-T and desmin. The most prominent troponin-T degradation was found in samples treated with 5kV–90Hz, 10kV–20Hz at day 3 and day 7 post-treatment in addition to 10kV–50Hz in subsequent post-treatment times. The degradation of desmin in PEF treated beef loins increased with ageing time.
•PEF treatment decreased the shear force of beef LL and SM muscles by up to 19%.•The reduction in LL shear force was not affected by PEF treatment intensity.•PEF increased levels of post-mortem proteolysis during chilled ageing.