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The relationship between reflectance (EEL value) and colour (L*) in pork loins

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

P. D. Warriss
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS18 7DY
S. N. Brown
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS18 7DY
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Abstract

The relationships between reflectance values measured with an EEL reflectometer, and C1ELAB L* a* b* coordinates measured with a tristimulus meter, were determined using 572 samples of pork m. longissimus dorsi. These samples covered the muscle colour/condition range from extreme pale, soft, exudative (PSE) to extreme dark, firm, dry (DFD). There was a good (r = 0·91) and slightly curvilinear relationship between L* value and reflectance, the other relationships being significantly poorer. Based on these findings, pork loins with L* values between 49 and 60 would on average have consistently good visual appeal using criteria in the Meat and Livestock Commission blueprint for quality pork.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1995

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References

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