MEAT TENDERIZATION: POSSIBLE CAUSES AND MECHANISMS. A REVIEW.

Abstract

The postmortem meat tenderizing process is complex and not fully understood. The nature of changes associated with the improvement in tenderness and the exact mechanisms involved are still unknown. Based on relevant evidence, old and new, this review attempts to clarify the statement of our knowledge of these aspects. Of the different biochemical and ultrastructural changes occurring in meat, a key role of myofibril disruption taking place at the N 2‐line level in meat tenderization has been emphasized. This may be ascribed to the action of lyosomal enzymes, especially cathespin B and L. However, all the changes thus far identified can be only explained by a synergistic action of lysosomal and calcium‐dependent proteinases. Besides or together with proteolytic enzymes, weakening of myofibrils may also be mediated by the high ionic strength achieved in postmortem muscles. Both mechanisms possibly involved in the meat tenderizing process have been tentatively tested in relation with the large muscle variability in aging rate. It appears that some concepts are in conflict with the results presented. For instance, no direct relationship was found between aging rate and proteinase content of muscles.