The present invention is in the field of processing meat. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of processing meat to enhance moisture retention and flavor during storage and cooking by infusing the meat with an aqueous composition containing salt and sodium carbonate at a pH in the range of from 10.1 to 11.3.

Provided are a curdlan-containing composition which is unlikely to aggregate when dispersed or dissolved in water and with which a curdlan dispersion or solution can be easily prepared, and a food product and any other products containing the curdlan-containing composition. The curdlan-containing composition contains curdlan and an alkali salt, and the curdlan and the alkali salt are granulated.

A fat composition comprises: greater than 45% by weight oleic acid; from 10% to 35% by weight stearic acid; and from 1% to 10% by weight palmitic acid; the percentages of acids referring to acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the fat composition and being based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids; and greater than 5% by weight of combined P.sub.2St, PSt.sub.2 and StStSt triglycerides based on total triglycerides present in the composition, and a weight ratio of (StOSt+POSt):(StStSt+PStSt) triglycerides of less than 3, wherein P is palmitic acid, O is oleic acid and St is stearic acid. The fat may be used in a marinade.

A fat composition comprises: greater than 45% by weight oleic acid; from 10% to 35% by weight stearic acid; and from 1% to 10% by weight palmitic acid; the percentages of acids referring to acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the fat composition and being based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids; and greater than 5% by weight of combined P.sub.2St, PSt.sub.2 and StStSt triglycerides based on total triglycerides present in the composition, and a weight ratio of (StOSt+POSt):(StStSt+PStSt) triglycerides of less than 3, wherein P is palmitic acid, O is oleic acid and St is stearic acid. The fat may be used in a marinade.

A method of making bacon styled sliced pork by cutting a layer of muscle and fat from an outer surface of a pork ham. After smoking and curing the layer, the layer is rolled out and cut into blocks. The blocks are then fed into a slicing machine to make slices of bacon style pork.

A method and apparatus is provided for curing a food item utilizing a vacuum environmental profile and a temperature environmental profile using convection heating. An apparatus including a closed environmental control system having an internal sealable curing chamber is provided. A vacuum pump can be communicably connected to the internal sealable curing chamber and can be used to create a vacuum in the internal sealable curing chamber. The vacuum pump and internal sealable chamber can maintain the vacuum for a time sufficient to achieve a predetermined moisture content for a selected food item. The technology as disclosed can include a closed heat transfer system directing heated fluid into the internal sealable curing chamber by convection.

Provided is a bubble-jetting member, the tip section of which is not damaged even when high voltage is applied thereto. There can be provided a bubble jetting member comprising: a core that is formed of a conductive material; a shell part that is formed of an insulating material, includes an extended section that extends beyond the tip of the core, and is closely adhered at least partially to the core and covers the core; and a space that is formed between the extended section and the tip of the core and has a bubble-jetting port, wherein there is formed on the tip of the extended section a thick portion that is thicker than the rest of the extended section whereby the tip section is not damaged.

A method and system for preparing meat products is provided. In various embodiments, methods and systems for preparing and producing jerky are provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise structure for efficiently distributing, moving, marinating and preparing meat products including jerky. Enhanced efficiencies for jerky production and marinade usage are provided.

A method and system for preparing meat products is provided. In various embodiments, methods and systems for preparing and producing jerky are provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise structure for efficiently distributing, moving, marinating and preparing meat products including jerky. Enhanced efficiencies for jerky production and marinade usage are provided.

A fat composition comprises: greater than 70% by weight stearic acid; from 5% to 20% by weight oleic acid; and from 1% to 10% by weight palmitic acid; said percentages of acids referring to acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the fat composition and being based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids; and greater than 40% by weight of StStSt triglycerides and greater than 10% by weight of PSt.sub.2 triglycerides based on total triglycerides present in the composition, and a weight ratio of PSt.sub.2:StStSt triglycerides of less than 0.5, wherein P is palmitic acid and St is stearic acid. The fat may be used in a marinade.