The invention provides a curing agent comprising a plant-based nitrite derived from plant material comprising nitrate and a process for preparing the curing agent comprising contacting a plant material with an organism capable of converting nitrate to nitrite. The curing agent can be used to preserve or cure meat or meat products.

Disclosed is a fast chilling method for improving beef tenderness, including the following steps: step 1, sample pretreatment: taking beef longissimus dorsi muscle after slaughter, removing surface fat and connective tissue, and vacuum packaging; step 2, rapid chilling: rapidly transferring the pre-treated sample completed in step 1 to a chilling equipment for chilling to a sample temperature of −3 degrees Celsius (° C.), where the chilling is completed within 5 hours (h) after slaughter; step 3, chilling and aging at super-chilled temperature: transferring the samples rapidly chilled in step 2 to a chilled warehouse, and continuing to chilling and aging until 24 h after slaughter; and step 4, chilling storage and aging: cutting the sample equally into 2.5 centimeters (cm) thickness 24 h after slaughter, and then completing a vacuum skin packaging and refrigerating for aging.

Disclosed is a fast chilling method for improving beef tenderness, including the following steps: step 1, sample pretreatment: taking beef longissimus dorsi muscle after slaughter, removing surface fat and connective tissue, and vacuum packaging; step 2, rapid chilling: rapidly transferring the pre-treated sample completed in step 1 to a chilling equipment for chilling to a sample temperature of −3 degrees Celsius (° C.), where the chilling is completed within 5 hours (h) after slaughter; step 3, chilling and aging at super-chilled temperature: transferring the samples rapidly chilled in step 2 to a chilled warehouse, and continuing to chilling and aging until 24 h after slaughter; and step 4, chilling storage and aging: cutting the sample equally into 2.5 centimeters (cm) thickness 24 h after slaughter, and then completing a vacuum skin packaging and refrigerating for aging.

The present invention provides a powdered vinegar that comprises partly neutralized vinegar, i.e. vinegar derived acid that is partly neutralized with e.g. sodium and/or potassium hydroxide, and free vinegar derived acid. The invention also provides a process for producing such a powdered vinegar and the use of this powdered vinegar in a foodstuff or a beverage, e.g. as a preservative. The present process offers the advantage that it yields a stable, free flowing powdered vinegar that can suitably be used as a preservative in e.g. processed meat products. The powdered vinegar has a high content of free acid, is easy to dissolve and acts as an acidulant.

The present invention relates to a meat processed food, into which a gel-like material is locally and quantitatively filled. Provided is a method for producing a meat processed food, having a step of cooling a gelling agent solution prepared by adding a gelling agent into water and then heating and dissolving the gelling agent, so as to prepare a gel-like material having fluidity; and a step of filling the gel-like material into a plurality of predetermined positions inside a meat-containing raw material.

A handheld injector is provided for injecting liquid, such as flavoring or basting material, into meat or poultry. The injector includes a pistol-shaped housing which encloses a battery-powered motor for constant-rate delivery of liquid from a peristaltic pump. The injector also includes a fluid conduit within the housing through which liquid is pumped from a reservoir of liquid to a needle for injection into the meat.

The utility model discloses a flavor injector. The flavor injector includes: a shroud tube, a storage tube, a sealing cap, a pushing rod, and a needle connector; wherein one end of the shroud tube is detachably or fixedly connected to the needle connector; the storage tube is sealingly fixed inside the shroud tube via the needle connector and the sealing cap; the sealing cap is provided with a through hole allowing the pushing rod to be pushed or pulled; one end of the pushing rod is passable through the through hole and is disposed inside the storage tube; and one end of the pushing rod extending into the storage tube is provided with a sealing plug that is detachably or fixedly connected thereto. Parts of the flavor injector according to the utility model may be separately cleaned in a detachable fashion, which solves the problem of flavor residues.

A protein composition corresponding to that of a natural pork belly is injected into a green pork belly together with standard pork belly brine. This mixture can be emulsified to facilitate injection into the pork belly. The injected pork belly can be massaged and then allowed to cure for a certain length of time. Thereafter, the pork belly is smoked in a standard manner and then shaped into a rectangular form for slicing into bacon.

A protein composition corresponding to that of a natural pork belly is injected into a green pork belly together with standard pork belly brine. This mixture can be emulsified to facilitate injection into the pork belly. The injected pork belly can be massaged and then allowed to cure for a certain length of time. Thereafter, the pork belly is smoked in a standard manner and then shaped into a rectangular form for slicing into bacon.

The present invention provides a meat processing material that can be used to provide meat having a soft and juicy texture when cooked by heating and having an increased yield after cooking. Provided are a meat improving agent containing inulin and modified starch; a meat-improving liquid composition containing the meat improving agent; and a method of improving meat, including bringing the meat improving agent or the liquid composition into contact with meat.