The present invention provides a solid, non-hygroscopic curing agent in a powdered/granular form easy to use, handle and optionally reconstitute, comprising a plant-based nitrite derived from a concentrated liquid extract obtained from plant material selected from Beet, radish, onion, celery and chicory leaf. In particular, it relates to a plant-based nitrite derived from a concentrated liquid extract obtained from plant material celery. The non-hygroscopic powder/granular agent has an excellent solid-state stability, longer shelf-life, easy to package and store. It can be used to preserve or cure meat or meat products and also has other applications in the food industry.

A method of processing is disclosed that provides improved water retention and enhanced coloring and flavor, while preserving the meat and preventing bacterial contamination. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes: (a) providing a body of meat at a first temperature; (b) contacting the body of meat of step (a), in at least one treating vessel, with a brine solution at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is greater than the first temperature, and wherein the brine solution comprises a vinegar-derived food additive and/or a reddening agent, wherein the reddening agent comprises nitrite; (c) agitating the body of meat at the second temperature for a time sufficient to distribute the solution throughout the body of meat; (d) cooling the body of meat in at least one cooling vessel to a third temperature, wherein the third temperature is less than the second temperature; (e) agitating the body of meat at the third temperature; (f) contacting the body of meat of step (e) with the brine solution at the third temperature and agitating the body of meat at the third temperature until the brine solution is substantially absorbed by the body of meat; and (g) recovering the body of meat in a dry state at the third temperature.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned brine solution comprises a vinegar-variety food additive, such as a vinegar-derived acetate composition. In another embodiment, the reddening agent comprises nitrate derived from plant material comprising nitrate.

A method of processing is disclosed that provides improved water retention and enhanced coloring and flavor, while preserving the meat and preventing bacterial contamination. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes: (a) providing a body of meat at a first temperature; (b) contacting the body of meat of step (a), in at least one treating vessel, with a brine solution at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is greater than the first temperature, and wherein the brine solution comprises a vinegar-derived food additive and/or a reddening agent, wherein the reddening agent comprises nitrite; (c) agitating the body of meat at the second temperature for a time sufficient to distribute the solution throughout the body of meat; (d) cooling the body of meat in at least one cooling vessel to a third temperature, wherein the third temperature is less than the second temperature; (e) agitating the body of meat at the third temperature; (f) contacting the body of meat of step (e) with the brine solution at the third temperature and agitating the body of meat at the third temperature until the brine solution is substantially absorbed by the body of meat; and (g) recovering the body of meat in a dry state at the third temperature.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned brine solution comprises a vinegar-variety food additive, such as a vinegar-derived acetate composition. In another embodiment, the reddening agent comprises nitrate derived from plant material comprising nitrate.

This invention concerns reduction of moisture loss during the processing of meat. The present invention resides in the finding that pre-treatment of fresh meat with compositions comprising acetic acid salts and certain polysaccharide materials can reduce moisture loss with as much as 15%, as compared to non-treated meat. In some embodiments, the compositions are based on ingredients that can be labeled as natural ingredients. The invention provides compositions comprising such combinations of one or more acetic acid salts with one or more polysaccharide materials; methods and uses involving the treatment of meat with said compositions; as well as the meat products that are accordingly obtained.

This invention concerns reduction of moisture loss during the processing of meat. The present invention resides in the finding that pre-treatment of fresh meat with compositions comprising acetic acid salts and certain polysaccharide materials can reduce moisture loss with as much as 15%, as compared to non-treated meat. In some embodiments, the compositions are based on ingredients that can be labeled as natural ingredients. The invention provides compositions comprising such combinations of one or more acetic acid salts with one or more polysaccharide materials; methods and uses involving the treatment of meat with said compositions; as well as the meat products that are accordingly obtained.

The present application relates to a method for producing food material for retorting, and to food material for retorting produced by the method, the method comprising: a curing step for mixing one or more base material, selected from the group consisting of meat and seafood, with a curing agent containing phosphate and starch, and curing; and a step for heating and sterilizing the base material by heating at the temperature of 110-130 C. for 10-60 minutes.

The present application relates to a method for producing food material for retorting, and to food material for retorting produced by the method, the method comprising: a curing step for mixing one or more base material, selected from the group consisting of meat and seafood, with a curing agent containing phosphate and starch, and curing; and a step for heating and sterilizing the base material by heating at the temperature of 110-130 C. for 10-60 minutes.

A method for preparing a fish product. In the method, a slaughtered fish is filleted in pre-rigor state, skin is removed from the fillet in pre-rigor state, the skinless fillet is arranged in a pre-salting process in pre-rigor state and allowed to remain there for the pre-salting period, the fillet is removed from the pre-salting process, the fillet is arranged in its transport package, in which it is subjected to a second salting process, and the fillet is allowed to remain in the transport package for at least one day.

A method for preparing a fish product. In the method, a slaughtered fish is filleted in pre-rigor state, skin is removed from the fillet in pre-rigor state, the skinless fillet is arranged in a pre-salting process in pre-rigor state and allowed to remain there for the pre-salting period, the fillet is removed from the pre-salting process, the fillet is arranged in its transport package, in which it is subjected to a second salting process, and the fillet is allowed to remain in the transport package for at least one day.

The invention relates to an automated station for salting meat pieces in a predetermined manner, enabling a method for salting poultry meat pieces to be automated, thus increasing productivity and thereby improving safety conditions. The station comprises motorised supply means for supplying meat pieces (P) in a forward direction, handling means for handling meat pieces in order to handle the meat piece coming from the supply means, salt supply means configured to provide salt on an inner and outer area of the meat piece (P), as well as a retrieval system for retrieving salt coming from the salt supply means.