The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of immersion marination with citric
acid, calcium chloride and combined mixture of citric acid and calcium chloride solutions on
Semimembranosus meat quality traits. Meat cuts obtained from culled cows were marinated
with 0.05 M citric acid, 0.2 M calcium chloride or the combined mixture of these two
compounds for 24 hr. Non- marinated meat served as control. Application of calcium chloride
to the marination (either solely or in combination) improved water holding capacity (WHC)
thus reduced cooking loss and shear force values. Meat marinated in citric acid solution showed
high exudative during cooking and was not significantly different in shear force value compared
to the unmarinated samples. Lightness was higher (paler) in all marinated meat samples. The
a
*
values showed that marinated meat with citric acid solution had less red intensity. Lower
of yellow intensity (b
*
value) appeared in the meat samples marinated with calcium chloride
and the combined mixture. The sensory attribute evaluation showed that the highest scores
for juiciness and tenderness were for calcium chloride and the combined mixture. The lowest
flavor score was found in the meat marinated with citric acid solution and reported as sour.
Sample treated with calcium chloride revealed no detrimental effect on meat flavor and odour.
The evidence in the present study indicates that calcium chloride marinate solution increases
juiciness and tenderness of meat from culled cow