The b* values for allMAP treatmentswere similar (P N 0.05) through
25 day storage. In general, as the value of b* increases, the sample takes
on amore yellow coloration (MacDougall, 2002). The b* values for all VP
treatments decreased (P b 0.05) on day 1, when compared to day 0 and
remained less than day 0 through 25 days. All PVC treatments decreased
(P b 0.05) on day 7 when compared to day 0. A decrease in b*
values for meat is indicative of the development or presence of the
metmyoglobin brown pigment. The b* values for PVC treatments were
higher (P b 0.05) than all MAP and 10% VP treatments on day 0, and
all treatments on day 1. On day 7, VP treatment had lower (P b 0.05)
b* values than all other treatments, except 10% Map treatment, and
remained lower than all MAP treatments (except 10% MAP on day 21)
through 25 day storage.