Binding and textural properties of beef gels processed with κ-carrageenan, egg albumin and microbial transglutaminase

The combined influence of κ-carrageenan (κ-CGN, 0.5%) and egg albumin (EA, 2%) on quality characteristics of beef gels processed without or with 0.5% microbial transglutaminase (MTG) was investigated. Beef gel properties were determined by measuring textural, hydration and colour characteristics. κ-Carrageenan favourably affected hydration properties and thermal stability, yielding lower cooking loss, purge and expressible moisture. It also increased hardness and fracturability of beef gels, but was unable to improve springiness or cohesiveness. Egg albumin either alone or in combination with MTG generally has been found to be inferior to κ-carrageenan for functionality in comminuted meat systems. Addition of EA produced an increase in lightness and yellowness, and a decrease in redness of beef gels, while the presence of κ-carrageenan resulted in lower L∗ and b∗, and higher a∗ values. No significant influence of MTG on gel colour parameters was observed.