Solving the Color Challenge

Challenge: Retaining fresh color

Solution: Kemin color protection solutions (acerola, rosemary extract, green tea extract and blends)

Typical applications: Ground meats and fresh meats

When it comes to meat and poultry, color has a certain chemistry. Most consumers base their meat and poultry buying decisions on a fresh appearance, and equate appealing color with quality and freshness. Since color is the consumer’s most important cue, meat and poultry manufacturers have a challenge when it comes to maintaining a fresh appearance.

The most important protein for color in meat is myoglobin. The color of meat is determined by the ratios of the three forms in which myoglobin can be present. Stable oxymyoglobin (MbO₂) imparts the bright red color that is considered a mark of freshness, and is formed and maintained in an oxygen-rich environment. Over time, the continuous oxidation transforms the myoglobin into metmyoglobin (MMb+), imparting a brown color, a cue to consumers that the meat is no longer fresh.

Kemin products like our Acerola cherry (Malpighia emarginata) extract and blends are effective at delaying the oxidation of the iron ion in the myoglobin molecule.

Kemin Acerola cherry extract:

• Is a consumer-friendly alternative backed by research
• Delays both lipid and myoglobin oxidation
• Helps maintains the desirable color of meat products
• Proprietary blends with other plant extracts help provide additional protection