Predicting primal weight and primal yield in pork carcasses from a large-scale survey at major meat processing centers in Japan.

Pork primal weight and primal yield are important indicators for pig breeding, feeding management, commercial distribution systems, and meat processing. Here, we aimed to determine whether primal weight and primal yield could be predicted through non-destructive measurements of pork carcass traits. A total of 4397 carcasses (1958 gilts and 2439 barrows) from eight major meat processing centers were used, and the mean primal weight and primal yield were 56.0 kg and 73.9%, respectively. Significant sex differences were observed for all primal and carcass traits (P < 0.001), except for carcass weight. A maximum of 12 variables were examined, and primal weight was predicted with very high accuracy (R = 0.95, RMSE = 1.7, RPD = 3.0) using four variables. Primal yield was predicted with relatively good accuracy (R = 0.71, RMSE = 2.3, RPD = 1.4) using three variables, and these same variables were also effective for predicting primal weight. These prediction formulas were sufficiently accurate without accounting for the effect of sex. Overall, our results demonstrate that primal weight and primal yield can be accurately predicted using four variables, "carcass weight," "backfat thickness above M. gluteus medius," "spinous process length of 13th thoracic vertebra," and "length from 1st thoracic vertebra to backfat," without accounting for the effect of sex.

Effect on Satiety-Related Biomarkers of Bar Snacks Containing Chickpea Flour and Pork Protein.

This project aims to establish the acceptability and satiety of a hybrid snack containing plant protein and a small percentage of animal protein compared to a meat-based snack. DESIGN: Randomised, crossover, double-blind, controlled post-prandial trial involving 24 participants (18-30 years), with two interventions: (a) a hybrid snack containing plant protein derived from chickpeas and 6.6% lean high-quality pork meat; and (b) a meat-based snack containing 90% lean pork meat. METHODS: General, life-style, sensory acceptability questionnaire, and the following laboratory analyses were performed: lipid profile, endocannabinoids, and related compounds. RESULTS: Sensory questionnaires showed in general good acceptability for both bars. Additionally, there was a greater increase in glycemia at 30, 60, and 90 min after consuming the hybrid snack compared to the meat-based snack, with no changes in the lipid profile. Regarding the endocannabinoid compounds and related compounds, the compound N-palmitoleoyl ethanolamine in the acylethanolamide group showed higher levels overall following the consumption of the hybrid snack compared to the meat-based snack, particularly at 2 h. CONCLUSIONS: The hybrid snack was associated with changes in endocannabinoid-like compounds. Therefore, it may provide a lasting satiating effect, while complementing the protein profile of plant-based foods with the quality of animal protein.

Exploring the role of static magnetic field in supercooling storage from the viewpoint of meat quality and microbial community.

In order to explore the application prospects of static magnetic field (SMF) combined with supercooling in meat preservation, this study proposed a novel method of supercooling assisted by a stationary magnetic field (SMF + supercooling) for the preservation of chilled pork, evaluating its cooling rate and quality changes (e.g., water holding capacity, color, pH, and TVB-N), as well as the evolution trend of the microbiota. The results showed that SMF + supercooling significantly (P < 0.05) improved the cooling rate of pork. Compared to chilling and supercooling, SMF + supercooling significantly delayed the increase of TVB-N and TVC on the 12th day of storage (P < 0.05). SMF + supercooling treatment achieves the maintenance of pork water-holding capacity by inhibiting water migration, reducing drip loss, cooking loss, and centrifugal loss of pork. The 16S rDNA bacteria flora analysis demonstrated that SMF + supercooling treatment reduced the relative abundance of spoilage bacteria such as Acinetobacter, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas, delaying the deterioration of pork quality caused by microbial growth. The SMF + supercooling treatment can be considered a novel refrigeration preservation method that delays the deterioration of pork quality and extends its shelf life.

Why is welfare pork so expensive?

Specialty (niche) pork products may provide societal benefits in terms of e.g. higher animal welfare, reduced use of antibiotics, and lower environmental impact. At the same time, they offer a business opportunity for farmers, slaughterhouses, meat processers, and retailers, who can capitalise on consumer segments willing to pay a price premium. However, the added cost of delivering niche products and a limited willingness among consumers to pay the higher prices may negate the benefits of this approach, particularly as niche products typically have high substitutability with standard pork. One way to ensure the success of the niche pork products is to drive down costs across all parts of the value chain. Inspired by data from the Danish pork market, the present study seeks to identify cost drivers in the value chain. We found two promising approaches to reduce the costs associated with niche products. First, the pricing strategy can be altered so that mainstream pork is replaced entirely by specialty pork products in the chiller section, thereby making niche the new standard. Second, with improved carcass balance, the price premium paid to farmers can be assigned to a larger proportion of the pig, thus enabling the retail price to be lowered. For example, we found that improved carcass balance had the potential to halve the necessary retail price increase, regardless of the pricing strategy employed. The conclusion is that it is possible to drive down costs across all parts of the value chain to enable further production and profitable sale of welfare pork.

Organic rearing of non-castrated male pigs: welfare indicators, carcass traits, pork quality and boar taint in Duroc and Pietrain crossbreds.

The main principles of organic farming as presented by the European organisation for organic food and farming are health, ecology, fairness and care, but the intrinsic quality of products is also important for consumers. Pig genotype was tested as a lever to improve animal welfare and pork quality (meat tenderness, processing ability) of organic, non-castrated males while controlling the risk for boar taint. Non-castrated Large White × Duroc (D, n = 47) or Large White × Pietrain NN (P, n = 34) males were involved in two batches, each including one group of pigs per genotype. Each group was reared in a pen from the same building on deep straw bedding (1.3 m2/pig), with a feeding zone (0.2 m2/pig) and an outdoor area (1.0 m2/pig), from 28 kg BW until slaughter at ca. 125 kg BW. All pigs received ad libitum the same growing and finishing diets, and hay. Overall, health and welfare indicators showed few problems, but the proportions of pigs with skin scratches, and tail lesions at the end of the finishing period, were lower in D than in P pigs (P < 0.05). Growth rate and final BW did not differ between genotypes. The D pigs had lower carcass lean meat content (P < 0.001) and relative proportions of ham and loin (P ≤ 0.01), and higher proportions of belly and backfat (P ≤ 0.001) than P pigs. Compared to P, loin (Longissimus muscle) of D pigs was less light and exudative and had higher chroma (P < 0.05), but pH 24 h and glycolytic potential did not differ. Loin meat of D pigs had higher intramuscular fat content (P < 0.001) and tended to have a lower shear force (P = 0.09), but cooking loss did not differ. In the ham muscles, D pigs had higher chroma than P pigs in the Gluteus medius, whereas pH 24 h did not differ in the Gluteus medius and Semimembranosus. D pigs had higher backfat concentrations of androstenone (P < 0.001), and skatole and indole (P < 0.05) than P pigs, suggesting a higher risk of rejection by consumers due to boar taint. However, only one D carcass was detected as tainted by human nose test. Altogether, organic farming of non-castrated Duroc crossbred males appears to be favourable for animal welfare, technological and several sensory pork properties provided that the risk of undesirable odours is limited through management practices.

Development of a magnetic separation method for rapid isolation and enrichment of bacteria in raw pork using chitosan functionalized magnetic Fe3O4@MIL-100(Fe) composites.

In this study, a pretreatment method based on a magnetic capture probe for the rapid isolation and enrichment of bacteria from raw pork was developed. The chitosan immobilized Fe3O4@MIL-100(Fe) was prepared as a capture probe for total bacterial counts through the electrostatic interaction of positively charged chitosan and the negatively charged substances on the surface of bacteria. The interference of matrix in pork samples on this method was studied and removed by differential centrifugation. The results showed the capture probe had a great selectivity binding and magnetic separation properties for the tested six common bacteria in pork. Under the optimal conditions, the capture efficiency of the bacteria (105 CFU mL-1) from pork surface samples was all above 90%. The capture efficiency of the bacteria in a homogenate system was greatly decreased due to the interference of sarcoplasmic protein and myofibrillar protein in pork. The matrix effect was mitigated by a differential centrifugation method, and the capture efficiency of all six bacteria was >80%. The developed magnetic separation method took 40 min and showed good isolation and enrichment properties of bacteria. Thus, the proposed method is expected to provide a simple, convenient, and time-saving pretreatment method for the detection of total bacterial counts in pork.

Enhanced pH-sensitive anthocyanin film based on chitosan quaternary ammonium salt: A promising colorimetric indicator for visual pork freshness monitoring.

An intelligent pH response indicator film is an easy-to-use device for the real-time monitoring of meat freshness during transport and storage. Therefore, a novel pH-sensitive anthocyanin indicator film composed of polyvinyl alcohol-blueberry anthocyanin (BA)-2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) called PAH-2.0 with 1.2 mg/mL HACC to monitor meat freshness using HACC as the colorimetric enhancer has been developed. BA and HACC were mixed and immobilized in the polyvinyl alcohol matrix by hydrogen bonds, as confirmed via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The inclusion of HACC improved the color stability and antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the PAH-2.0 film. When applied to pork for freshness monitoring at 4 °C, three freshness stages, including fresh, sub-fresh, and spoiled, could be clearly distinguished based on the color variations of the PAH-2.0 film. The distinct hierarchical color change from purple to blue-violet and finally to grayish-blue was highly correlated with the indicators of pork freshness: pH values, total volatile basic nitrogen, and total viable count. This study provides a simple and promising approach for fabricating meat freshness indicator films with high color recognition accuracy, thereby offering new possibilities for visual meat freshness monitoring.

Improving the texture of braised pork by gradient-temperature heating and its molecular mechanism.

A novel gradient-temperature heating regime was proposed to improve the texture of braised pork. Compared with one-stage pressure heat treatment of around 107 °C, the gradient-temperature heat regime of preheating at 60 °C, followed by a slow increase of temperature to 107 °C and simmering at 97 °C increased the retention of immobilized water and reduced the shear force of meat. In this cooking regime, preheating treatment at 50-60 °C could promote the dissociation of thin and thick myofilaments, which contributed to a weakened shrinkage of myofibrils during the subsequent high temperature heating process. Pressure-heating treatment with a slow increasing temperature and the medium-temperature simmering significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the oxidation of sulfhydryl groups and the loss of α-helical, which weakened the excessive aggregation of protein and promoted the formation of myofibril network. Both the weakened shrinkage and the formation of myofibril network during gradient-temperature heating contributed to the decreased shear force and an increased immobilized water. Hence, the reduction of the oxidation and aggregation of the proteins is the key to improve the tenderness of the braised meat.

pH-triggered bilayer film based on carboxymethyl cellulose/zein/Eudragit L100 with purple cabbage anthocyanin for monitoring pork freshness.

A novel pH-triggered bilayer film was composed of zein (Z), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), Eudragit L100 (L100), and purple cabbage anthocyanin (PCA), followed by casting for monitoring pork freshness during storage at 4 °C and 25 °C. This bilayer film was employed to encapsulate anthocyanins, preventing anthocyanins oxidation and photodegradation. Additionally, under pH 6, this film ruptures and releases anthocyanins, inducing a sudden color change in the indicator film, significantly reducing errors in freshness indications. Notably, the ZCLP8% film had excellent stability and pH response properties. The performance of the ZCLP8% film in monitoring pork freshness was evaluated. When the concentration of pork TVB-N reached 15.59 mg/100 g (pH = 6.35), the bilayer film was ruptured, and the release rate of PCA was 85.52 %, which was a significant change in the color of the bilayer film compared with that at pH = 5. Therefore, this work addresses the limitation that anthocyanin-based intelligent films are subject to judgment errors when applied, opening new possibilities for food freshness differentiation monitoring.

Improving the physicochemical quality and oxidative stability of deep-fried pork meatballs by coating with chitosan grafted gallic acid.

The objective of this research was to examine the effectiveness of chitosan (CH)-gallic acid (GA) conjugate (CH-g-GA) as an edible coating in improving the physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of deep-fat fried pork meatballs. The meatballs were coated with either CH alone, a combination of CH and GA, or CH-g-GA before being fried at 180 °C for 5 min. The viscosity of the coating solutions influenced the amount of coating picked up by the meatballs, with higher viscosity coatings showing increased pickup. The application of chitosan-based coatings in deep-fried meatballs resulted in a decrease in moisture loss and oil uptake, as well as decreased b* values and hardness, while maintaining consistent cooking yield. Furthermore, compared to the control group, the chitosan-based coatings treatment significantly increased the ratio of immobilized water and decreased the ratio of free water (P < 0.05), as well as effectively inhibited lipid oxidation in deep-fried meatballs (P < 0.05). Among the different coatings tested, CH-g-GA coating exhibited the highest effectiveness. The research findings suggest that the CH-g-GA edible coating has significant potential in enhancing the overall quality of deep-fried meatballs.

Consumer eating quality and physicochemical traits of pork Longissimus and Semimembranosus differed between genetic lines.

Pork eating quality is affected by various factors. In this study, Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles from seven genetic lines (PM-LR - Pure maternal, Landrace-type; PM-LW - Pure maternal, Large White-type; PM-D - Pure maternal, Duroc-type; PT-D - Pure terminal, Duroc-type; PT-LW - Pure terminal, Large White-type; PT-LR - Pure Terminal, Landrace-type; Comp-P × LW × D - Composite Terminal - Pietran × Large white × Duroc) were analyzed for pH, intramuscular fat (IMF) content, and collagen content and solubility. A consumer sensory test using check-all-that-apply (CATA) and biometric approaches was also conducted. The results showed that the IMF content of line PM-D was the highest (P = 0.004), while line PT-LW received the highest score in tenderness, liking of flavor, purchase intent, and quality grading (P < 0.05). Line PM-LR and PT-LR showed the lowest IMF content and were least preferred by consumers. Compared to LTL, SM showed higher pH, collagen solubility, and sensory scores in tenderness, juiciness, liking of flavor, and overall liking (P < 0.05). Different muscles and lines were associated with different CATA terms but not with differences in consumer emotional responses. pH positively influenced tenderness, juiciness, and overall liking (P < 0.05), but IMF and collagen had little effect. The flavor was the most important sensory attribute contributing to overall liking, followed by tenderness. Genetic line and muscle affected pork chemical properties and eating quality. The findings are important for the Australian pork industry to improve the eating quality of their products.

The role of carcass processing (hot vs. cold boning) on pork belly morphological and mechanical characteristics.

This study assessed the effect of boning processing method (hot vs. cold) on pork belly morphological and mechanical traits and the evolution of these traits during refrigerated storage postmortem (PM). A total of 14 crossbred pigs were slaughtered and their carcasses and bellies processed under two conditions: hot boning (n = 14, right sides of carcasses cut immediately after slaughter) and cold boning (n = 14, left sides of carcasses cut 24 h PM). Morphological and mechanical evaluations were made at 1-, 5-, 24- and 48-h PM on the hot-boned bellies, and at 24 and 48 h on the cold-boned ones. Compared to the cold-boned bellies, the hot-boned ones were shorter, wider and thicker (P < 0.01), with greater firmness (flop distance and angle) (P < 0.001) and cohesiveness (skin-fat separation) (P < 0.05 in the dorsal and central sections). At 48 h PM, hot-boned bellies had a thicker skin (P < 0.001) and softer subcutaneous fat in the dorsal-cranial and central sections (finger scores and compression textural test) (P < 0.05). Morphological and mechanical traits for hot-boned bellies confirmed an intense shortening and hardening (increased firmness and cohesiveness), and a slight yield loss from 1 to 24 h PM. From 24 to 48 h PM, there was a certain flattening in hot-boned bellies that was associated with a slight softening (reduced firmness). Although a larger sample may be needed to corroborate these findings, they demonstrate the impact of carcass processing method and refrigerated storage time on belly quality. This may be useful for the pork industry for obtaining the desired type of belly.

Polyvinyl alcohol/soybean isolate protein composite pad with enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties induced by novel ternary nanoparticles for fresh pork preservation.

In this study, oregano essential oil (OEO)-loaded soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) -nisin nanoparticles (ONSNPs) were formulated through electrostatic attraction-driven and hydrophobic interactions utilizing SSPS, nisin, and OEO as raw materials. ONSNPs were integrated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and soybean protein isolate (SPI) matrices to create composite pads (PS-ONSNPs) by physically cross-linked using a simple freeze-thaw cycling process. The effects of ONSNPs content on the structure and physicochemical properties were evaluated. The results revealed that strong intermolecular interactions between ONSNPs and the PS matrices affected the crystallinity, microstructure, and thermal stability of the pads. Upon incorporating 5 % to 15 % ONSNPs, the structure of composite pads became denser, and the mechanical properties and water resistance were enhanced. Concurrently, the PS-ONSNPs pads facilitated the protection and controlled release of OEO. Furthermore, ONSNPs significantly improved the antioxidant activity of the pads and effectively inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The prepared PS-ONSNPs 15 % pad was applied to storage experiments of fresh pork, which could extend the shelf life of meat to 10-12 days under 4 °C storage conditions. Therefore, the composite pad devised in this research holds promise as a viable option for intelligent active packaging of fresh meat.

Influence of 7-day subfreezing storage on physicochemical, nutritional, and microstructural attributes of porcine longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle.

The effect of 7-day subfreezing storage on the physicochemical properties, nutritional composition, and microstructure of pork was investigated. After 7 days of chilling at 4°C, the meat exhibited color deterioration and the development of off-flavors. In contrast, the -12°C treatment significantly reduced the deterioration in water-holding capacity and color of samples (p < 0.05) and prevented changes in pH value. Similarly, the treatments at -12 and -18°C effectively preserved the meat's tenderness, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, protein solubility, and textural properties, maintaining these qualities close to those of fresh meat (p > 0.05). The nutrient content of samples stored at -12°C was comparable to those stored at -18°C (p > 0.05). Furthermore, subfreezing at -12°C was found to protect muscle integrity, promoting the formation of an elastic gel network and a homogenous muscle fiber structure. Therefore, the study concludes that 7-day subfreezing storage at -12°C can reduce protein denaturation and maintain thequality of pork, a result that is typically achieved under more extreme freezing conditions at -18°C.

Crucial textural properties of braised pork to evaluate the oral mastication behavior and its water distribution to influence tenderness.

The complex composition of braised pork, including lean meat, pigskin, and fat, makes it difficult for sensory evaluation of its texture properties. This study investigated the correlation between sensory texture attributes and physicochemical properties to achieve an objective and comprehensive evaluation of the texture of braised pork. Sensory analysis demonstrated that the overall texture acceptability of braised pork was significantly and negatively influenced by sensory texture attributes (including sensory hardness, chewiness, and toughness), while it was positively impacted by sensory adhesiveness, softness, and juiciness. Shear force and texture profile analysis (TPA) variables, reflecting mastication behavior, were used to characterize the textural properties of braised pork. They were closely related to water distribution, with a higher proportion of immobilized water (P21), indicating a higher water holding capacity and a more tender texture. Correlation analysis between sensory texture attributes and physicochemical properties through partial least squares regression further revealed significant associations between shear force, TPA variables, and sensory texture attributes. Moreover, the proportion of immobilized water (P21) significantly and negatively affected sensory hardness and chewiness, whereas the proportion of free water (P22) significantly influenced sensory toughness. Sensory texture attributes could be well predicted by the physicochemical properties by projecting test samples onto calibration models established by known samples. Therefore, a combination of sensory and instrumental measures can reliably reflect the texture properties of braised pork. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The combination of sensory and instrumental methods is an effective strategy to accurately and objectively evaluate the texture properties of braised pork, which overcomes the limitations caused by the complexity of the composition and texture traits of braised pork. The accurate evaluation and standardization of texture properties is an important premise for the repeatable and stable cooking of traditional braised pork. Furthermore, this research method and findings can also be applied to guide the procedural optimization of smart appliances (e.g., induction cookers) for cooking braised pork.

Unraveling the spoilage characteristics of refrigerated pork using high-throughput sequencing coupled with UHPLC-MS/MS-based non-targeted metabolomics.

The spoilage of refrigerated pork involves nutrient depletion and the production of spoilage metabolites by spoilage bacteria, yet the microbe-metabolite interactions during this process remain unclear. This study employed 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to reveal the core microbiota and metabolite profiles of pork during refrigeration. A total of 45 potential biomarkers were screened through random forest model analysis. Metabolic pathway analysis indicated that eleven pathways, including biogenic amine metabolism, pentose metabolism, purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, phospholipid metabolism, and fatty acid degradation, were potential mechanisms of pork spoilage. Correlation analysis revealed nine metabolites-histamine, tyramine, tryptamine, D-gluconic acid, UDP-d-glucose, xanthine, glutamine, phosphatidylcholine, and hexadecanoic acid-as spoilage biomarkers, with Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Photobacterium playing significant roles. This study provides new insights into the changes in microbial and metabolic characteristics during the spoilage of refrigerated pork.

Unraveling the formation mechanism of aroma compounds in pork during air frying using UHPLC-HRMS and Orbitrap Exploris GC-MS.

Lipids are the key matrix for the presence of odorants in meat products. The formation mechanism of odorants of air-fried (AF) pork at 230 °C was elucidated from the perspectives of lipids and heat transfer using physicochemical analyses and multidimensional statistics. Twenty-nine key aroma compounds were identified, with pyrazines predominantly contributing to the roasty aroma of air-fried roasted pork. Untargeted lipidomics revealed 1184 lipids in pork during roasting, with phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and triglyceride (TG) being the major lipids accounting for about 60 % of the total lipids. TG with C18 acyl groups, such as TG 16:1_18:1_18:2 and TG 18:0_18:0_20:3, were particularly significant in forming the aroma of AF pork. The OPLS-DA model identified seven potential biomarkers that differentiate five roasting times, including PC 16:0_18:3 and 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine. Notably, a lower specific heat capacity and water activity accelerated heat transfer, promoting the formation and retention of odorants in AF pork.

Firewood as a tool to valorize meat: A sensory and instrumental approach to grilled veal, lamb, and pork meat.

Two firewood species (beech and olive) were used for grilling three meat types (lamb, pork, and veal) to assess their influence on the sensorial properties of meat. A multimethod approach was adopted, including sensory evaluation with consumers and two analytical techniques to characterize the volatile fraction (Solid-Phase Micro-Extraction Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry [SPME-GC/MS] and electronic nose [e-nose]). The sensory session included three pairwise preference tests (one for each type of meat), an overall liking test, a Rate-All-That-Apply test, and a questionnaire on the interest and perceived value of using sustainably certified firewood in food preparation. The firewood species significantly affected the perception of a few crucial attributes. In particular, olive wood increased the roasted meat flavor perception in lamb and veal, while beech wood increased the perceived intensity of a vegetable/herbaceous flavor in veal. No effect of firewood was observed on preference within each pair of meat samples. Lamb was the significantly most liked meat by consumers, followed by pork; veal was the least liked meat type. Positive and negative drivers of preference were discussed. 36 volatile organic compounds were identified from SPME-GC/MS in meats. Congruently with sensory data, the two veal samples showed a greater distance in terms of volatile composition. Relative distances among samples on maps obtained from SPME-GC/MS and the e-nose were similar. This multi-method approach innovatively showed the potential of using firewood as a 'gastronomic' tool to sensorially characterize and valorize cooked meat.

Genome to phenome Association for Pork Belly Parameters Elucidates Three Regulation Distinctions: Adipogenesis, muscle formation, and their transcription factors.

Genome to phenome analysis is necessary in livestock areas because of its various and complex phenotypes. Pork belly is a favorable part of meat worldwide, including East Asia. A previous study has suggested that the three key transcription factors (ZNF444, NFYA and PPARG) affecting pork belly traits include total volume, the volume of total fat and muscle, and component muscles of the corresponding slice. However, other transcription factor genes affecting each slice other than pork belly component traits still needed to be identified. Thus, we aimed to analyze pork belly components at the genome to phenome level for identifying key transcription factor genes and their co-associated networks. The range of node numbers against each component trait via the association weight matrix was from 598 to 3020. Premised on the result, an in silico functional approach was performed. Each co-association network enriched three key transcription factors in adipogenesis and skeletal muscle proliferation, mesoderm development, metabolism, and gene transcription. The three key transcription factors and their related genes may be useful in comprehending their effect of pork belly construction.

Utilizing superheated steam to prepare traditional Chinese twice-cooked pork bellies, exploring its effects on the texture and flavor of fat layers.

Fat greatly impacts the overall texture and flavor of pork belly. Twice-cooked pork bellies (TPB), typically boiled and sliced before "back to pot" being stir-fried, is a classic Sichuan cuisine among stir-fried dishes. In this study, the effects of substituting conventional pan-frying (PCV) with superheated steam (SHS) technology on the sensory, texture, microstructure and flavor of the fat layers were investigated. SHS was used as an alternative to boiling (120 °C for 15, 20, 25, and 30 min), and "back to pot" stir-frying was also by SHS. TPB precooked for 25 min (P25) with SHS performed better quality characteristics than PCV, with less collagen fiber disruption and lipid droplet area, resulting in a lower hardness and higher shear force. Besides, the low-oxygen environment of SHS retarded the lipid peroxidation, showing a significantly lower MDA content than PCV. Differently, PCV exhibited more grassy and fatty flavors, while P25 exhibited a unique aroma of fruity and creamy due to its higher UFA/SFA ratios in the pre-cooking stage. Overall, the sensory scores of P25 were comparable to those of PCV (with no significant difference), revealing that SHS is expected to be applied to the industrial production of stir-fried dishes.