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영어

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ultimate pH of m.semimembranosus muscle on quality characteristics of dry-cured ham. The sample selection was determined based on ultimate pH of semimembranosus muscle, and samples were then classified into three groups: A (pH 5.61±0.09), B (pH 5.86±0.06) and C (pH 6.13±0.09). Our results depicted that the ultimate pH had a significant effect on the quality characteristics of dry-cured ham. Particularly, as the ultimate pH increased, the pH values of the dry-cured hams significantly (p<0.05) increased while weight loss decreased. Significantly (p<0.05) higher CIE a*, b* and chroma values were observed in the dry-cure hams from the samples with lower ultimate pH. Additionally, the values of some texture characteristics (e.g., hardness and chewiness) significantly (p<0.05) decreased as the ultimate pH increased. However, no significant differences among the three pH groups were observed for water activity, salinity, volatile basic nitrogen (VBN), calorie as well as sensory properties of dry-cure hams (p>0.05). These results clearly demonstrate that the ultimate pH of m.semimembranosus is more related to quality characteristics than sensory attributes of dry-cured ham.