Changes in Chemical-Physical Index and Microstructure During Dry-cured Duck Processing

Dry-cured duck is a high quality meat product processed by the traditional dry-curing procedure. The objective of this paper was to study the physical-chemical parameters and microstructure of the duck muscle during the manufacturing process. Thirty six ducks were used in this study and samples were taken after dry salting, marinating, piling, and drying for 6 days and 12 days. The increase in NaCl, TBA, protein, fat, and shear force were observed whereas water, cooking loss, L*, a*, b* and myofiber diameter decreased during the whole process. It showed the quality parameters such as NaCl, TBA, shear force and water were strongly correlated and associated with the microstructural changes of the muscles.