A new manual method for pork belly firmness measurement

Abstract

A new objective and standardized method for early determination of firmness of the intact pork belly in a research environment is described, and compared to the existing bar-bend method. The belly characteristics that contribute to the outcome of each method, and the relationship between the two methods are identified. • Original method requires a ribbed pork belly, and several minutes relaxation time. • New method provides an immediate measurement on an intact belly. • Advantages include early, rather than late, application in the fabrication process; rapid measurement; standardization; measurements minimally affected by animal length or belly length.

Keywords

• Rapid belly firmness measurement