Storage Stability and Flavor Change of Marinated Pork

To evaluate the storage stability and flavor changes of marinated pork treated with chili and pepper essential oils, the contents of total sulfhydryl, malondialdehyde, total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), Ca2+ATPase activity, and total viable counts of marinated pork were determined. Further, the non-volatile (umami, numb, and spicy) and volatile flavor compounds of marinated pork were analyzed. Based on the results, the chili and pepper essential oils had limited effects on the storage stability of marinated pork. However, these essential oils could inhibit the oxidation of lipids and proteins and reduce the number of microorganisms and TVBN in marinated pork within 6 days. The non-volatile flavors of the marinated pork decreased as the refrigeration time increased. It was concluded that the decomposition of umami-enhancing nucleotides (GMP, IMP, XMP), the number of flavor substances (hydroxyl-α-sanshool, hydroxyl-β-sanshool), and spicy (capsaicin) tasting compounds caused the decrease in non-volatile flavors.