Plant-Based Nitrite Curing Agent for Meat Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current meat curing processes involving nitrate conversion to nitrite by bacteria or organisms are complex, time-consuming, and result in inconsistent products, necessitating a simpler and faster method without the need for nitrate-containing substances and microorganisms.
Innovation Solution
A plant-based nitrite curing agent derived from nitrate-containing plant materials, where the nitrate is converted to nitrite using suitable organisms, simplifying the curing process and eliminating the need for additional processing steps and microorganisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bacteria or organisms are introduced to convert nitrate to nitrite in the curing process, then the meat achieves the desired color and flavor, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-converting nitrate to nitrite using bacteria or organisms before applying the curing agent to the meat. This is done by contacting plant material containing nitrate with microorganisms in a controlled environment prior to curing, allowing the conversion to occur in advance and eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site fermentation during the meat curing process.
2Reliability
If multiple steps are involved in the nitrate to nitrite conversion process, then the curing can be achieved, but the number of steps increases and product consistency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the nitrate-to-nitrite conversion step with the curing agent preparation by pre-contacting plant material with microorganisms to generate nitrite in advance. This combines what were previously separate operations (conversion and curing) into a single integrated curing agent that contains both the plant material and the converted nitrite, reducing process complexity and improving consistency.
3Quantity of substance
If nitrate-containing substance and bacteria are introduced together, then the conversion to nitrite occurs, but additional processing steps and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures nitrite availability through preliminary conversion of nitrate to nitrite using microorganisms before the curing agent is applied to the meat. This pre-conversion ensures that sufficient nitrite is present in the curing agent to achieve the desired curing effect immediately upon application, eliminating the need for waiting during the curing process itself and thereby increasing productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in a more consistent and efficient curing process, reducing processing time and improving the quality of cured meat products by using plant-based nitrite, which is sufficient to cure meat without the introduction of non-natural nitrate or nitrite.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the plant material with an organism capable of converting said nitrate to nitrite, and converting a predetermined amount of nitrate to nitrite
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a curing agent comprising a plant-based nitrite derived from plant material comprising nitrate and a process for preparing the curing agent comprising contacting a plant material with an organism capable of converting nitrate to nitrite. The curing agent can be used to preserve or cure meat or meat products.