Salt has been used to preserve food since the middle ages. The main technique was brining. Brine is a solution of water, salt, and seasonings. Dry brine does not use water, originally used for food preservation by packing the meat in coarse salt. With the invention of refrigeration brining took is used primarily to enhance flavor, reduce microbial growth and improve texture of meat.
The results of brining is quicker penetration od salt and seasoning of product. Furthermore it adds moisture to the product by process of diffusion. Since we add a salt in a brine, it is also a preservative.
During cooking, up to 30% of moisture can be lost. Brining can help you reduce the loss of moisture in this process by as much as half.
While brining you should keep product cold (2-5°C). For better brining you should cool down the brine before use.
For measuring temeprature during brining of meat use:
HI151-1
Temperature Tester red raw meat
For home and professional kitchens, HI151 Checktemp®4 is the perfect portable, high-accuracy thermometer. Ideal for spot checks and measuring across a wide range of temperatures, the Hanna folding thermometer is a favorite across the food industry.
- Color coded to meet HACCP regulations.
- Stainless steel probe for easy insertion into food products.
- Pocket-sized with large LCD.
- Not suitable for body temperature measurements.
Salt is main ingredient in a brine with other components that provide flavor and seasoning. Concentration of salt in brine can vary from 5-20%. Brines are also measured in degrees by the amount of salinity in the water with the use of a refractometer.
For measuring concentration
of salt in brine use:
of salt in brine use:
HI96821
Digital Refractometer
for Measuring Sodium Chloride in Food
The HI96821 is a rugged, portable digital refractometer designed for sodium chloride (NaCl) measurement. The HI96821 displays NaCl concentration four different ways: g/100 g, g/100 mL, specific gravity, and °Baume. The instrument’s high accuracy and simple operation gives reliable results each and every time. All readings are automatically compensated for temperature variations and displayed with a 1.5 second response time. The sealed flint glass prism and stainless steel well are easy to clean. Just wipe with a soft cloth in preparation for the next sample.
Author:
Tajana Mokrović
mag.nutr.
Tajana Mokrović
mag.nutr.
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