CIELAB color paths during meat shelf life.

Meat color evolution from freshly cut to beyond shelf life, up to 40% of metmyoglobin, has been theoretically modeled using the Kubelka-Munk theory and a set of measured reference reflectance spectra of deoxymyoglobin, oxymyoglobin and metmyoglobin. Color evolution depicts characteristic color paths in CIELAB color space. During oxidation the model explains the approximately constancy of L*, b* and h, with variations typically hidden by sample dispersion, and the special significance of a* and C* in relation with metmyoglobin formation. CIELAB ΔE* color difference and the reflectance ratio R630/R580 are even better indicators of metmyoglobin changes during oxidation. The role of a*, C*, ΔE* and R630/R580 and their relationship during oxidation is a normal feature in the model with quantitative predictions in general agreement with literature. Results further emphasize the dangers of reporting color coordinates in different illuminants.