The relationship between reflectance (EEL value) and colour (L*) in pork loins

The relationships between reflectance values measured with an EEL reflectometer, and C1ELAB L* a* b* coordinates measured with a tristimulus meter, were determined using 572 samples of pork m. longissimus dorsi. These samples covered the muscle colour/condition range from extreme pale, soft, exudative (PSE) to extreme dark, firm, dry (DFD). There was a good (r = 0·91) and slightly curvilinear relationship between L* value and reflectance, the other relationships being significantly poorer. Based on these findings, pork loins with L* values between 49 and 60 would on average have consistently good visual appeal using criteria in the Meat and Livestock Commission blueprint for quality pork.