Characterization of Green Shelled Mussel Meat. Part I: Quantification of Color Changes During Brining and Liquid Smoke Application Using Image Analysis

In this study, mussel meat was wet and dry brined and dipped in two different (hickory and maple) liquid smoke flavorings (LS) for different lengths and number of times. Their colors were analyzed by acquiring and analyzing images. Both wet and dry brining changed the color of the mussel meat, measured by the Delta E values based on original colors. Wet brining had a "lightening" effect (increasing L* values), while dry brining resulted in "darkening" (lower L* values). There were also shifts in a* and b* values. Different number of LS dips and dipping durations significantly changed colors (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the applications of hickory and maple LS. Color continued to change after treatment, during storage. Image analysis can accurately measure both the distribution and the average color of mussels after brining and after LS applications.