Effects of NaHCO 3 addition (0.2-0.8%) on the colour, shear force, and water distribution of raw and cooked marinated beef were investigated. The pH and cooking yield were found to be significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the shear force, L * and b * values were significantly decreased with increasing NaHCO 3 amounts, except for samples with 0.6% and 0.8% NaHCO 3 , for which the cooking yield and shear force remained unaffected. Furthermore, the initial relaxation times T 21 and T 22 of

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... ted beef were, and the mobility of water in the raw marinated beef was reduced (P < 0.05) with increasing NaHCO 3 content. This was due to the carbon dioxide production disrupting the beef structure during heating process. The mobility of water in the cooked marinated beef was found to be improved. In conclusion, NaHCO 3 addition improved the water holding capacity and tenderness of marinated beef.