What You Need to Know
The brine step reduces water activity to ~0.85 and induces salt penetration that denatures actin–myosin, increasing firmness and reducing drip loss. Low‑temperature smoke introduces phenolic compounds such as guaiacol and syringol, which form covalent bonds with myofibrillar proteins, creating melanoidin pigments and providing antimicrobial activity. High‑temperature smoke accelerates lipid oxidation, increasing rancidity risk but producing a stronger smoky flavor.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Salt-induced protein denaturation and phenolic covalent bonding during smoking