What You Need to Know
The 100 °C steam uniformly heats the meatball, denaturing myofibrillar proteins and driving coagulation to an internal temperature of ≥71 °C, which inactivates Salmonella and E. coli. The banana leaf envelope retains moisture, reducing protein over‑coagulation and preserving juiciness, while volatile compounds such as linalool, eugenol, phenolics, and terpenes diffuse into the matrix, imparting a grassy‑citrus flavor and mild antioxidant protection.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Protein denaturation and coagulation