Testing pH Using Litmus Paper

[Chuckwagon]

Testing pH Using Litmus Paper

U.S. Government FSIS meat inspectors and professional commercial sausage makers use battery powered devices for measuring the acidity (pH) in meat as well as Water Activity (Aw) during dehydration. The PawKit (for testing Aw) is a quality-made product by Decagon Devices Incorporated in Pullman, Washington. (www.decagon.com). It weighs only 4 ounces and is incredibly accurate. However, the last time I checked the price of a PawKit water activity meter, it was over three hundred dollars!

To test the acidity level (using the pH scale) in meat, a Hanna pH test meter is available from Hanna Instruments in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. (www.hannainst.com/usa). I don't know the price of this item but you may view it by clicking on this link:http://www.eutechinst.com...tables/ph56.htm

Home hobbyists, needing a convenient and inexpensive method of testing pH acidity in sausage, have found a product called "pHydrion Microfine Testing Strips". The product is available from any pet store that sells fish or most sausage equipment suppliers for about $12.99 for a dispenser of 15 feet of litmus paper testing paper strips. The product is available in two ranges, first for testing acidity from 3.9 to 5.7 pH, and second, for testing acidity from 4.9 to 6.9 pH. Testing is done by color comparison and although the results may be less accurate than an electronic PawKit can provide, test strips are a bargain at about 6 cents per test!

To test, mix 1 part chopped meat with 2 parts distilled water, tear off an inch of testing paper, dip it into the solution, and match it to the color chart on the side of the dispenser. No technical training required!

Best Wishes,
Chuckwagon