What You Need to Know
Proteases hydrolyze myofibrillar proteins (actin, myosin) and connective tissue collagen, generating peptides and free amino acids that reduce muscle fiber cohesion. The reaction is temperature‑dependent, with optimal activity near 35–40 °C but retaining 30–50 % activity at 20–25 °C, allowing tenderisation without heating. The process preserves protein integrity and heat‑labile nutrients better than thermal methods.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Proteolytic hydrolysis of myofibrillar proteins and collagen by papain, bromelain, and ficin