Freshly cut meat, also known as “raw” meat, can exhibit a phenomenon known as “meat twitching” or “meat convulsions” when salt is added to it. This occurs due to the electrical impulses that run through the muscle fibers of the meat.
When a muscle is alive, these electrical impulses, known as action potentials, cause the muscle to contract and relax. However, even after the animal has been slaughtered and the meat has been cut, the muscle fibers can still retain some electrical activity for a short period of time. When salt is added to the meat, it causes the muscle fibers to contract and relax in a rapid succession, resulting in the twitching or convulsing movement.
The exact mechanism by which salt causes this reaction is not entirely understood. One theory is that salt disrupts the ion balance within the muscle fibers, leading to the release of calcium ions which then trigger the contraction and relaxation of the muscle fibers. Another theory is that salt causes a change in the pH level of the meat, leading to the release of certain enzymes that activate the muscle fibers.
While the twitching may be unsettling to some, it is not harmful and does not affect the quality of the meat. In fact, it is a sign that the meat is fresh and has not been treated with any preservatives.
It is important to note that the twitching will eventually stop on its own as the muscle fibers begin to degrade and lose their electrical activity. The meat should then be cooked to the appropriate temperature to ensure it is safe to eat.
Additionally, it is also worth mentioning that the phenomenon of meat twitching is not limited to fresh meat, but also observed in dried meats, such as beef jerky or prosciutto, when hydrated by adding water or salt.
In conclusion, the twitching of freshly cut meat when salt is added to it is a natural phenomenon caused by the electrical impulses present in the muscle fibers. It is a sign that the meat is fresh, but should not be a cause for concern as it does not affect the quality or safety of the meat. As always, it is important to handle and cook meat properly to ensure it is safe to eat.