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What is the science behind the "plateau" phenomenon?

Unknown
Unknown
edited November -1 in EggHead Forum
Why does a brisket rise steadily in temperature and then get stuck for hours at one temp before rising again?
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Comments

  • Mac in NC
    Mac in NC Posts: 287
    Petear,[p] When the meat hits its "plateau" temp, the fat begins to slowly break down causing the meat temp. to hit a standstill until the process is complete. It usually happens around 165 or so if I remember correctly. Haven't done a slo and lo for a few months. Been working too much. I'm sure someone will chime in and give you a much more in depth explanation for this event. In the meantime, just grab a cold one and wait for the temp. to rise!!! Mac
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  • The Naked Whiz
    The Naked Whiz Posts: 7,777
    Mac in NC ,
    Good to see you here again! I think of you often when I see a blue and white! [p]TNW
    The Naked Whiz
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  • The Naked Whiz
    The Naked Whiz Posts: 7,777
    Petear,
    Mac got it basically right. I believe the plateau occurs when the collagen in the meat starts to break down into gelatin. All the heat going into the meat is being used to convert collagen to gelatin so no heat is available to raise the temperature of the meat. Once all the collagen is converted, then the heat is available to raise the temperature of the meat, and the temperature starts rising again. [p]TNW
    The Naked Whiz
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Mac in NC ,
    I get the general idea, but why? Fat, when heated, turns to oil, right? Oil has a boiling point way above plateau temps. Heck water boils above plateau temps.
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  • WilliamH
    WilliamH Posts: 57
    Petear,[p]I'm guessing it is like a "state" change. When water boils, it's changing state and therefore the water doesn't rise in temperature at that point. Maybe the fat is changing state by melting. Just a guess.
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    WilliamH,
    This is the best I've come up with. As ususal, it looks like TNW is correct. I figure if I understand the science of this better, it will help with cooking techniques.[p]http://ep.llnl.gov/msds/TechPrep/Activity-IV.html

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  • WilliamH
    WilliamH Posts: 57
    Petear,[p]That's interesting. Thanks for the link.
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  • Mac in NC
    Mac in NC Posts: 287
    The Naked Whiz,[p]Hey dude!! I've been in a bind recently with worker's comp. over a back injury. Surgery is coming at the end of January. Fusion they say. Ouch... So in the meantime, I've been working a lot of overtime to help pay the difference. I've got the $$$ now so hopefully I can join in the chats more often. Just ordered my lil bro' a mini for Christmas with the new daisy wheel. Hope he likes it. Mac
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