USO06074679A United States Patent 115) (1) Patent Number: 6,074,679 Underwood 145] Date of Patent: Jun. 13, 2000 [54] STABILIZED LIQUID SMOKE 4592918 6/1980 Chin sanisan COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF Shogo S/oNn Goldhcrs 536 MANUFACTURING THE SAME 4751007 6/1988 Meleer ‘soso 3876108 101989 Underwood a danes 5] Inventor: Gary L. Underwood, Manitowoc, Wis 4877626, 101989 Ande 4201250 Us] th acer Ms 4;883,676 11/1989 Sophianopoulos et al 426/314 Soanat7 ‘or1s90 eh sas 173] Assignee: Red Arrow Products Company LLC, 23t33. Shoes pt a Bouts anitowoc, Wis. 5,397,582 3/1995 Underwood et al. 426/250 Saray 11007 Moeller ‘20/422 [21] Appl. No. 091033,620 S81/003 10/1907 Underwood 420/271 eee tier 3900977 11/1907 Hammer et Sais [si] mmc A22€ 13/00; AISI. 1/232 Primary Esaminer—Cynthia L. Nessler (52) US. Cl. 426/135; 426/138; 426/140; Attorney, Agent, or irm—Marshall, O'Toole, Gerstein, 426/314 4261330, 426/533; 4261650, 426/250, Murray & Borun 426540 STRAC [58] Field of Search 426/250, 540, 671 eed 426/135, 138, 140, 314, 330, 533, 650 References Cited 61 US. PATENT DOCUMENTS 3,105,473 10/1963. Hollenbeck 997220 ‘Su00408 8/1978 Chin “6/135 4278604 7/1981 Chin 426/135 431,033 2/1981 Nicholson 138118 41504507 3/1985. Nicholson eta. 126/533 451613 4/1985 Nicholson ea 28/36, 41525307 6/1985 Chin 2836 Subilized, dilutable liquid smoke compositions are dis- closed, The stabilized liquid smoke compositions contain a liquid Smoke composition, an inorganic salt, and, optionally, an inorganic mineral acid, preferably phosphoric acid, such that the Weight ratio of organic compounds t inorganic ‘compounds is sufficient to provide an initial % T at 590 am Of al least about 95.5%. The stabilized liquid smoke com- positions are essentially free of dissolved tar, and, therefore, fre water dilutable without forming a tar precipitate 20 Claims, 1 Drawing SheetU.S. Patent Jun. 13, 2000 6,074,679 tog (0/1) 10 12 5 18 2 % ORGANIC CONTENT 2h 27 30 FIG. 16,074,679 1 STABILIZED LIQUID SMOKE, COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME FIELD OF THE INVENTION s ‘The present invention relates to stabilized liquidl smoke compositions, and in particular to stabilized liquid smoke ‘compositions’ prepared from the pyrolysis of wood. The stabilized liquid smoke compositions are essentially fre of dissolved tat, and, therefore: (a) do not become dark in color during storage, and (b) can be diluted with water without forming a tar precipitate. In particular, the present invention relates to stabilized, nonfoaming liquid smoke compositions containing a liquid smoke composition, an inorganic salt, and, in preferred embodiments, an inorganic mineral acid, like phosphoric acid. The stabilized liquid smoke cor tions have a total organie content of abou 8% to about 30% by weight, a weight ratio of organic compounds ta inorganic compounds suflicient to provide an initial percent light transmittance (% T) at $90 nm of at Ieast about 95.5%, and 4% T at 590 am after 8 weeks of storage at 32°C. of atleast about 92%, 0 1s BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Using 2 Liquid smoke composition as a replacement for smoking food by direct contact with’ wood smoke has become a standard industry practice. When applied to the surface of meats and other proteinaceous foodstulls, aliquid smoke composition imparts a characteristic smoke flavor and a dark smoked color to a foodstuff. The preparation of ‘a smokehouse-like foodstulf by applying an aqueous liquid smoke composition 10 a foodstuil requires controlling and balancing many related variables, such as the foodstull composition, temperature, humidity, process and contact ‘time, and amount and concentration of applied liquid smoke composition Wood! smoke itself is a complex and variable mixture of ‘compounds produced during wood pyrolysis, and includes, ‘numerous vaporous compounds which are liquids at room {emperature, Pyrolysis is a general term for the thermal decomposition of an organic material, such as wood, plants, and fossil fuels, either during combustion or by rapid beating, in an oxygen-deleted atmosphere. Pyrolysis with combus- tion uses the oxidation or burning of a portion ofthe organic ‘material to provide the thermal energy required to vaporize and decompose the remainder of the organic material. For pyrolysis without combustion, thermal energy is supplied indirectly from an external source, such as radiation, solid or ‘gaseous heat cariers, oF thermal conduction through reactor ‘walls, The energy supplied by an external source vaporizes. and decomposes the organie material without directly buen ing the organic material ‘One commercial liguid smoke preparation is the aqueous liquid smoke composition described in Hollenbeck U.S. Pat. 5 No. 3,106,473. This composition is produced by partial ‘combustion of hardwood sawdust with limited access to air, followed by collecting the desirable smoke constituents water. A heavy, water-insoluble phase, which contains tar, polymers, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, waxes, and other undesirable products unsuitable for use in food appli- cations is discarded. This type of composition is termed a “slow pyrolysis” liquid smoke composition, Another commercial liquid smoke preparation is die closed in Underwood et al. U.S. Pat, No, 4,876,108. This ‘composition is produced by rapidly heating ground wood or cellulose in an oxygen-starved atmosphere, and collecting as as so 2 the water-soluble pyrolysis products This type of compo- sition is termed a “fast pyrolysis” liquid smoke composition Like a slow pyrolysis composition, a fast pyrolysis compo- sition contains tar, polymers, and hydrocarbons that must be separated and discarded. Both methods of pyrolysis produce liquids (i, condens- able vapors), gases (ie, toncondensable vapors), and solids (e., char and ash) in varying proportions depending upon feed material and pyrolysis conditions. The condensed lig- uid are further subdivided into water-soluble organic com- pounds and water-insoluble tas. Iti known thatthe desir able active ingredients for flavoring and coloring foodstutls are present in the water-soluble condensed liquids. ‘The ‘water-insoluble tars have been considered a by-product of ‘wood pyrolysis that are of litte to no value, and typically are discarded. While there are hundreds of different chemical species present in liquid smoke compositions, the useful water- soluble components of a liquid smoke eomposition gener- ally are divided into classes based on compounds having distinct functional groups. These classes are acids, carbonyls, phenolics, and basic and neutral constituents. In general, phenolics are the primary flavoring compounds, carbonyls are the primary coloring compounds, and acids ‘are primarily preservatives and pH controlling agents, The acids and carbonyls also make a secondary contribution to flavor and enhance the surface characteristics of smoked foodstuffs. The acids are predominantly C,-C, carboxylic acids, and mainly acetic acid. Acids are measured as ttrat- able acidity calculated as percent acetic acid, by weight. For commercial aqueous liquid smoke compositions, pro- duction begins with smoke generated by the combustion andor pyrolysis of wood as discussed above, After pyrolysis, the smoke is collected, and, ean be fed through a Column countercurrent 10 a flow of recirculating water “Alternatively, smoke components can be condensed directly to form a liquid, then water is added to the condensed smoke components. Dilution of condensable smoke components with water by either method results in the separation of “undesirable tars, polymers, and! other water-insoluble com- ‘ponents from the desirable liquid smoke components. In the preparation of a commercial liquid smoke composition, additional water-insoluble tars separate from the liquid smoke composition while the liquid smoke eom= position is held in storage. Water-insoluble hydrocarbons, like polynuclear aromatic compounds, ae unavoidable con” taminants associated with the pyrolysis of wood, and setle ‘out of the liquid smoke composition with the tar. The hydrocarbons, like the tar, are physically separated from the liquid smoke composition. The water-insoluble tar then is discarded. However, due to the presence of organic compounds in the liquid smoke composition, the tas and hydrocarbons do not completely setle out of the composition. Ifthe organic ‘compoune! content of the liquid smoke solution is low, some tar is dispersed, or suspended, in the liquid smoke compo- sition. As the organic compound concentration ofthe liquid smoke composition inereases, a portion of the tar actually can be dissolved in the liquid smoke composition, Remov- ing the dissolved tar and hydrocarbons has been difficult 10 impossible o achieve, especially because tar is continually formed from monomete tar precursors during storage of the liquid smoke composition. ‘Attempis have been made to remove dissolved tar from a liquid smoke composition by preparing a tar-depleted liquid smoke composition. It should be understood that a tar-6,074,679 3 depleted liquid smoke composition is not essentially fee of, dissolved tars. Dissolved tar is present in a tardepleted liquid smoke composition because a portion is solubilized in, oF dispersed by, the organie components of the liquid smoke composition, and because a portion of new tar, which is formed over time, is dissolved in the composition. One type of tardepleted liguid smoke composition is disclosed in Nicholson U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,033. These tardepleted liquid smoke compositions are prepared by contacting a liquid smoke composition with a water insoluble organic solvent, like methylene ebloride, to extract dissolved tar from the aqueous composition, The resulting tardepleted liguid smoke composition has an absomptive power of at least 0.25 at 340 am (nanometers) Another type of tar-depleted liquid smoke composition is disclosed in Chiu U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,918. These liquid smoke compositions have an absorptive power of at least about 0.25 at 340 nm, and a percent fight transmittance (*% T) at 590 nm of at least about 50%, The tar-depleted liquid smoke is prepared by partially neutralizing a liquid smoke ‘composition fo a plT above 4 to precipitate dissolved tars, or by extracting dissolved tar fromthe liquid smoke composi= tion with @ nonpolar solvent. Moeller U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,339 also discloses a tar- depleted liquid smoke prepared by contacting the liquid smoke with activated charcoal Although the above-described disclosures teach how to reduce dissolved tar content, the goal of a liquid smoke ‘composition that is essentially free of dissolved tar has not been achieved. The tardepleted liquid smoke compositions. prepared by the above-diseussed methods typically are Stored under refrigeration to retard formation of dissolved tar which darkens the composition and yields a water- insoluble tar precipitate after dilution with water, The water- insoluble tar precipitate is often observed as turbidity when the liguid smoke composition is diluted with water. ‘Therefore, the tar and tar precursors remaining in the above- described tar-depleted liquid smoke compositions pose con- tinued problems to users of liquid smoke compositions. In particular, the water-insoluble tars that form during storage of liquid smoke composition or a tar-depleted uid smoke compositions are intractable, high viscosity liquids or semisolids. Such tars precipitate to the bottom of storage containers, or cling to the sides ofthe container, and therefore, pose no problem when the liquid smoke compo- sition is removed from the container for use. However, dissolved tars do pose a problem. In many applications, the liquid smoke composition is diluted with Water before application to a foodstuff, like a meat or a ceasing. Water dilution reduces the concentration of organic compounds, and the diluted liquid smoke composition no longer has sufficient dispersing or solvating, properties to maintain the dissolved tars. in suspension or solution, Accordingly a fine tar precipitate Forms in the diluted liquid ‘smoke composition and the diluted liquid smoke composi- tion has a turbid appearance. “The fine tar precipitate may or may not adversely alfeet the foodstuff being treated with the diluted liquid smoke. However, te fine tar precipitate does adversely aflect appli- cation equipment, like clogging spray nozzles and filters, ‘and building up on casing peelers to reduce productivity. “The present invention is directed to stabilized liquid ‘smoke compositions that overeome the problems associated with prior liquid smoke compositions, and with prior tar depleted liquid smoke compositions,” by eliminating the Formation of dissolved tars during storage. 0 1s as so 4 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION “The present invention relates to stabilized liquid smoke compositions prepared from liquid smoke compositions, either the slow pyrolysis type or the fast pyrolysis type. The stabilized liquil smoke compositions do not form dissolved tars during sorage and do not form a tar precipitate after dilution with water, thereby overcoming the problems ass0- ciated with prior liquid smoke compositions and prior tar depleted liguid smoke compositions. The present stabilized liquid smoke compositions com- prise: (a) 4 liquid smoke composition derived fom the pyrolysis of wood: (b) an inorganic salt and, optionally, (e) !n inorganic mineral acid, preferably phosphoric acid. Io accordance with one important aspect oF the present invention, the weight ratio of organic compounds to inor- ganic compounds in stabilized liquid smoke composition 's suflicient to provide an intial % T at 590 nm of atleast about 95.5%. ‘Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a stabilized liquid smoke composition having an initial % T at 590 nm of about 95.5% oF greater and that satisfies the relationship: tog orgnag) 022408, ‘wherein ong/inorg is the weight ratio of organie compounds 10 inorganic compounds in the composition and x is the ‘percent of organic compounds, expressed as a produet ofthe volume % of the liguid smoke composition and Brix of the liquid smoke composition, in the composition Tn accordance with another important aspect of the present invention, the stabilized liquiel smoke compositions contain about 8% to about 30% by weight, and preferably about 10% to about 25% by weight, organic compounds ‘Yet another important aspect ofthe present invention is to provide a stabilized liquid smoke composition having an initial % T at S90 am of at least about 95.5%, and a 96T at '500 nm alter eight (S) weeks storage at 32° C. of at least about 92%. The stabilized liquid smoke compositions pref- crably have an absorptive power, at 340 nm, of less than 0.25, and more preferably less than 0.20, throughout the life of the composition. In accordance with another important aspect of the ‘present invention, the stabilized liquid smoke compositions ‘can be derived from a fast pyrolysis or a slow pyrolysis, liguid smoke composition. The liquiel smoke compositions used to prepare a stabilized liquid smoke composition have a titratable acidity (expressed as % by weight acetic acid) of about 6% to about 16%. ‘Another important aspect of the present invention is to provide a stabilized liquid smoke composition comprising about 30% to about 70% by volume of a liquid smoke composition, about 1% to about 10% by weight of an inorganic sail, ike sodium hydroxide or sodium chloride, and 0% to about 10% by weight of an inorganic mineral acid, such that the stabilized liquid smoke composition has 4 total content of organic compounds of about 8% to about 30% by weight, and a weight ratio of organic compounds to inorganic compounds sufficient to provide an initial % Tat '590-nm of at least about 95.5%. "Yet another important aspect of the present invention is 10 provide a nonfoaming, stabilized liquid smoke composition, Prior methods of preventing the formation of dissolved tars, ‘or keeping the tars in solution, relied upon adding polysor- bate to the liquid smoke composition, Polysorbates cause foaming problems, and, accordingly, an antifoam was added to the liquid smoke composition. “The present stabilized6,074,679 5 uid smoke compositions do not require a polysorbate, and accordingly, do not require an antifoam. These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. FIG. 1 is a plot of log (orglinorg) vs. % of organic compounds present in a stabilized liquid smoke composi= tion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS, ‘The present invention is directed to stabilized liquid smoke compositions, and to their method of manufacture. ‘The stabilized liquid smoke compositions are dilutable with ‘water, do not form dissolved tars during storage, and do not {orm a tar precipitate during or after dilution. The stabilized liquid smoke compositions contain a liquid smoke composition, an inorganic salt, and, optionally, an inorganic ‘mineral acid, preferably phosphoric acid, such that the compositions coatain about 8% to about 30% by weight organic compounds, and a weight ratio of organic com- pounds to inorganic compounds sufficient to provide an initial % Tat 590 am of at least about 95.5%. ‘The stabilized liquid smoke compositions of the present invention have an inital percent light transmittance (%'T) at 590 am of at least about 95.5%, anda transmittance at 590 ‘am afier eight weeks of storage at 32° C. of at least about 92%. In addition, preferred stabilized liquid smoke compo- sitions of the present invention have a pH of about 2 to about 6, and a titratable acidity of about 6% to about 16%. A liquid smoke composition used in the stabilized liquid smoke compositions can be prepared by a slow pyrolysis, ‘method or a fast pyrolysis method. The liquid smoke com- positions used in the present composition and method have 4 sufficient concentration of organic compounds to be at least about 20 brix, like about 20 to about 50 brix, and preferably about 25 to about 50 brix. To achieve the full advantage of the present invention, the liquid smoke com position is about 30 10 about 50 brix. Brix is an indication Of the weight percent of soluble organic compounds in ‘aqueous solution. While normally used in measuring the weight % of sucrose in a sugar solution, a brix value is an effective approximation of the amount of organic compo- nents in an aqueous liquid smoke composition ‘The liquid smoke composition is present in a sufficient amount to provide a stabilized liquid smoke composition having about 8% to about 30%, by weight, organic com pounds. Preferably, the stabilized liquid smoke composi- tions contain about 10% to about 25%, by weight of organic ‘compounds. To achieve the full advantage of the present invention, the stabilized liquid smoke compositions cont about 12% to about 20%, by weight, organie compounds. A prosent stabilized liquid smoke composition can con tain greater than about 30% by weight organic compounds, but the amount of inorganie salt needed 10 stabilize the composition would be in excess of 20% by weight. This mount of inorganie salt is too high for practical use, e., would dehydrate meat. In addition, stabilized compositions less than about 8% by weight organie compounds can be prepared, but generally contain insulicient organic ‘compounds for further dilution. ‘The liquid smoke composition is present inthe stabilized ‘composition ia an amount of about 30% to about 70%, and 6 preferably about 35% to about 60%, by volume of the stabilized liquid smoke composition. ‘To achieve the full advantage of the present invention, the liquid smoke com- position is present in an amount of about 40% to about 60%, 5 by volume of the stabilized composition, The specitic amount of liquid smoke composition present in a stabilized liquid smoke composition is determined by the brix of the liquid smoke composition and by the final ‘cameeniration of onganie compounds desired in the stabilized Hiquid smoke composition. ‘The amount of liguid smoke ‘composition needed to provide a desired stabilized liquid smoke composition having about 8% to about 30% by ‘weight organie compounds is readily calculated by persons. skilled in the art from the brix of the liquid smoke compo- sition, Because the stabilized liquid smoke compositions of the present invention contain a maximum of about 30% by ‘weight organic compounds, preferred liquid smoke compo- sitions used ia the stabilized liquid smoke compositions contain a maximum amount of organic components that impart coloring and flavor to an article treated with the stabilized liquid smoke composition. In particular, phenolics are the primary flavoring compounds, and carbons are the primary coloring compounds. An especially useful coloring ‘compound is hydroxyacetaldehycle. The acids are primarily preservatives and plI contvolling agenis. Therefore, liquid Smoke compositions containing a relatively high amount ‘carbonyls, and a relatively low amount of acid ae preferred, Liquid smoke compositions containing a relatively high amount of hydroxyacetaldehyde are especially preferred. ‘The phenolics, carbonyls, and acids all contebute 101 ccancentration of omganic compounds in the composition. ‘The acid content is expressed as weight percent (Wt %) acetic acid, and basically is C.-C, carboxylic acids, and predor nantly acetic acid, Therefore, to provide a stabilized liquid ‘smoke composition having maximum of about 30% by ‘weight organic compounds, and having optimum coloring. land flavor capabilities, the stabilized liquid smoke compo sition has a high content of carbonyls, especially jacelaldehyde, while the acid content is minimized, smoke composition prepared by a slow pyrolysis method contains greater than 10% by weight acetic acid. A liquid smoke composition prepared by a fast pyrolysis method contains about 6.5% by weight acetic acid, and, therefore, is preferred in a stabilized liquid smoke compo- sition of the present invention, As illusiated in detail hereafter, itis desirable to reduce the titratable acidity (ie, the amouat of organic acids) of the liquid smoke composition. This can be accomplished by evaporatively concentrating a relatively dilute (¢.2.,30 brix) liquid smoke composition to provide a relatively concen- trated (¢-2., 50 brix) composition. Evaporation removes a portion of the organic acicls, but the browning components, in the liquid smoke composition remain, Alternatively, a liquid smoke composition can be concentrated by distilling the liquid smoke composition, and separating the distillate fraction containing the omganic acids from the browning fraction. In addition, a fast pyrolysis liquid smoke composition of 30 brix contains 4% by weight, or more, of hydroxyacetaldehyde, whereas a 30 brix, slow pyrolysis quid smoke composition contains only about 25% by weight hydroxyacctaldehyde. Because users of a liquid ‘smoke composition desire a maximum browning capabi and because a stabilized liquid smoke composition contains a maximum of 30% by weight organic compounds, the fast 0 1s as as so6,074,679 7 pyrolysis liquid smoke compositions are preferred in the Stabilized liquid smoke compositions In addition to the liquid smoke composition, a stabilized liquid smoke composition contains about 1% 1 about 20%, ‘and preferably 2% to about 15%, by weight, of one or more inorganic salls. To achieve the full advanlage of the present invention, the stabilized liquid smoke composition contains about 3% to about 12%, by weight, of one or more inonganic salts, As discussed! hereafter, ifan optional inorganic mineral acid is present in the composition, the inorganic mineral a ‘contributes to the amount of inorganic sali in the stabilized liquid smoke composition, “The inorganic salts stabilize the liquid smoke composition by helping achieving a weight ratio of organie compounds to inorganic compounds sullicient to provide a composition hhaving an initial % T at 590 nm of at least about 95%. The inorganic salts also provide a stabilized liquid smoke com- position that is either isotonic or hypertonic compared 10 ‘meat emulsions ‘The inorganic salt, or mixture of salts, present in the stabilized liquid smoke composition can be any physiologi= cally acceptable, water-soluble salt, The eation typically is fan alkali metal, but also can be an alkaline earth metal Preferred cations are sodium and potassium. Sodium is the _most preferred cation. The anion can be a halide, or an anion such as hydroxide, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, nitrate, or ‘mixtures thereof, for example, Preferred anions are chloride, phosphate, hydroxide, and mixtures thereof. In addition tothe liquid smoke composition and inorganic salt, a slabilized liquid smoke composition of the present invention also ean optionally contain an inorganic mineral acid. The inorganic mineral acid, and especially phosphoric acid, in conjunction with the inorganic salts, imparts addi- nal stability to @ liquid smoke composition, An aqueous inorganic mineral acid solution can be admixed with a liquid smoke composition, or a partially neutralized inorganic mineral acid solution ean be admixed ‘with a liquid smoke composition, An inorganic mineral a solution optionally ean be neutralized to a pH of about 210 about 2.5 With aqueous sodium hydroxide prior to adding the inorganic mineral acid tothe liquid smoke composition. The inorganic mineral acid is partially neutralized to more closely match the pH of the liquid smoke solution, ie., pH about 2 to about 2.5. Alternatively, a combination of an inorganic mineral acid and a salt of the acid, like a combi- ration of phosphoric acid and phosphate salts, can be used to prepare a partially aculralized inorganic mineral acid solution having a pH of about 2 to about 25. ‘The stabilized liquid smoke compositions of the present invention can be neutralized further, ie. oa pH of about 6, and particularly t0 a pil of about 5, without adversely affecting the stabilized liquid smoke composition, Stabilized liquid smoke compositions having 4 pH of about 2 10 2.5, are ‘used in surface applications to impart a browa color to & Toodstut. A stabilized liquid smoke composition having & pH up to about 6 is used for internal applications, for example, ina meat emulsion or bacon brine injection. In accordance with an important feature of the present invention, and as demonstrated hereafter, phosphoric acid is the preferred inorganic mineral acid used in the stabilized liquid smoke compositions. Examples of other useful acids include, but are not limited to, hydrochloric acid ard sulfuric acid. Organic carboxylic acids are not useful because organic acids do not Sulfciently stabilize a liquid smoke composition, and organic acids contribute 10 the total amount of organic compounds in the composition without 0 1s as as so 8 providing a benefit, such as browning. The addition of an frganie acid also makes it dificult to achieve the weight ratio of organie compounds to inorganic compounds neces- sary to provide a stabilized liquid smoke composition, i, fn initial % T at $90 nm of at least about 95.5%. ‘The amouot of inorganic mineral acid preseot in a stabi- lized liquid smoke composition i 0% t0 about 12%, and preferably about 1% to about 10%, by weight of the com- position, To achieve the full advantage of the present tnvention, a slabilized liquid smoke composition contains ahout 2% to about 8%, by weight of the composition, of an inorganie mineral acid ‘A stabilized liguid smoke composition of the present invention is prepared by admixing a liquid smoke composition, an inorganic salt, and an optional inorganic mineral acid. The specific amounts ofthese three ingredients present in the stabilized liquid smoke composition can be ealculated from: (a) the brix of the liguid smoke ‘composition, such that stabilized liguid smoke composition ontains about 8% to about 30% by weight organic compounds, and (b) the weight ratio of organic compounds to inorganic. compounel sifiieat to provide an inital % T 31590 nm ofa least about 95.5%. As disclosed hereafter, the desired weight ratio can be determined tzom the weight percent of organic compounds present in the stabilized liquid smoke composition because the weight percent of ‘organic compounds i proportional to the logarithm of the organiclinonganic weight eatio Preferred stabilized liquid smoke compositions havea ‘weight ratio of organie-toinonganie compounds, ie. (O/T ratio), sich that the log (0/1 ratio) is about 0.60 to abou 0.15 across the total organic content range of about 8% to about 30% by weight In other words, an OM ratio of no greater than about 1.5 for a stabilized liquid smoke composition containing 30% by weight organic compounds to 45 for a Stabilized liquid smoke composition containing 8% by ‘weight organic compounds, as st forth in the plot of HIG. A, whieh is described in detail hereafter. ‘The stabilized liquid smoke compositions ofthe present invention impart Havor and color to meat and other foodstulls, and remain essentially free of dissolved tar throughout the life of the composition. In particular, a Slabilized liquid smoke composition ofthe present invention does not form dissolved tars during storage, ie the % T of the composition does not substantially decrease during stor- age due to formation of dissolved tar. As demonstrated hetealer, a present stabilized liquid smoke composition is essential fe of dissolved tar, having an initial % Tat $90 hum of at least about 95.5% ({e,& solution of 1 volume par smoke composition and 9 volume parts water is not turbid), and aT at 590 am alter eight weeks storage at 32° C. of at least about 92% (ie, dilutions remain turbidity fre). “The pescent transmittance valies exhibited by the stabi- lized compositions of the present invention overtime show that although tar precursors are present in the composition, the precursors do not form dissolved tar, Tar formation is demonstrated by the turbidity of & liquid smoke composition, and a decrease in % T, over time and during Storage. The stabilized liguid smoke compositions of the present invention therefore are different from the tar depleted liquid smoke compositions ofthe prior art which form a tar precipitate when diluted with water and darken with age during storage. n of a stabilized liguid smoke6,074,679 9 uid smoke compesition causes tar to precipitate from the resulting mixture. The tar is allowed to settle from the aqueous phase, and the aqueous phase is separated from the tar to provide @ stabilized liquid smoke composition. Over time, a small amount of additional insoluble tar may separate from the stabilized liquid smoke composition, but the sta bilized liquid smoke composition does not become turbid or dark, Accordingly, the stabilized liquid smoke composition is essentially fre of dissolved tars, ie., the %T (at 590 nm) decreases from an initial value greater than about 95.5% to ‘4 minimum value of about 92% after 8 weeks storage at 32° c “The feature of being essentially free of dissolved tars is {important because water dilution of a composition contain~ ing dissolved tars results in fine tar precipitate. The fine tar precipitate causes the diluted solution to appear turbid. Tis fine tar precipitate may aot adversely affect meat or other Foodstutls, but does adversely aflect application equipment, such a8 by clogging nozzles and filters and building up on casing peclers, thereby slowing production and increasing costs, The present stabilized liquid smoke compositions are essentially fee of dissolved tars, and, therefore, neither form 4 fine tar precipitate when diluted with water nor adversely affect application equipment. As prepared, the stabilized liquid smoke compositions typically have a pH of about 2 to about 25. If desited for a particular application, the pH of the stabilized liquid smoke ‘composition can be adjusted, for example with sodium hydroxide, t0 a pH of up to about 6. The stabilized liquid ‘smoke compositions therefore ean have @ pH of about 2 to about 6, and preferably about 2 to about 4. The low pH stabilized liquid smoke compositions, i., pH about 2 to pH about 2.5, have a titratable acidity of about 6% to about 16%. ‘The titratable acidity of a stabilized liquid smoke composi- tion is a combination of the inorganic mineral acid and the ‘organic acids present in the liquid smoke composition ‘The following examples illustrate nonlimiting examples of stabilized, high ionic strength liquid smoke compositions, Of the present invention, The examples show that the stabi- lized compositions maintain a high % T, even after storage for twelve weeks without refrigeration, ie. at 32°C. In contrast, prior art tardepleted liquid smoke compositions require refrigerated storage to retard dark color formation, ‘The lardepleted liquid smoke compositions nevertheless, darken during storage and also demonstrate the disadvantage of tar precipitation alter dilution with water. In the following examples, the percent of omganic eom= pounds present in a stabilized liquid smoke is expressed 3s the product of the volume percent of liquid smoke compo: sition in the stabilized liquid smoke composition and the Brix of the liguid smoke composition, In the preparation of 4 stabilized liquid smoke composition, a portion of the organic compounds precipitate asa tar, thereby reducing the percent by weight of organic compounds in the stabilized liquid smoke composition, ‘Tests have shown that about 7.3% by weight of the organic compounds are precipitated from the compesition. The following table correlates the percent of oxganie compounds used in preparing a stabilized liquid smoke composition 10 the weight % of organic compounds in the stabilized liquid smoke composition, 0 1s 2 as so 10 TABLE 1 Pesoat Onna ‘Weigh Orgaaie ‘Compounds ‘Compounds 2% ane 1s 19% 24% 23% im Be 1 tcl a volume 5 of iis smoke omporison Ges Br of te guid smoke compestion, eg if a sublized guid smoke composition ‘onains 80° hy volume of «80 Bris ligt smoke compostion the slabi- ped uid ance compostion coliae 18% ene compounds and adjusted vac for weg * enantecompoutse in sabied lagu sss somposionrfeting the amount of lr formed and pected from the compostion, eg, 18% owganic compounds abou 139% ‘wean npc somone EXAMPLE 1 Stabilized Liquid Smoke Composition ‘This example illustrates the preparation of a stabilized liquid smoke composition having a storage stable percent transmittance (% T) at 590 nm. An aqueous solution con- taining 12.75% by weight phosphoric acid, and adjusted to 4 pH of about 2.5 using S0% aqueous sodium hydroxide, first was prepared. This acid solution was added, indifferent amounts, to a fast pyrolysis liquid smoke composition. The resulting phosphoric acid and liquid smoke composition mixture was admixed for about 15 minutes, The phosphoric acid caused tar to precipitate from the mixture. The mixture then was allowed to sit overnight to permit insoluble tar to ‘separate from the aqueous phase, ad the aqueous phase was. isolated from the tae, One milliliter (ml) of the aqueous phase was added to a 10 ml volumetric flask, which then was. filled to volume with distilled water. No tar precipitate was ‘observed, i., the diluted solution was clear with no evi- dence of turbidity, The percent transmittance ofthe resulting, solution was determined at $90 nanometers (am). To mea sure for absorbance, 0.1 gram (g) of the stabilized liquid ‘smoke composition, ic, the aqueous phase, was weighed into @ 50 ml volumetsic flask, and the flask was filled to volume with methanol. Absorbance was read at 340 nm, Storage of the composition samples was at 32°C. per Sample? Samples Tiga Smoke 70 @ @ Compostion Solon > (Organic coment” Owinoe Log (079 T SeLecras «om Gx praia iid na conpaon hou a ede tied Rot Pe etn Frei on eS reas ee SE eT ee ee. wma Pedy Me yaad 2 cpa compton ea lone tt Mitel aU Se te bapa tt SPER SSD NN A commen: 18 287 1406,074,679 i Ssmple 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 week 2 4T. 8 ois 3t oak 47 Pry a7 oe Weeks 2 82. 980 Absomssce (2 wels) “02780280 ORs Abworiance (@wels) 12490222 .107 ‘The light transmittance data show that Sample 1 exhibited 4 poor initial % T compared to Samples 2 and 3. The data also show that the 9 T for Sample 1 decreased more rapidly than Samples 2 and 3. In particular, Sample 1 had an Onoaie Sumple Content? Liguid Phosphoric oe! Naw (Coby Weigit) Smoke'> Water” Acid" Sodium eblorge tae. tnt So Fl oF a = ae 3 a 20% = 96.6 4 oe wee oe 5 om we Me 970 > oe wee 968 “ oe we Me oes ° oe we ome 968 oe we me 12 or of See ors e ie ei Se we ae ao 968 Soe ste gs 73 Soe Ste as 36.6 woe ae Sa = 981 oe om ss 960 woe Mm ss 98 80% % 968 80% 20% 12% 98.0 Soe ie as 4 0% 10 28 13% 960 ime 0 = 20% O54 percent by weak 0 1s 12 ‘compound-to-inorganie compound ratio that provides a sta~ bilized liquid smoke solution, a series of tests using different ‘concentrations of organic compounds were performed. The results are summarized in Example 2. EXAMPLE 2 Various liquid smoke compositions containing 9% t0 30% fonganic compounds determined as volume % of liquid ‘smoke composition times the brix of the liquid smoke ‘composition, and having different onganie/inorganie ratios, ‘were prepared as set forth in Example 1. Each liquid smoke ‘composition then was tested for initial % Tat 590 nm, The results are summarized below. 2 phosphoric acid neuaized to pt 2.2 with sodium hydroxide; and © Intoes sodium hydroxide, sodium corde, und phospheric eid as inorganic compounds ‘unaceeplable initial % 'T that decreased rapidly, Sample 2 hhad an improved initial % T, and near the acceptable ‘minimum initial % T of about 95.5%, and minimum of about 92% afer 8 weeks storage at 32° C. Sample 3 had an acceptable initial % Tof 97.7%, and an acceptable % Tafter eight weeks storage at 32° C, of 95.0%. In order to determine the relationship between the organic compound content in the composition and the organic ‘Samples wherein the initial % T was about 95.5% were analyzed to obtain a relationship between the orgrinorg ratio and % onganic compounds in a stabilized liquid smoke 5 2 2 0 1s as as so 14 Semple 1) Sample 2 Sample 3 Opiooe aaa is as Tol 980 oes 9k Beck eT 97 os oa S week %T 968 94s #12 ‘Abworbsooe (iit) ‘i “oae “Ne ‘Aeworbance (22 weeks) aim alms nam ‘Samples 1 and 2 are stabilized compositions of the present invention having an initial % T greater than about 95.5%, land a % T after 8 weeks storage at 32° C. of at least about 92%. Samples 1 and 2 each have an organic-lo-inorganic ‘weight ratio of less than 2:1, and contain about 15% and about 18%, respectively, of organic compounds. Sample 3 has an organic-to-inorganic weight ratio well in excess of about 2 to 1 and contains about 21% of organic compounds, ‘Sample 3 hacl an unacceptably low initial % TT that rapidly decreased ducing storage. Sample 3 also had an unaccepi- ably high initial absorbance of greater than 0.25. Samples 1 ‘and 2 remained light in color during storage and did aot form 8 precipitate when diluted with water, either intially or after 22. weeks of storage. Sample 3 darkened during storage and formed a turbid solution when diluted with water after 8 weeks storage. EXAMPLE 5, ‘This example summarizes tests performed using acids other than phosphoric acid to prepare a stabilized liquid ‘smoke composition. In this test, aqueous solutions contain- ing different acids were prepared. ‘The aqueous acid solu- tions then were added to liquid smoke compositions as set forth in Examples 1 and 3. The resulting compositions were tested as set forth in Example 1. Sample 1 Semple? Sumple 3 Tiguid Smoke Conpontion 94 @ ~ ‘Asa Solution oo mw Opiaore 700 00 400 Sample ¢ Sample S Sample 6 Tigi Smoke Compostion ‘Sodiun Choide 3 3 3 Opie? 00 a0 200 taki a8 tal son Semple? Semple s Semple Tigi Snake Companion” = ‘Seaiom Cherise % 8 86,074,679 15 -continued Spe 7 Samples Sample 9 tare ost sae 1 [ose wy weight ce Acar 1 em by weight lic ie se by weight sulci "> 15% by weight hydvlon sis and 4 [sme by weight apie si. “The samples of Example 5 show that organic acids are not suitable in the preparation of a stabilized liquid. smoke ‘composition becuse of an unacceptable low initial % T Ge, ‘Samples 1-4 and 9). In addition, inorganic mineral acids different from phosphoric acid are useful, but the weight ratio of onganie compounds to inorganic compounds in the stabilized liquid smoke composition is about 1:1 of less (see ‘Samples 5 and 7 compared to Samples 6 and 8). EXAMPLE 6 ‘Six samples were prepared and tested for % T, asset forth in Examples 1 and 3. ln this example, the amount of sodium chloride was varied, and the weight percent of acetic acid (ie, ttratable acidity) i the liquid smoke composition was, varied. The six samples were stored at 32° C. 0 as 16 continued SwekeT 942 903 ssa 982950 oa Sweck®T 937 a2 O84 OND OSD SD ‘Abvorbance 017702160436 G74 053 0.161 (evel) (2 weet) ‘Yom ble aidtycalclaed ws 9 avo a, by wea, acladee ‘oxgnic acid in te Ligh smoke omposton and the phosphoric ne ‘The data of Example 6 again show that the logarithm of ‘an organic-to-inorganiec weight ratio falling on or below the straight line plotted in FIG, 1 provides a liquid smoke ‘composition that is stable in accordance with the present invention, e.g, Sample 2 falls above the line of FIG. 1 and is unstable and Samples 1 and 3-6 fall below the line and are stable. Sample 2 has a log (ong/inorg) of 0.496, a total amount of organics of 18% by weight, an initial % Tof 94.1, and at % T alier 12 weeks storage at 32° C. of 83.7%. Plotting the data point of Sample 2.0n FIG. [falls above the steaight line plot, The samples of Example 6 show that ifthe initial % ' is about 95.5% or greater, then the liquid smoke ‘composition is stabilized, ic. has a % T after 8 woeks of about 92% or greater. Such samples did not become turbid during storage because of a sullicient organie-10-inorganic ‘weight ratio. All samples of Example 5 contained about 18% ‘organic components. It also was observed that stabilized ‘gis oo © © © w liquid smoke compositions typically have an initial absor- Smne 8 bance of 0.25 or less, and especially 0.2 oF less, i. compare ace al ‘Samples 1, 3, 5, and 6 to Samples 2 and 4. SSiton® EXAMPLE 7 hrc cs as ag The Six samples of Example 6 were prepared and tested oenoe? Sis, jas “Soe jas “hoa ——_asSet forth in Examples I and 3. In this example, the amount eat oo ‘of phosphoric acid was varied, and the amount aad type of Trudie liquid smoke composition was varied. The six samples were Aida stored at 32° C. Samples 1-6 also show that different slow Iii T 923 981-979 6G BRA_——972 faible T 9S Sh SM MOA HZ ag DoS vsis type liquid smoke compositons can be used 10 Seeker go 98% 042082 prepare a stabilized liquid smoke composition of the present sare cea = oo a a Sake ‘Campostion? Pummmoie 6 SO ww acid Son? Soden 3 3 3 3 3 3 Ovo” nes ae nas 1s Inkl eT 980) 978 960 ZwoekT ORD 98D 88H OT 20 S.woek %T 978 (5304S HHH Hwak%T 9699093286,074,679 18 ‘Aisoranse 002 010 ties 0am uaa 0496 ‘Absoranse Bos 36 SS Oss aD» (els) G2 weeks) ‘SEHARSOI 0 C19, «slow pyrolysis guid snake compostion conning abou 11 irae sidty (os acetic ai) sve from Red Anon Predicts Ca id iiowos, Wk: end MERe pyre lid smoke composition of ost 30 bx containing about 12% by weigh teable aid (os sei wid) avaable fom Hickory Specials, Brentweeg, TS, as CODE 10 Lguid Smoke Each of samples 1-8 was a stabilized liquid. smoke composition of the present invention. These samples con: {ained a maximum of 18% organic compounds (Samples 3 and 6), and are prepared from diferent slow pyrolysis tiguid smoke! compositions (Samples 1-3 compared to Samples 46). Each Sample 1-5 had an intial %@ T of about 95.5% or greater, anda % T after 8 weeks storage a 32° C. of about 92% or greater. Each Sample 1-5 also had an absorbance of (025 or less, both initially and alter storage. After dilution with water, a0 tae precipitate formed, and the diluted Samples remained clear ‘Sample 6 had a relatively fast drop in % TTduring storage, possibly due to a combination of a relatively high total Organic content ((e,, about 18%), a relatively high organic compound to inorganic compound weight ratio, and a relic lively high Giratable acidity (Le, about 11%), Accordingly, it is preferred to use a liquid smoke composition having a relatively low titratable avidity when the total organie eon- tent of the composition is relatively high. EXAMPLE 8 A stabilized liquid smoke composition containing SO volume parts SELECT 23 liquid smoke composition, 50 volume paris of a 12.75% by weight phosphoric acid solution, and 3 weight parts sodium chloride was prepared and tested, as set forth in Examples 1 and 3. The composi= tion had aa organic-to-inorganie weight ratio of 1.24. The composition was stored for twelve weeks at 32°C. The Tollowing data shows that the composition was very stable, and did not darken with age or form a precipitate after dilution with water Week 2 ote a Week # or ° Weck 6 oe a Werk 12 m8 Not svable EXAMPLE 9 (Comparative) ‘The samples of Example 9 are comparative tar-depleted liquid smoke compositions. Sample was prepared in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,083 by extracting a slow pyrolysis liquid smoke composition (CHARSOL® C-10, available from Red Arrow Product Co., Inc., ‘Manitowoc, Wis), with methylene chloride ona 1:1 volume as as so basis. Sample 2 was prepared in accordance with U.S, Pat No. 4,592,918 by neutralizing CHARSOL® C-10 with 50% agueous sodium bydroxide to pH 5.5. The samples were stored at 32° C. and tested as set forth in Example 1 Sumi sami %T__Atwoiace _&T_ Absorbance Week? 40867 oan Wok’ = 28 ae SOD Wek = 7a? OO Woks fe ada Week flee Not performed 7 Not performed ‘These tur-depleted liquid smoke compositions became dark in color over time, as illustrated by the increase in absorbance value. Sample 1 also formed a tar floc during. Storage, as illustrated by the steep drop in %T over time and the turbidity of the composition after eight weeks of storage. "The sumples also formed a tar precipitate when diluted with ‘water, The tar-depleted liquid smoke compositions therefore ‘are not stabilized, and are substantially different from stabilized liquid smoke composition of the present inven- tion, EXAMPLE 10 ‘A Stabilized liquid smoke composition containing 50 volume parts SELECT 23, 50 volume parts of a 12.75% by ‘weight phosphoric acid solution neutralized to pH 2.25, and 2 weight parts sodium chloride was prepared (omglinorg ‘weight ratio 1.38). The composition was allowed to sit ‘overnight, and 1.08% by weight of the composition sepa- rated from the composition as tar. One hundred milliliter ‘aliquots of the supernatant aqueous phase were placed in 250 ml plastic bottles and stored either at room temperature ‘or at 32° C. for up to twelve weeks. immarizes the amount of tar that ized liquicl smoke composition over ‘The following data separated from the stabil lime,6,074,679 19 Seman Stone wos Seles Sates Week 6 029° Week 6 Week nas Weck Both stored samples remained light in color during storage, thereby showing that tar forming during storage Seltles from the composition and that the composition is essentially five of dissolved tars, ie, has a % T of at least about 926 after 8 weeks storage at 32° C. The ta that settled rom the composition was intractable, and did not adversely allect the stabilized liquid smoke composition. The samples ‘were diluted with water after eight weeks storage to provide clear solutions, i, free of turbidity and precipitated tar EXAMPLE 11 Five stabilized liquid smoke compositions containing 50 volume parts SELECT 23, 50 volume parts of a 15.4% phosphoric acid solution neutralized to pH 2.5, and various amounts of sodium chloride were prepared to determine whether an increased salt concentration can intially force ‘more lar from the composition, ‘The compositions were prepared, then centrifuged for about six minutes. The amount of tar forced from the composition was determined. sents “Tar om Tae nos) Onioorg No ak 15 18 Te Nec 18 13s Sf Nocl 2s as ‘The data summarized! above shows that increasing the amount of salt, ic., decreasing the organic-to-inorganic ‘weight ratio, intially forced more tar from the stabilized liquid salt composition 20 EXAMPLE 12 In this example, wenty-four samples were prepared as set forth in Examples 1 and 3, The samples contained 50, 55, or (60 volume paris SELECT 23, had 6% or 10% titratable acidity (expressed as % by weight acetic acid), and con- tained either 1, 3, 6, or 8 weight parts sodium chloride. The ‘samples were stored at 32° C. for twelve weeks, and tested for % T and absorbance as set forth in Example 1 1s Sapte compan” Onptears? 2 sigs nat By 3 sins 093 4 swig 083 5 sus 206 6 sais aa 1 ss 10 2s ® 8 a2 ° ssi 188 o 2 ssn oor rs S5)6% 326 16 5/68 ast A 7 ans 101 1s eas 437 » eas ut a ss 336 0 2 aes oss 2 6 19 ° volume pars of SELECT shone, tmable aii weigh pans of soit Sample inst _weck > week __weck 6 __weck® wick 12 S704 9640-139 962027 9BOUISS SSeNA 9ARUIAS SP70380 9TNIz SeTMAIT SeGUI2> SANA 9890-129 S8aMai) Set 10> SAMA 97ANO8 SeBNA 98.0 9820107 9RIIN-I09 S78MHO 97AMOSS S6TNA 96.MOS! 8590177 OMSULIST S25)0155 ISOULISS S2.TNA SORULIAS Seumiss SS90I87 9sami%6 Seam.t33 Seam SeaoIs6 OSIM Sao. 972M125 9690390 967nA08 osani09 S7AO.A6 96.0014 96.20325 959.134 94690.139 S770M2 9670121 9590113 96.108 os.s0.n8 S8omii8 9600319 Samus g2A0In ‘seams 3930170 SKTMI 9eTOISS 945198 Sse0.18 Serie? 9S.h-i6b Ss.¥0As7 95.3062 sasmas? SeonasL OSSUITS Ose) 984186 oasis sngoas9 970m 128 969M 96.707 95.70.18 9920185 94SMIS SASL ORBNA O8ONLISS Se0188 98.30.109 SERA SRTINA 9896,074,679 22 wetk? week’ weeks week OTSI0ISS JESUS OFS 9BUUISI SSONA STAs S6AUIS SeMIE 9ESUI21 SNA 9530248 982017 9290.8 9280180 SLONA STOOISS 96.UN-168 95.99.1609 9SGULA 94K/NA Shsi0S9 9650159 Sea.IM SEITE SANA “The samples of Example 12 show that stabilized liquid compositions having an initial %T of at least 95.5% a1 590, ‘am fall on or below the straight line plotted in FIG. 1, of alternatively, satisfy the following relationship: log (orginos)=-a230.8. wherein x is the total organic content (ie., % volume of liquid smoke times brix of the liquid smoke) of the com position, EXAMPLE 13 A.15% by weight acetic acid solution was substituted for the phosphoric acid in the preparation of a stabilized liquid ‘smoke solution, The following data shows that to achieve an initial % T of about 95.59% (Sample 4), the amount of inorganic salt in the composition is unacceptably high with respect (0 prow tion, Sample 3 shows that an organic acid cannot be sub- stituted for the inorganic mineral acid because the minimum initial % T of about 95.5 is not attained. 2 ling a commercial liquid smoke composi- * week 95.0116 sou. oran.is7 Saabs ssami35 q ‘Week Week 4 Weck § Weck 23 The % T data shows that a stabilized liquid smoke ‘composition of the present invention can be neutralized ‘without adversely affecting composition properties. EXAMPLE 15 ‘Two samples of a stabilized Liquid smoke composition of the present invention were prepared to demonstrate the cffect of total titratable acidity on % T. Sample 1, having 10% total titratable acidity (organic acid and phosphorie acid, expressed as % by weight acetic acid), contained SO volume parts SELECT 23 liquid smoke composition, 50 volume parts of a 12.75% by weight phosphoric acid solu- tion adjusted to pH 2.2, and 2 weight parts sodium chloride (aa ory/inorg ratio of 1.38). Sample 2 had 6% total titatable acidity because of a lower addition of phosphoric acid, and ‘contained 3 weight paris sodium chloride (an orgiinorg ratio ‘of 2.29). The samples were prepared and tested for % T as. set forth in Examples 1 and 3, and were stored at 40° C. for 12 weeks, Tigi smo © = SEE oo water so Semple Semple 2 Sodium storide er Ongiacr Sm 2s [igo “has has, Tata m2, 366 ‘Avotasce ‘aan “oie “na0 IM B66 Wek 12 ss 922 {515 by weight sont ad slab ‘The % T data shows thatthe liquid smoke solutions were stable EXAMPLE 14 Astabilized liquid smoke composition was prepared from 40 volume parts SELECT 23, 60 volume parts of a 12.75% by weight phosphoric acid solution neutralized to pl 2.5, and 3 weight parts sodium chloride, Then, the pH of the ‘composition was raised to 5 by adding trisodium phosphate to the composition, The resulting composition bad an ‘organie-to-inorganic weight ratio of 0.46, and was Stored at 32° C. for 23 weeks. The composition was tested for % Tas, set forth in Example 1. EXAMPLE 16 This example illustrates that in addition to the organicsi- organic weight ratio, the total organic content of the starting liquid smoke compositions and the titratable acidity ‘are important with respect to providing a stabilized liquid smoke composition. In this example, a solution containing 33% volume parts of an 85% phosphoric acid solution, 1766 ‘volume parts of a 50% sodium hydroxide solution, and SO% volume parts water was used to dilute SELECT 24 and SELECT 23 liquid smoke compositions (available from Red ‘Aurow Products Co., Ine.) 0 diferent concentrations. The6,074,679 23 concentrations of the liquid smoke compositions ranged from 40% to 100% by weight. Diluting with the higher phosphoric acid concenteation resulted ia an acid concen- tration of 16% in the final composition. At a higher phos- phoric acid concentration, the % Twas retained. Allsamples s Contained 3 weight parts sodium chloride. Tigi Sooke Gingesiion TO, Thnable Opie Seople_(olume amet) Cai thre Org Ack Conpods 1 SHIBCTR2# 712s SCS a o60 16080 m0 2 sea 308 ms & 4 seuictRee 90078 as 180 ao, Ss seLiCRas 732 0s uo ‘i00) © selictres oar am sa 240 co, 7 seUEcrR2s 977180 as a0 co, © seLictRes 986102 180 o 24 Samples 1-5 of Example 16 show that relatively dilute Stabilized liquid smoke compositions having a low total organic content (ie., 9% in Samples 4 and 5 and 12% in ‘Samples 1-3) can be prepared when the weight ratio of ‘organic compounds to inorganic compounds meets the rela- tionship set forth in Example 12. ‘Tunable Asis He 163 130 4s ‘Samples 1-8 show that a concentrated liquid smoke ‘composition prepared by evaporation (i.e., SELECT R24 of ‘Samples 1-4) performs better than a nonevaporated liquid smoke composition (ie., SELECT R23 of Samples 5-8). Sample 7 was stored at 32° C,, and tested for % T over a twelve-week period. Sample 7 was an acceptable stabilized liquid smoke composition. Sample 4 also was an acceptable stabilized liquid smoke composition. as er Semple 7 0 Tai 3x8 Week 2 ons Week s ons Meek § ors Week 12 on 4s EXAMPLE 17 In this example, stabilized liquid smoke compositions about 9% to about 12% total organic compounds, mganie weight ratio of about two or less, were tested for % T, both initially and alter storage, ‘and for initial absorbance, so EXAMPLE 18 Code 10 Liquid Smoke, available from Hickory Specialties, Inc, Brentwood, Tenn, was concentrated to 45 brix, then diluted to 30 brix with Water. The concentration step reduces the amount of organic acids in the liquid smoke composition, Therefore, the tolal titratable acidity in the diluted 30 brix liquid smoke composition was 9.2% by ‘weight, expressed as acetic acid, A stabilized liquid smoke ‘composition then was prepared by admixing 60 volume parts ofthe 30 brix liquid smoke composition and 40 volume parts of a 12.75% phosphoric acid solution. Varying Amounts of sodium chloride were added to individual por tions of the liquid smoke-phosphoric acid solution, Oy AT at a0 St an Sample _Composon™ tore? Ct) @ weeks) (Aweks) (6 weeks) _(Sweeks)_Ahs 7 WSRS a0 7a 9G) oT oea COT aTS 2 dose tse 97] 9639 9K. 4 30505 202973949 HS BOS BHO S dos Ta 917 9ha bet Sade ‘olume pars of SELECT R23,» 50 bre lig amake compontinwotume part of ST phorpho sic eid sluonweiht pus of sodium etre6,074,679 25 26 ae Sample_Composon? tore 2 og = «2259S 949 HS 94D OR 3 dons 32299 Ogk O83 S83 ka ole pare of 50 ix CODE l0taable sidigyrodlm chloe Samples 1-5 show that a stabilized liquid smoke compo- sition of the present invention can he prepared from a variely Of Siarting liquid smoke compositions. Many modifications and varistions of the invention 3s hereinbefore set forth can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof and, therefore, oaly suck limi- tations should be imposed as are indicated by the appended claims, ‘What is claimed is: 1. A stabilized liquid smoke composition comprising: @ 4 liquid smoke composition derived from a pyrolysis ‘of wood: (b) about 1% to about 20% by weight of an inorganic salts and (©) 0% to about 12% by weight of phosphoric acid, ‘wherein the stabilized composition contains about 89% to about 30%, by weight, organic compounds and has. weight ratio of organic compounds to inorganic ‘compounds to satisfy a relationship bop ons: wherein (O/D) is the weight ratio of organic compounds to inorganic compounds and x is the percent of organic com- pounds expressed as « product of Volume % of the liquid Smoke composition and brix of the liquid smoke composition, and wherein the stabilized composition is essentially free of dissolved tars, has an initial % ‘T, mea- sured at S00 nm,of a least about 95.5%, and has a % T after eight weeks of storage at 32° C. of al least about 92%, ‘measured at 590 am, 2. The stabilized composition of claim 1 wherein the liquid smoke composition is at least about 20 brix. 3. The stabilized composition of claim 1 wherein the liquid smoke composition is about 20 brix to about 50 brix, ‘4. The stabilized composition of claim 1 wherein the liquid smoke composition has a titratable acidity of about (6% to about 16%, expressed as % by weight acctic acid. 5. The stabilized composition of claim 1 wherein the liquid smoke composition is present in an amount of about 30% to about 60%, by volume of the stabilized composition. 6. The stabilized composition of claim 1 wherein the phosphoric acid is present in an amount of about 1% to about 10%, by volume of the stabilized composition 7. The stabilized composition of cla about 2 to about 6, 8. The stabilized composition of claim 1 wherein the inorganie salt is present ia an amouat of about 2% to about 15%, by weight of the stabilized composition 9.'The stabilized composition of claim 1 wherein the inorganic salt is water soluble and physiologically accept able, 10. The stabilized composition of claim 1 wherein a cation of the inorganic salt is an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, or a mixture thereof, and an anion of the inorganic salt is selected from ihe group consisting of halide, hydroxide, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, nitrate, and ‘mixtures thereot 23av085, @ weeks) (weeks) (Oweeks) (B weeks) Abs T having a pH of 11, The stabilized composition of claim L wherein the inorganic salt is selected from the group consisting of slum chloride, sodium hydroxide, « sodium phosphate, potassium chloride, potassium hydroxide, a potassium Phosphate, and mixtures thereof 12, The stabilized composition of claim 1 containing about 10% to about 25%, by weight, of organic compounds. 13. ‘The stabilized composition ‘of elaim 1 containing bout 12% to about 20%, by weight, of organic compounds 14. The stabilized composition ‘of claim 1 having an absorbance measured at M0 nm of less than about 0.25 18. The stabilized composition of claim 1 whereia the composition is free of a polysorbate and an aatifoam, 16. The stabilized composition of claim 1 wherein dilu- tion of one volume part of the stabilized vomposition with 9 volume pars of water provides a clear, nonturbid solution that is free of precipitated tar. 17. Astabilized liquid smoke composition comprising: (@) liquid smoke composition derived from a pyrolysis of wood; (®)about 1% to about 20% by weight of an inorganic sal, ‘wherein a cation ofthe inorganic salt isan alkali metal, an alkaline earth meta, or a mixture thereof, and an anion of the inorganie Sal i selected from the group consisting of a halide, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, rita, and mixtures thereol, and (©) 0% 10 about 12% by weight of phosphoric acid, ‘wherein the stabilized! Composition eontains about 8% to about 30%, by weight, omanic compouods and has 4 weight rato of organic compounds 10 inorenie compounds to satisfy a relationship 1s as as leg (Om =-02364038, ‘wherein (0/1) is the weight ratio of onganie compounds to ganic compounds and x is the percent of organic com- pounds expressed as a product of volume % of the liquid Smoke composition and brix of the liquid smoke ‘composition, nd wherein the stabilized composition is, essentially free of dissolved tars. 18, The stabilized composition of claim 17 wherein the inorganic salt is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, « sodium phosphate, potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, and mixtures thereof. 19. A method of browning a foodstuff comprising: (9) applying the stabilized liquid smoke composition of claim 1 to the foodstuff in a sufficient amount to develop 1 consumer acceptable brown color in the Toodstuft; then (b) heating the foodstuff at a sufficient temperature and for ‘a suflicient time for the stabilized liquid smoke com- position product to brown the foodstuff 20; The method of claim 19 wherein the foodstull is a a meat emulsion, or a casing, so