What does lemon juice do to pork?

Chef's answer
Acids like lemon juice, lime juice and vinegar break down raw meat, allowing the marinade's oil and spices to deeply penetrate and infuse the meat with flavor and moisture. They dig out little pathways in the meat and allow the marinade to seep in.
Frequently asked Questions 🎓
The acid from the limes and lemons change the structure of the proteins in the fish, essentially "cooking" the fish without using heat.
A common misconception is that the acidity in the lime juice rids the fish of bacteria. Untrue, according to parasitologists. The lime juice will not kill any type of parasites in fish.
The first time I made ceviche, I was amazed. I could actually see the lemon and lime juice turning the color of the fish from translucent pink to opaque white. The acid from the limes and lemons change the structure of the proteins in the fish, essentially "cooking" the fish without using heat.
One very important rule about marinating fish and seafood is that a highly acidic marinade, one containing lots of vinegar or citrus juices, can actually cook the fish or seafood, so you need to use mild marinades for short periods of time. This is important. Keep the acid and the times low.
With enough acidity (a pH under 5) salmonella will die. ... ''Two tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice in a recipe for mayonnaise using one cup of oil is high enough acidity to inhibit the growth of salmonella and kill them,'' said Cathy McCharen, vice president of the center.27 Jun 1990.
The lime juice will not kill any type of parasites in fish.
Eating raw oysters with hot sauce and lemon juice will kill the bacteria and viruses that can cause food-borne illness. ... Hot sauce and/or lemon juice will not significantly affect any of the food-borne pathogens.
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