According one embodiment, a post-harvest processing technology has been developed that enhances the red color of dark cutting beef to a near-normal or normal red color through the use, in one embodiment, of a Rosemary solution in a concentration of between 0.1% and 0.2% Rosemary which is applied to the beef, after which it is stored in a nitrite-embedded film packaging for a predetermined period of time. Various embodiments indicate that that nitrite-embedded packaging and, more particularly, nitrite-embedded packaging in combination with the use of pre-storage antioxidant wash, has the potential to improve surface color of dark-cutting beef.