EFFECTS OF THE LONG-TIME RIPENING OF BEEF UPON ITS QUALITY PARAMETERS

Abstract

Subject. The subject is beef obtained from young bulls of the Aberdeen-Angus beef breed. Purpose. The purpose is to investigate the effects of dry ripening of beef upon its quality and safety parameters. Methods. The content of protein (by mass) was determined by the content of total nitrogen according to Kjeldahl followed by distillation of ammonia; the content of water (by mass) – by drying the portion to constant weight at the temperature of 105ºС; content of fat (by mass) – Soxhlet method; pH – potentiometric method; water-binding ability – by pressing the test sample; sensorial parameters – consumer assessment using a hedonic scale of 9 levels; rheological parameters – using a universal electromechanical testing machine; microbiological parameters – based on the total number of microorganisms in 1 g of product. Results. The quality parameters of long-ripened meat (within 21 days) were studied in comparison with traditionally ripened meat (within 5 days). Sensorial assessment has shown the benefits of long-ripened meat. It was found that in long-ripened beef samples the content (by mass) of protein and fat is higher by 12.97% and 21.41%, respectively; water-binding capacity is 10.69% higher. This leads to a reduction in meat moisture loss during heat treatment by 6%. It has been determined that the penetration force of long-ripened meat is less important compared to similar parameters of traditionally ripened meat. Microbiological studies have shown that meat on the 21st day of ripening corresponds to standard values. Scope of results. A technological instruction for the production of fermented meat has been developed. The developed solution was tested in industrial conditions, and a production inspection certificate was obtained.