Quality Characteristics Of Beef Research Articles

The effect of ultrasound-assisted freezing, metal plate assisted freezing and conventional freezing on the quality characteristics of beef samples

In this study, the effects of household refrigerator freezing (control group), ultrasound-assisted freezing at different power levels (40 %, 70 %, and 100 %) and metal plate assisted freezing on the quality characteristics of beef samples were investigated. While the freezing time decreased for the fillet samples with ultrasound-assisted freezing (40 % and 70 %, respectively) and for all samples with metal plate assisted freezing, the weight loss and cooking loss values generally decreased compared to control samples. The total color values of the ultrasound-assisted frozen samples were higher than those of the control samples, while the metal plate assisted frozen samples were lower than those of the control samples. The TBARS values were found to be lower in both methods compared to control samples. The hardness values of control samples were generally lower than the samples subjected to both methods after or before cooking. The protein denaturation temperatures of the metal plate-assisted frozen samples were generally higher than others. As a result, ultrasound and metal plate assisted freezing processes preserved the quality characteristics of beef and had significant effects on several quality characteristics of beef. The application of ultrasound at 40 % provides a significant advantage in terms of quality characteristics. The effects of conduction heat transfer with metal plate-assisted freezing processes also provides the positive impact on the freezing of beef samples. Thus, the use of innovative technologies during the freezing of food in household refrigerators were evaluated within the study which brings new idea to integrate them in the production of household refrigerators.

The effect of the carcass fat thickness on the qualitative technological and sensory attributes of beef

The established correlations between subcutaneous fat thickness and the quality attributes of carcasses and beef are relevant for producers and the processing industry. The purpose of the study is to establish the characteristics of slaughter, chemical composition, sensory physical, and technological properties of beef made of young bulls belonging to the Ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed aged 18 to 24 months, depending on the thickness of the fat on the carcass. The colour of muscle and adipose tissue, the conformation of carcasses, the development of subcutaneous fat, marbling, chemical composition, and sensory attributes of beef and broth made of it were determined in the context of different fat thicknesses on the carcass. With an increase in the thickness of subcutaneous fat, the fleshiness (conformation) of carcasses increases by 55.2% (P>0.95), the cover of carcasses with fat increases by 43.5 (P>0.99), and muscle penetration improves by 45.8% (P>0.95). With the thickening of subcutaneous fat from 0.5 to 1.1 cm or more, there is a tendency of tendons and ligaments in carcasses to increase by 53.6%, with adipose tissue increasing by 25.6%, points for the juiciness of boiled beef increasing by 20.8%, its tenderness increasing by 12.5%, and the reduction in the m. longissimus dorsi 'loin eye' area increased by 7.3%, marbling increased by 19.0%, reduction of moisture content in meat increased by 27.8%, and its boiling properties increased by 7.9%. With an increase in the thickness of subcutaneous fat in beef, there was a tendency for the reduction of its acidity (pH), the amount of dry matter, the total content of fat and minerals, deterioration of taste, aroma, residue after chewing boiled meat, flavour, and aroma, concentration, and transparency of broth made of it. The practical significance of these studies is to obtain knowledge that allows the assessment of the quality characteristics of carcasses and beef by the thickness of subcutaneous fat for their further use by producers and processing industries.

Quality characteristics of beef depending on its marbling

Quality characteristics of beef depending on its marbling

Development of a cabin for fast freezing in a household refrigerator and examination of its effects on the quality characteristics of beef

In this study, a cabin design was made for fast freezing in household refrigerators using different fan types (radial fan velocity of 1100, 1500 and 1900 rpm) and axial (1350 rpm) and the effects on the quality characteristics of beef were examined. Before the freezing process, the beef (Semitendinosus) was sized at 10 × 10 × 2 cm as a single fillet; 2 × 2 × 2 cm as the cubed sample and the minced beef was prepared by the butcher from the same meat and shaped with the dimensions of 10 × 10 × 2 cm. It was seen that when the fan velocity was 1900 rpm during the freezing process, the weight (0.39–11.61 %) and cooking loss (26.69–44.66 %) values of the beef samples decreased. A decrease was observed in the TBARS values (0.34–0.87) of the sample as the radial fan velocity increased in radial fan. When the total color change values (3.96–7.59) of all beef samples were examined, it was seen that the least color change was achieved with the axial fan before and after cooking. When the textural properties of the meat were examined before and after cooking, it was observed that the hardness decreased as the radial fan velocity increased, and the lowest hardness value was obtained from freezing with the axial fan. In addition, porosity values decreased and protein denaturation temperatures increased due to the formation of smaller ice crystals with the axial fan. As a result, it has been observed that fan type and velocity have significant effects on accelerating the freezing process and preserving the quality of beef samples.

A comprehensive multi-omics analysis, integrating proteomics and metabolomics, was employed to elucidate tea-induced stewed beef quality change mechanisms

To better understand the functional mechanism of four types of tea (green tea, black tea, jasmine tea, and dark tea) on the quality of stewed beef, changes in quality characteristics, proteomics, and metabolomics were investigated. Adding these four tea types decreased the pH value, L* value, shear force, and hardness of the stewed beef. Among these groups, black tea (BT) significantly improved the tenderness of the stewed beef. They have substantially impacted pathways related to protein oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid degradation, amino acid degradation, and peroxisomes in stewed beef. The study identified that Myosin-2, Starch binding domain 1, Heat shock protein beta-6, and Myosin heavy chain four are significantly correlated with the quality characteristics of tea-treated stewed beef, making them potential biomarkers. Green tea (GT), black tea (BT), jasmine tea (JT), and dark tea (DT) led to the downregulation of 20, 36, 38, and 31 metabolites, respectively, which are lipids and lipid-like molecules in the stewed beef. The co-analysis of proteomics and metabolomics revealed that differential proteins significantly impacted metabolites associated with carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, and other nutrients. This study determined the effects of four types of tea on the quality of stewed beef and their underlying mechanisms, providing valuable insights for applying of tea in meat products. At the same time, it can offer new ideas for developing fresh meat products.

The area of the “muscle eye” m. longissimus dorsi of bulls Ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed and its relationship with the quality characteristics of beef

The area of the “muscle eye” m. longissimus dorsi of bulls Ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed and its relationship with the quality characteristics of beef

Determination of the Effect of Different Energy Classes of Household Refrigerators on the Freezing Process and the Quality Characteristics of Beef

The household refrigerator model used for freezing processes in this study was produced in the factory in different energy classes (C, D, and E). Equal amounts of beef (10 × 10 × 2 cm; 2 × 2 × 2 cm) and minced beef (10 × 10 × 2 cm) were placed in refrigerator bags before freezing. The freezing processes were carried out by placing beef samples on the top shelf where the radial fan was located in the freezer compartment of the refrigerators. After the frozen samples were thawed at +4°C, they were cooked in a water bath at 85°C. It was determined that the samples frozen in the refrigerator belonging to the D energy class at −24°C had shorter freezing times and therefore higher freezing rates. It was observed that pH (5.54–5.72) values of samples frozen in the D energy class were higher due to lower weight loss (0.32%–6.80%) values. When their color values were examined, the redness (a∗) values (15.09–17.61) were the highest, while the yellowness (b∗) values (10.31–13.29) were the lowest in these samples. In addition, the hardness (49.00–182.74) and chewiness (16.35–71.80) values of samples frozen in Energy Class D were found to be lower, while their protein denaturation temperatures were higher due to shorter freezing times. Consequently, in this study, the effects of the difference in energy classes of refrigerators on the quality characteristics of beef samples were examined, and the refrigerator belonging to the energy class (D) that gave the best quality properties was found to be the most suitable one for freezing the beef.

Conformation of carcasses and quality characteristics of beef from bulls of the ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed

Conformation of carcasses and quality characteristics of beef from bulls of the ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed

Effect of High-Voltage Electric Field on Thawing Kinetics and Quality Characteristics of Frozen Beef

This study investigated the impact of high-voltage electric field (HVEF) thawing technology on the thawing rate, water retention characteristics, microstructure, and nutritional composition of thawed beef. Compared with the control group, in which thawing occurred under natural conditions, the experimental group, in which beef was thawed under HVEF (12 kV, 16 kV, 20 kV, 24 kV, 28 kV), showed a significantly shorter thawing time, and the higher the voltage was, the faster the thawing rate. The total loss rate of thawed beef reached its minimum value of (54.2 ± 0.62) % at 28 kV, and the water retention of the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that HVEF thawing enhances the water retention ability of beef. In a color comparison, it was evident that the color of the beef thawed by HVEF was significantly better than that of the control group. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that thawing beef by HVEF can reduce the damage to the myofibril structure. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) showed that beef thawed by HVEF had a significantly increased bound water content. According to the determination of malondialdehyde content, beef thawed by HVEF had a reduced degree of lipid oxidation; the content at 16 kV was 2.4 mg/kg, and the degree of lipid oxidation was the lowest. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed that the absorption peak positions of the beef samples did not show significant changes under different conditions. However, the absorption peak intensity in the experimental group was generally higher than that in the control group. Examination of the protein secondary structure via infrared spectroscopy revealed that, compared with the control group, HVEF thawing transformed the proteins from an ordered structure to a disordered structure. The increase in disordered structure reduced the fiber gap of the sample and improved the water retention of the beef. The above experimental results indicate that HVEF thawing can improve the water-holding capacity of the sample and reduce the thawing damage to the quality of the sample.

Effects of Different Low-Temperature Storage Methods on the Quality and Processing Characteristics of Fresh Beef

Low-temperature storage has become the most common way for fresh meat storage because of its lower cost and better preservation effect. Traditional low-temperature preservation includes frozen storage and refrigeration storage. The refrigeration storage has a good fresh-keeping effect, but the shelf life is short. Frozen storage has a long shelf life, but it has a great impact on the quality of meat structure and other qualities, and cannot achieve a complete "fresh-keeping" effect. With the development of food processing storage and freezing technology, two new storage methods, ice temperature storage and micro-frozen storage, have attracted more attention. In this paper, the effects of different low-temperature storage methods on the sensory, physicochemical properties, myofibrillar protein oxidation, microstructure, and processing characteristics of fresh beef were studied. The optimal storage methods under different storage requirements were analyzed to reveal the mechanism and efficacy of ice temperature storage and micro-frozen storage technology, as well as the advantages compared with traditional low-temperature refrigeration. It has practical significance for guiding the application of low-temperature storage of fresh meat. Finally, this study concluded that the longest shelf life could be achieved by frozen storage, and the best preservation effect was achieved during the shelf life of ice temperature storage, and the effect of micro-frozen storage on the myofibrillar protein oxidation and microstructure was the best.

The influence of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill) cladodes powder on improving the characteristics and shelf life of low-fat beef and chicken burgers

This research aims to investigate the influence of using cactus cladodes powder (CP) as a binder at three concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%) on selected quality characteristics of low-fat beef and chicken burgers after formulation and during freeze storage (-18 °C) for 100 days, in comparison to control treatments without CP. Using CP at 3% and 5% influenced (p < 0.05) the proximate composition of the formulated burgers, while 1% CP did not influence the proximate composition significantly. Cooking loss was decreased (p < 0.05) by using CP at 3% and 5%. Oxidation stability of raw and cooked burgers formulated with 3% and 5% CP increased after formulation and during freezing storage for 100 days in comparison to control burger samples. Sensory preferences of color, tenderness, juiciness, taste, and overall acceptability were improved in samples with 3% and 5% CP in comparison to control and 1% CP burgers.

Electrospun eugenol-loaded gelatin nanofibers as bioactive packaging materials to preserve quality characteristics of beef

In this study, electrospinning technique was employed to fabricate eugenol loaded gelatin nanofibers (ELGNs) by using gelatin as an active material to encapsulate eugenol. The results indicated that eugenol could be successfully encapsulated within nanofibers, as verified by SEM, FTIR, and zeta potential analyses. The average zeta potential value of ELGNs was determined to be − 15.08 mV. The average diameter of gelatin nanofibers was enlarged with eugenol encapsulation, increasing to diameter of 125 nm. ELGNs had a smooth and uniform fiber morphology observed by SEM. The ELGNs demonstrated a potent antibacterial activity by significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the number of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria counts by 1.62 log and psychrophilic aerobic bacteria counts by 1.33 log in fresh beef samples treated with ELGNs. Moreover, the bioactive ELGNs maintained textural properties (hardness–4.75 N, gumminess–1.75 N, and chewiness–3.87 N × mm at 9th day of storage) and sensory properties, exhibiting advantages as antimicrobial packaging materials that maintained the quality and freshness of the raw meat, along with the extension of its shelf life to 9 days. Significant (P < 0.05; 0.01) negative and positive correlations were found among the microbiological, textural, and sensory parameters, which explained and confirmed the reason for the effectiveness of the nanofiber treatment. In conclusion, our results suggested that the electrospinning approach in this study could be an effective technique to encapsulate eugenol within gelatin nanofibers and the electrospun ELGN mats could be a novel bio-degradable active packaging material with good antibacterial effects.

Changes in Textural Quality and Water Retention of Spiced Beef under Ultrasound-Assisted Sous-Vide Cooking and Its Possible Mechanisms.

The present study investigated the effects of ultrasound (28 kHz, 60 W at 71 °C for 37 min) combined with sous-vide cooking (at 71 °C for 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 min) on the textural quality, water distribution, and protein characteristics of spiced beef. Results showed that the spiced beef treated with conventional cooking (CT) had the highest cooking loss (41.31%), but the lowest value of shear force (8.13 N), hardness (55.66 N), springiness (3.98 mm), and chewiness (64.36 mJ) compared to ultrasound-assisted sous-vide (USV) and sous-vide cooking (SV) groups. Compared with long-time thermal treatment, USV heating within 100 min enhanced the water retention of spiced beef by maintaining the lower values of cooking loss (16.64~25.76%), T2 relaxation time (242.79~281.19 ms), and free water content (0.16~2.56%), as evident by the intact muscle fibers. Moreover, the USV group had relatively lower carbonyl content, but higher sulfhydryl content compared to CT and SV groups. More protein bands coupled with a minor transformation from α-helixes to β-turns and random coils occurred in USV40~USV80. In conclusion, these results indicated that USV treatment within 100 min positively affected the textural quality and water retention of spiced beef by moderate protein oxidation.

Influence of ingredients with antioxidant properties on quality characteristics of minced beef

Influence of ingredients with antioxidant properties on quality characteristics of minced beef

Electrospun Eugenol-Loaded Gelatin Nanofibers as Bioactive Packaging Materials to Preserve Quality Characteristics of Beef

Electrospun Eugenol-Loaded Gelatin Nanofibers as Bioactive Packaging Materials to Preserve Quality Characteristics of Beef

Ultimate pH effects on dry-aged beef quality

This study aimed to evaluate pH effects on moisture loss and meat quality characteristics of dry-aged beef. Strip loins from six normal pH carcasses (pH = 5.47 ± 0.02) and dark cutting (DC) strip loins from six high pH carcasses (pH = 6.69 ± 0.09) were obtained. One strip loin from each carcass was dry aged and one was wet aged, giving four treatments: DRY, DRY-DC, WET, and WET-DC. Loins were aged for 42 d. Ultimate pH did not affect the rate or amount of moisture loss, trim loss, yield, or tenderness in dry-aged beef (P > 0.05). In general, DC steaks had the lowest lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values, regardless of aging method (P < 0.05). Discoloration scores and TBARS values for DC steaks remained low throughout retail display. Dry aging significantly reduced bacterial counts mitigating the microbial damages associated with DC. Flavor characteristics of DC were not improved by dry aging when compared to dry-aged loins from carcasses with normal pH.

Effects of cemen paste with lyophilized red cabbage water extract on the quality characteristics of beef pastırma during processing and storage

In this study, the effects of cemen paste with lyophilized red cabbage water extract (LRCWE) on the quality characteristics of pastırma were studied. Cemen paste with LRCWE concentrations of 0.0%, 0.8%, 1.0%, and 1.2% were used for pastırma production. Pastırma was stored at 4°C for 150 days. The a* values of external and sliced surfaces and sensorial scores were higher in the pastırma added with 1.0% and/or 1.2% LRCWE during processing and storage. LRCWE addition reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) (p < .01) and pH (p < .01) values, while protein oxidation, moisture, and microbiological counts did not change (p > .05) in pastırma production. However, TBARS (p < .01), pH (p < .01), and protein oxidation (p < .01) values increased during storage. Practical applications Cemening (treatment of dry cured meat with cemen paste) is an important stage in pastırma production as it affects the quality of pastırma. Cemen paste especially affects the color of pastırma. Therefore, synthetic dyes are added to cemen paste to improve the color of pastırma. In addition, the lipid oxidation in pastırma increases during storage. This research could be useful for the food industry and consumers to know that lyophilized red cabbage water extract (LRCWE) is a more suitable natural coloring and antioxidant agent for pastırma cemen paste. In this way, the quality and functional characteristics of pastırma shall be increased during processing and storage.

Effects of ultrasound-assisted cooking on quality characteristics of spiced beef during cold storage

For prolonging the shelf life of spiced beef during cold storage without destroying quality characteristics, ultrasonic-assisted cooking was applied in current study. Total viable count (TVC), the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), pH, texture profile, color and electronic nose data were determined. Results showed that ultrasonic-assisted cooking significantly decreased the TVC, TBARS and TVB-N values of spiced beef during cold storage. The decrease of pH, hardness and chewiness values and the time of flavor deterioration were slowed down during cold storage. As for color, ultrasound-assisted cooking delayed the decline of a* values but decreased the L* values during cold storage. In addition, hardness, chewiness and L* values showed a downward trend as the increase of ultrasonic power. These findings demonstrated that ultrasonic-assisted cooking was a potential way to maintain quality profiles and extend the shelf life of spiced beef.

Assessment of the effect of marination with organic fruit vinegars on safety and quality of beef

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of organic fruit vinegars (blackberry, pomegranate, rosehip, and grape) used as marination liquids (MLs) on food-borne pathogens inoculated on beef, as well as on the quality characteristics (physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory properties) of beef during marination process at 4 °C for 24 h. In the first part of the study, meat samples separately inoculated with Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (≅6 log CFU/mL) were marinated in four different MLs and the count of S. Typhimurium, L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 on samples decreased in the range of 1.040–1.225, 1.420–1.913 and 1.232–1.435 log CFU/g, respectively. Marination with rosehip vinegar (MLR) was determined as the most effective treatment against all pathogens. In the second part of the study, proximate composition, color parameters, cooking yield, marinate absorption, pH, texture profile, aerobic plate count and sensory properties of marinated meat samples were determined. The moisture content of the samples marinated with grape vinegar (MLG) (73.50%) was found lower than of the samples marinated with other formulations (in the range of 75.95–76.65%) (P < 0.05). Marination by various MLs resulted in significant differences between the L*, a* and b* values of meat samples (P < 0.05). The hardness value of the samples was decreased by marination with MLR (P < 0.05) and was determined as 25.70 N. There were no significant differences between the meat samples marinated with the four different MLs in terms of cooking yield, marinate absorption and pH (P > 0.05). Aerobic plate count was reduced in the range of 0.589–0.950 log CFU/g for 24 h marination (P > 0.05). The highest sensory evaluation scores in terms of flavor were determined in meat samples marinated with MLG (P > 0.05). Therefore, different fruit vinegars used as MLs improved the safety and quality of meat at different levels.

Influences of encapsulated polyphosphate incorporation on oxidative stability and quality characteristics of ready to eat beef Döner kebab during storage

The effect of different polyphosphates (sodium tripolyphosphate, STP; sodium hexametaphosphate, HMP; sodium pyrophosphate, SPP) and ratios of unencapsulated (u) and encapsulated (e) forms of these polyphosphates (PP, 0.5%) on lipid oxidation inhibition and quality characteristics of ground beef döner kebab were evaluated. STP usage provided lower cooking loss (CL) than HMP or SPP (P < .05). Döners containing STP had higher pH than those with HMP or SPP (P < .05). Regardless of ePP ratio in the total added PP (0.5%), added ePP created the same effect on CL and pH as 0.5% uPP in döner samples. The highest orthophosphate (OP) was obtained with STP, followed by SPP, HMP and control (no PP; P < .05). OP values generally decreased with increasing ePP ratio up to 0.4% in the total added PP (P < .05). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) in döners containing PP were lower than control (P < .05). The lowest TBARS and LPO were determined in döners containing STP or SPP (P < .05). In general, increasing ePP ratio (up to 0.2% for STP and SPP, and 0.4% for HMP) in the total added PP provided further reduction in TBARS and LPO (P < .05). TBARS and LPO results suggested that ePP incorporation may be strategic implementation for meat industry to control lipid oxidation in ready to eat döner kebab.