Top Sirloin Steaks Research Articles

Nutrient Analysis of Raw and Cooked USDA Prime Beef Cuts.

Nutrient composition data that accurately represent available beef products are critical to understanding beef's role in healthy dietary patterns. The quality of beef products has changed over the past several decades, and updated nutrient data are warranted as USDA Prime beef cuts become more available. In an effort to provide a complete nutrient profile for frequently purchased USDA Prime beef cuts, five USDA Prime cuts; strip loin steak, tenderloin steak, ribeye steak, top sirloin steak, and rib roast were collected from retail stores in six geographical locations over three collections for macro- and micronutrient analysis in both the raw and cooked state. The separable lean portion of all analyzed USDA Prime cuts qualified as a good or excellent source, providing 10-19% or at least 20% of the daily value, respectively, for protein, niacin, vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorus, and zinc per FDA labeling claim standards. There was not a significant difference in cholesterol content between any of the cuts, raw or cooked (p ≥ 0.44 and 0.34, respectively). The percent lipid in raw, separable lean portions of the rib roast and strip loin steak was significantly greater than the lipid portion in tenderloin and top sirloin steaks (p ≤ 0.01). Per USDA standards, the separable lean portions of tenderloin steak and top sirloin steak qualify as lean beef, containing less than 10 g total fat, less than 4.5 g saturated fat, and less than or equal to 95 mg cholesterol. The current study provides the most up-to-date nutrient analysis for USDA Prime beef cuts, helping consumers and health professionals better identify the role of high-quality beef cuts in healthy dietary patterns.

Quality and Palatability of Beef Subprimals Subjected to Various Frozen/Refrigerated Storage Conditions

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of various combinations of refrigerated and frozen storage on quality and palatability attributes in ribeye roll and top sirloin butt subprimals and steaks. USDA Choice boneless ribeye rolls (n=40) and top sirloin butts (n=40) were aged under refrigeration for 21 d before being assigned to 1 of 4 treatments. Treatments included (1) Frozen subprimals/Frozen steaks, in which subprimals were frozen for 30 d, thawed for 7 d, and portioned into steaks that were frozen for 30 d, then thawed for 2 d before evaluation; (2) Frozen subprimals/Refrigerated steaks, in which subprimals were frozen for 30 d, thawed for 7 d, and portioned into steaks for evaluation; (3) Refrigerated subprimals/Frozen steaks, in which subprimals were portioned into steaks that were frozen for 30 d, then thawed for 2 d before evaluation; and (4) Refrigerated subprimals/Refrigerated steaks, in which subprimals were portioned into steaks for evaluation within 7 d of portioning. Beef steaks from the ribeye rolls and top sirloin butts were evaluated to determine the impact of storage treatments on purge, color, cooking yield, tenderness, and consumer acceptability. For both subprimals, purge varied (P<0.0001) among steak treatments, with Refrigerated/Refrigerated being the lowest for both subprimals. For both steak types, cook yield was highest (P<0.05) for Refrigerated/Refrigerated treatment. Refrigerated/Refrigerated ribeye steaks had among the lowest Warner-Bratzler shear force values, and similar (P>0.05) consumer ratings were observed for ribeye steaks. Frozen/Frozen top sirloin steaks had the lowest (P<0.05) consumer ratings for overall liking, flavor liking, and juiciness liking. Storage conditions played a greater role in quality and consumer acceptability for top sirloin steaks than ribeye steaks. Overall, freezing both subprimals and steaks posed the greatest challenge in quality and palatability.

Prediction of beef tenderness and juiciness using consumer and descriptive sensory attributes

The impact of different cooking methods, degree of doneness, cuts, and marbling scores on beef juiciness and tenderness have been examined. However, relationships between tenderness and juiciness, the two major components of beef texture, for descriptive and consumer sensory data with Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and overall consumer liking have not been elucidated using US consumers recently. The objective was to use two data sets that measured consumer sensory and beef descriptive tenderness and juiciness attributes to understand relationships between consumer and trained descriptive tenderness and juiciness attributes, and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and overall consumer liking. Data were analyzed in two sets, top loin steaks (n = 119) or beef cuts (n = 276) that included top loin steaks, tenderloin steaks, top sirloin steaks, and bottom round roasts. Average WBSF values for top loin steaks and beef cuts were 26.0 and 28.5 N, respectively. Consumer attributes were not strong predictors of WBSF. WBSF was more highly related to descriptive tenderness ratings (R2 = 0.37 for beef cuts). Overall liking was correlated to consumer attributes, most strongly to flavor liking (R2 = 0.94 for beef cuts). Descriptive and consumer juiciness ratings did not appreciably improve predictability of regression equations for either WBSF or consumer overall liking. These results indicated that using a WBSF value of 28 N or less for beef cuts would provide assurance for moderately tender beef as defined by descriptive sensory evaluation, and WBSF values between 30 and 32 N were slightly tender (as defined by descriptive sensory evaluation). Beef with WBSF values of 40 or higher were defined as slightly tough or tougher.

2018 National Beef Flavor Audit: Consumer and Descriptive Sensory Attributes

Beef flavor has been identified as a driver of consumer acceptability; however, little is known about variability of flavor in major United States retail beef cuts. Four beef cuts (chuck roast; top sirloin steaks; top loin steaks; and 80/20 ground beef) were obtained from retail stores (n=30 per cut per city) in Miami, Los Angeles, Portland, New York, and Denver during a 2-mo period in 2018. Production systems or package claims were documented. An expert trained flavor and texture descriptive attribute sensory panel evaluated beef flavors, aromas, and textures (n=10 cuts per city or 50 cuts evaluated). Consumer sensory panels in Fort Collins, CO (n=10 per cut/city), and Lubbock, TX (n=10 per cut/city), evaluated beef for overall liking, overall flavor, beef flavor, grilled flavor, juiciness, and texture liking. Ground beef patties (GB) were more intense (P<0.0001) in brown, fat-like, green hay-like, and sour milk/sour dairy flavor aromatics and salty and sweet basic taste than steak or roast cuts. Additionally, GB had the lowest levels (P<0.0001) of bloody/serumy, metallic, and liver-like flavor aromatics. Chuck roasts had the lowest levels of (P<0.0001) beef flavor identity, brown, and roasted flavor aromatics and salt and umami basic tastes. Top sirloin steaks were lowest (P<0.0001) in fat-like flavor aromatics and most intense (P<0.0001) in burnt, cardboardy, bitter, and sour attributes. Top sirloin steaks and chuck roasts were more intense in metallic and liver-like (P<0.0001) flavor aromatics. Consumers rated chuck roasts lowest for overall, overall flavor, grilled flavor, and juiciness liking (P<0.04). GB and top loin steaks had the highest consumer texture liking (P<0.0002). Beef descriptive flavor and texture attributes were related to consumer liking, and negative flavor aromatic attributes were identified. Variation in beef flavor attributes were reported in retail beef cuts and ground beef that impact consumer liking.

The correlation between Longissimus thoracis muscle ageing extent, growth and carcass traits in Simmental bulls: preliminary results

Submitted 2020-07-24 | Accepted 2020-09-16 | Available 2020-12-01 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2020.23.mi-fpap.282-289 A common practice to improve meat quality is aging under controlled conditions, which results in improved tenderness, a key factor in the consumer acceptance of beef meat. Among other traits, the tenderness and the effect of ageing are also genetically determined. Therefore, a trial was performed to assess the effect of ageing in the progeny of young bulls included in the routine breeding program for Simmental breed in Slovenia. In the trial, 127 young bulls were included, and the shear force of grilled Longissimus thoracis muscle was measured fresh and after three weeks of ageing. There was a significant difference between the fresh and aged muscle in shear force, but growth and other carcass traits did not affect it as it was expected. We assume that after enlarging the number of animals, the data will be usable to be included in the genetic evaluation of the breeding program for Simmental breed in Slovenia. Keywords: Longissimus thoracis, beef, ageing, shear force References Carvalho, M. E. et al. (2014). Heat shock and structural proteins associated with meat tenderness in Nellore beef cattle, a Bos indicus breed. Meat Science, 96, 1318-1324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2013.11.014 Dikeman, M. and Devine, C. (2014). Encyclopedia of Meat Sciences. Academic Press. Dikeman, M. E. et al. (2005). Phenotypic ranges and relationships among carcass and meat palatability traits for fourteen cattle breeds, and heritabilities and expected progeny differences for Warner-Bratzler shear force in three beef cattle breeds. Journal of Animal Science, 83, 2461-2467. https://doi.org/10.2527/2005.83102461x Florek, M. et al. (2007). Changes of physicochemical properties of bullocks and heifers meat during 14 days of ageing under vacuum. Polish Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, 57(3), 281–287. Hanzelkova, S. et al. (2011). The effect of breed, sex and aging time on tenderness of beef meat. Acta Veterinaria Brno, 80, 191-196. https://doi.org/10.2754/avb201180020191 Harper, G. S. (1999). Trends in skeletal muscle biology and the understanding of toughness in beef. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 50, 1105-1129. https://doi.org/10.1071/AR98191 Holloway, J. W. and Wu, J. (2019). Tenderness Intrinsic Character. In: Red Meat Science and Production. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-7860-7_5 Koohmaraie, M. et al. (2002). Meat tenderness and muscle growth: Is there any relationship? Meat Science, 62, 345-352. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0309-1740(02)00127-4 Lawrence, T. E. et al. (2001). Evaluation of electric belt grill, forced-air convection oven, and electric broiler cookery methods for beef tenderness research. Meat Science, 58(3), 239–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0309-1740(00)00159-5 Miller, M. F. et al. (1995). Retail consumer acceptance of beef tenderized with calcium chloride. Journal of Animal Science, 73, 2308-2314. https://doi.org/10.2527/1995.7382308x Purslow, P. P. (2005). Intramuscular connective tissue and its role in meat quality. Meat Science, 70, 435-447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2004.06.028 Sazili, A. Q. et al. (2004). The effect of altered growth rates on the calpain proteolytic system and meat tenderness in cattle. Meat Science, 66, 195-201. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0309-1740(03)00091-3 Shackelford, S. D., Koohmaraie, M. and Wheeler, T. L. (1995). Effects of slaughter age on meat tenderness and USDA carcass maturity scores of beef females. Journal of Animal Science, 73, 3304-3309. https://doi.org/10.2527/1995.73113304x Splan, R. K. et al. (2002). Estimates of parameters between direct and maternal genetic effects for weaning weight and direct genetic effects for carcass traits in crossbred cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 80(12), 3107-3111. https://doi.org/10.2527/2002.80123107x Wall, K. R. et al. (2019). Grilling temperature effects on tenderness, juiciness, flavor and volatile aroma compounds of aged ribeye, strip loin, and top sirloin steaks. Meat Science, 150, 141–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2018.11.009 Wulf, D. M. et al. (1996). Genetic influences on beef Longissimus palatability in Charolais- and Limousin-sired steers and heifers. Journal of Animal Science, 74, 2394-2405. https://doi.org/10.2527/1996.74102394x Yancey, J. W. S., Wharton, M. D. and Apple, J. K. (2011). Cookery method and end-point temperature can affect the Warner-Bratzler shear force, cooking loss, and internal cooked color of beef longissimus steaks. Meat Science, 88, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2010.11.020 Zwambag, A. et al. (2013). Heritability of beef tenderness at different aging times and across breed comparisons. Canadian Journal of Animal Science, 93, 307312. https://doi.org/10.4141/CJAS2012-100

Evaluation of Beef Top Sirloin Steaks of Four Quality Grades Cooked to Three Degrees of Doneness

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of quality grade on beef eating quality of top sirloin steaks when cooked to multiple degrees of doneness (DOD).Materials and MethodsBeef top sirloin butts (IMPS #184; N = 60; 15/quality grade) were collected to equally represent 4 quality grades [Prime, Top Choice (Modest and Moderate marbling), Low Choice, and Select]. Top butts were cut into six consecutive steaks, and then divided laterally to get a total of twelve steaks per top butt. Steaks were assigned to one of three DOD: rare (60°C), medium (71°C), and well-done (77°C). Steaks within each DOD were assigned to consumer sensory analysis, trained sensory analysis, fat and moisture analysis, and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF). Consumers (N = 236) were fed samples under red lighting and evaluated steaks for juiciness, tenderness, flavor, and overall liking on continuous line scales. Trained sensory panelists evaluated samples for initial and sustained juiciness, myofibrillar and overall tenderness, connective tissue amount, beef flavor intensity, and off flavor intensity on similar continuous line scales. Data were analyzed as a split-plot, with a whole plot factor of quality grade, and sub-plot factor of DOD.ResultsThere were no interactions (P > 0.05) for all consumer ratings of palatability traits. For quality grade, no differences (P > 0.05) were observed for consumer ratings of tenderness, flavor, and overall liking; however, there was a significant effect (P = 0.01) on juiciness. Prime top sirloin steaks had higher (P < 0.05) juiciness ratings than all other quality grades, except for Top Choice. Additionally, as DOD increased, consumer ratings and the percentage of steaks rated acceptable for all palatability traits decreased (P < 0.05; rare > medium > well-done). There was a quality grade × DOD interaction (P < 0.05) for trained sensory ratings of myofibrillar tenderness, initial juiciness, and sustained juiciness. When steaks were cooked to medium, Prime and Top Choice steaks had higher (P < 0.05) panelist ratings for initial and sustained juiciness than Low Choice and Select steaks. Similar to trained panelist ratings of juiciness, Prime and Top Choice steaks had higher (P < 0.05) ratings of myofibrillar tenderness than Select steaks. Prime and Top Choice steaks had similar (P > 0.05) and higher (P < 0.05) ratings for myofibrillar tenderness when compared to Low Choice steaks. Within DOD, each successive increase in DOD resulted in a concurrent decrease (P < 0.05; rare > medium > well) in trained panelist ratings of myofibrillar tenderness, initial juiciness, and sustained juiciness. There was no quality grade by DOD interactions (P > 0.05) for Warner-Bratzler shear force. Prime steaks were more (P < 0.05) tender than Low Choice and Select steaks but were similar (P > 0.05) to Top Choice. Moreover, as DOD increased, WBSF concurrently increased (P < 0.05; well-done > medium > rare), with well-done steaks having WBSF values 0.8 kg tougher than rare steaks.ConclusionThese results indicate that regardless of DOD, quality grade had minimal impact on the palatability of beef top sirloin steaks. Therefore, unless cooked to a medium DOD, it is unnecessary for consumers, retailers, and foodservice to pay premium prices for higher quality top sirloin steaks, as the same eating experience will be provided.

Beef Flavor Evaluation on Top Loin Steaks, Sirloin Steaks, Chuck Roasts, and 80/20 Ground Beef Over The Retail Case

ObjectivesConsumer acceptability in meat flavor is one of the driving factors of acceptability. Many studies have found factors that affect beef flavor, but little is known about variability of major beef cuts in the retail meat case where meat is displayed, and customers can choose from.Materials and MethodsFour beef cuts (chuck roast, top sirloin steaks, top loin steaks, and 80/20 ground beef) were obtained from retail stores in Miami, Los Angeles, Portland, New York, and Denver within a 2-mo period. The study wanted a variety of samples that were from different production systems or contained certain claims that would be available to customers. The meat was shipped with dry ice and stored at –9°C. For evaluation steaks, roasts, and ground beef were thawed 24 h at 4°C. Prior to cooking, chuck roasts were cut 10.16 × 12.7cm from the center of the roast. Each ground beef sample was formulated into 3, approximately 150 g patties. Chuck roasts were placed in a roasting pan on a roasting rack and 2 cups of water. Beef steaks and ground beef patties were cooked on a stovetop grill and cooked to 71°C, steaks and patties were flipped when temperature reached 35°F. Chuck roasts were cut into 1.27cm cubes with no visible connective tissue, fat, or outside browning. Steaks were cut into 1.27cm cubes with no connective tissue or fat. Ground beef patties were cut into 6 wedges. Panelists were served either 2 wedges or 2 1.27 cm samples for evaluation. An expert trained descriptive flavor and texture sensory panel was conducted where panelists evaluated beef flavors and textures. Beef flavor and texture attributes were analyzed using SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) and principal component (PCA) bi-plots were generated using XLSTAT (Addinsoft, Inc., Long Island City, NY) using P < 0.05.ResultsChuck roasts were associated with bloody/serumy flavor aromatics. Ground beef patties were clustered with fat-like, overall sweet, green hay, and buttery flavor aromatics. Top sirloin steaks samples were more highly associated with off flavors such as liver, cardboardy, and sour flavor aromatics. Top loin steaks were clustered with positive attributes such as umami, beef flavor identity, and brown, roasted flavor aromatics. For the PCA biplot, factor 1 accounted for 60% and factor 2 accounted for 28% of variation. Ground beef was higher (P < 0.0001) in brown, fat like, green hay, sour milk/sour dairy, flavor aromatics, and had more salty and sweet basic taste than the other cuts. Ground beef patties had the least amount (P < 0.0001) of bloody/serumy, metallic, and liver like flavor aromatics. Chuck roasts had the least (P < 0.0001) beef flavor id, brown, roasted flavor aromatics and salt and umami basic taste. Sirloin steaks had the lowest (P < 0.0001) fat like flavor aromatic and the highest levels (P < 0.0001) of burnt and cardboardy flavor aromatics and bitter and sour basic taste. Sirloin steaks and chuck roasts had more metallic and liver like (P < 0.0001) flavor aromatics than other cuts. Top loin steaks were intermediate in flavor attributes.ConclusionFlavor descriptive attributes of four beef cuts differed. Results indicated that chuck roasts and top sirloin steaks were associated with negative flavor attributes. Ground beef contained sweeter, fat like attributes with exceptions of green hay, while top loin steaks were associated with more positive beef flavor attributes.

Evaluation of Beef Top Sirloin Steaks of Four Quality Grades Cooked to Three Degrees of Doneness

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of quality grade on beef eating quality of top sirloin steaks when cooked to multiple degrees of doneness (DOD).Materials and MethodsBeef top sirloin butts (IMPS #184; N = 60; 15/quality grade) were collected to equally represent 4 quality grades [Prime, Top Choice (Modest and Moderate marbling), Low Choice, and Select]. Top butts were cut into six consecutive steaks, and then divided laterally to get a total of twelve steaks per top butt. Steaks were assigned to one of three DOD: rare (60°C), medium (71°C), and well-done (77°C). Steaks within each DOD were assigned to consumer sensory analysis, trained sensory analysis, fat and moisture analysis, and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF). Consumers (N = 236) were fed samples under red lighting and evaluated steaks for juiciness, tenderness, flavor, and overall liking on continuous line scales. Trained sensory panelists evaluated samples for initial and sustained juiciness, myofibrillar and overall tenderness, connective tissue amount, beef flavor intensity, and off flavor intensity on similar continuous line scales. Data were analyzed as a split-plot, with a whole plot factor of quality grade, and sub-plot factor of DOD.ResultsThere were no interactions (P > 0.05) for all consumer ratings of palatability traits. For quality grade, no differences (P > 0.05) were observed for consumer ratings of tenderness, flavor, and overall liking; however, there was a significant effect (P = 0.01) on juiciness. Prime top sirloin steaks had higher (P < 0.05) juiciness ratings than all other quality grades, except for Top Choice. Additionally, as DOD increased, consumer ratings and the percentage of steaks rated acceptable for all palatability traits decreased (P < 0.05; rare > medium > well-done). There was a quality grade × DOD interaction (P < 0.05) for trained sensory ratings of myofibrillar tenderness, initial juiciness, and sustained juiciness. When steaks were cooked to medium, Prime and Top Choice steaks had higher (P < 0.05) panelist ratings for initial and sustained juiciness than Low Choice and Select steaks. Similar to trained panelist ratings of juiciness, Prime and Top Choice steaks had higher (P < 0.05) ratings of myofibrillar tenderness than Select steaks. Prime and Top Choice steaks had similar (P > 0.05) and higher (P < 0.05) ratings for myofibrillar tenderness when compared to Low Choice steaks. Within DOD, each successive increase in DOD resulted in a concurrent decrease (P < 0.05; rare > medium > well) in trained panelist ratings of myofibrillar tenderness, initial juiciness, and sustained juiciness. There was no quality grade by DOD interactions (P > 0.05) for Warner-Bratzler shear force. Prime steaks were more (P < 0.05) tender than Low Choice and Select steaks but were similar (P > 0.05) to Top Choice. Moreover, as DOD increased, WBSF concurrently increased (P < 0.05; well-done > medium > rare), with well-done steaks having WBSF values 0.8 kg tougher than rare steaks.ConclusionThese results indicate that regardless of DOD, quality grade had minimal impact on the palatability of beef top sirloin steaks. Therefore, unless cooked to a medium DOD, it is unnecessary for consumers, retailers, and foodservice to pay premium prices for higher quality top sirloin steaks, as the same eating experience will be provided.

Evaluation of Beef Top Sirloin Steaks of Four Quality Grades Cooked to Three Degrees of Doneness

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of USDA quality grade on beef eating quality of top sirloin steaks when cooked to multiple degrees of doneness (DOD). Beef top sirloin butts (N = 60; 15/quality grade) were collected to equally represent 4 quality grades [Prime, Top Choice (modest00 to moderate100), Low Choice, and Select]. Steaks were assigned to 1 of 3 DOD: rare (60°C), medium (71°C), and well-done (77°C). Steaks were allocated to either consumer sensory analysis, trained sensory analysis, fat and moisture analysis, or Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF). There were no interactions (P &gt; 0.05) for all consumer ratings of palatability traits, indicating increases in DOD had the same impact across all quality grades. Prime steaks had greater (P &lt; 0.05) juiciness ratings than all other quality grades, except for Top Choice. As DOD increased, consumer ratings and the percentage of steaks rated acceptable for each palatability trait decreased (P &lt; 0.05; rare &gt; medium &gt; well-done). There was a quality grade × DOD interaction (P &lt; 0.05) for trained sensory panel juiciness scores. When cooked to medium, Prime and Top Choice steaks were rated higher (P &lt; 0.05) for juiciness than Low Choice and Select steaks, while there were no differences at all other DOD. Similar to consumer ratings, trained panel ratings of tenderness decreased (P &lt; 0.05) as DOD increased (rare &gt; medium &gt; well-done). Lastly, there was no quality grade by DOD interaction (P &gt; 0.05) for Warner-Bratzler shear force. These results indicate that regardless of the DOD top sirloin steaks are cooked to, quality grade had minimal impact on palatability. Therefore, it is unnecessary for consumers, retailers, and foodservice to pay premium prices for higher quality top sirloin steaks, as the same eating experience will be provided.

Beef Flavor Evaluation on Top Loin Steaks, Sirloin Steaks, Chuck Roasts, and 80/20 Ground Beef Over The Retail Case

ObjectivesConsumer acceptability in meat flavor is one of the driving factors of acceptability. Many studies have found factors that affect beef flavor, but little is known about variability of major beef cuts in the retail meat case where meat is displayed, and customers can choose from.Materials and MethodsFour beef cuts (chuck roast, top sirloin steaks, top loin steaks, and 80/20 ground beef) were obtained from retail stores in Miami, Los Angeles, Portland, New York, and Denver within a 2-mo period. The study wanted a variety of samples that were from different production systems or contained certain claims that would be available to customers. The meat was shipped with dry ice and stored at –9°C. For evaluation steaks, roasts, and ground beef were thawed 24 h at 4°C. Prior to cooking, chuck roasts were cut 10.16 × 12.7cm from the center of the roast. Each ground beef sample was formulated into 3, approximately 150 g patties. Chuck roasts were placed in a roasting pan on a roasting rack and 2 cups of water. Beef steaks and ground beef patties were cooked on a stovetop grill and cooked to 71°C, steaks and patties were flipped when temperature reached 35°F. Chuck roasts were cut into 1.27cm cubes with no visible connective tissue, fat, or outside browning. Steaks were cut into 1.27cm cubes with no connective tissue or fat. Ground beef patties were cut into 6 wedges. Panelists were served either 2 wedges or 2 1.27 cm samples for evaluation. An expert trained descriptive flavor and texture sensory panel was conducted where panelists evaluated beef flavors and textures. Beef flavor and texture attributes were analyzed using SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) and principal component (PCA) bi-plots were generated using XLSTAT (Addinsoft, Inc., Long Island City, NY) using P < 0.05.ResultsChuck roasts were associated with bloody/serumy flavor aromatics. Ground beef patties were clustered with fat-like, overall sweet, green hay, and buttery flavor aromatics. Top sirloin steaks samples were more highly associated with off flavors such as liver, cardboardy, and sour flavor aromatics. Top loin steaks were clustered with positive attributes such as umami, beef flavor identity, and brown, roasted flavor aromatics. For the PCA biplot, factor 1 accounted for 60% and factor 2 accounted for 28% of variation. Ground beef was higher (P < 0.0001) in brown, fat like, green hay, sour milk/sour dairy, flavor aromatics, and had more salty and sweet basic taste than the other cuts. Ground beef patties had the least amount (P < 0.0001) of bloody/serumy, metallic, and liver like flavor aromatics. Chuck roasts had the least (P < 0.0001) beef flavor id, brown, roasted flavor aromatics and salt and umami basic taste. Sirloin steaks had the lowest (P < 0.0001) fat like flavor aromatic and the highest levels (P < 0.0001) of burnt and cardboardy flavor aromatics and bitter and sour basic taste. Sirloin steaks and chuck roasts had more metallic and liver like (P < 0.0001) flavor aromatics than other cuts. Top loin steaks were intermediate in flavor attributes.ConclusionFlavor descriptive attributes of four beef cuts differed. Results indicated that chuck roasts and top sirloin steaks were associated with negative flavor attributes. Ground beef contained sweeter, fat like attributes with exceptions of green hay, while top loin steaks were associated with more positive beef flavor attributes.

Quality Grade Has No Effect on Top Sirloin Steaks Cooked to Multiple Degrees of Doneness

Quality Grade Has No Effect on Top Sirloin Steaks Cooked to Multiple Degrees of Doneness

Grilling temperature effects on tenderness, juiciness, flavor and volatile aroma compounds of aged ribeye, strip loin, and top sirloin steaks

Ribeye, top loin, and top sirloin steaks were assigned a grilling temperature setting (177°C, 205°C, or 232°C) and consumer panel, Warner-Bratzler shear force, trained sensory panel, and GC/MS – olfactory analyses were performed. No differences (P > 0.05) in consumer overall, tenderness, juiciness, appearance, and flavor liking were detected among steak type or grill temperature. Grill surface temperature had no effect (P > 0.05) on trained panel tenderness scores. Of the volatiles present during an aroma event, pyrazine compounds were most influenced by grill surface temperature. The tenderness and juiciness of steaks grilled at differing temperatures were not perceived to be different by consumers; however, grilling temperature impacted the flavor of the final product by generating more pyrazine compounds. Steaks in this study likely were too tender to have a grilling effect on tenderness, but selecting different grilling temperatures can be used to vary the amount of browning of steaks and/or to modify aroma volatile compounds.

Is Blade Tenderization Still Needed for Inherently Tender Top Sirloin Steaks?

ObjectivesAlthough blade tenderization has historically been used to enhance tenderness, it may create a food safety concern. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if consumer satisfaction improves by blade tenderizing today’s inherently tender beef.Materials and MethodsPaired USDA Choice top sirloin butts (n = 20 total pieces) were collected from 10 carcasses representative of the typical carcass in today’s fed beef market. Carcasses from dairy-type cattle, Bos indicus-influenced cattle, and from cattle over 30 mo of age were not used. No selection preference was given to carcass sex class, weight, or presence or absence of black hide, but excessively heavy or light carcasses that would not yield a representative sample of what today’s consumers call an “average steak” were not selected. Subprimals were subjected to a 28-day refrigerated wet aging period before treatments were administered, with “d 0” defined as the day of carcass fabrication. Top sirloins from the left side of the carcass were blade tenderized once before portioning into steaks, whereas top sirloins from the right side of the carcass received no treatment and served as the control. Paired top sirloin butts were subjected to Warner-Bratzler Shear (WBS) force testing as a measure of objective tenderness. Consumer sensory evaluation was used to determine if consumer liking of tenderness, flavor, juiciness, and overall liking differed for steaks from blade tenderized (BT) subprimals versus those from non-blade tenderized (NBT) subprimals. Steaks were cut into fourths after cooking, with each sample (one-fourth of a steak) presented on a plate along with a metal steak knife and a plastic fork. This serving style allowed panelists to cut into the product, which sometimes influences consumer acceptability. Data were analyzed with paired t-tests using the matched pairs function of JMP (Version 12, SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC), at an alpha of 5%.ResultsConsumers assigned BT steaks higher (P < 0.05; Table 1) ratings for tenderness liking rating, flavor liking rating, and overall liking rating compared to NBT steaks. No differences (P > 0.05) were seen for juiciness liking ratings or WBS force values.ConclusionAlthough today’s beef is inherently tender, these data show that blade tenderization improved consumer sensory panel ratings for tenderness, flavor, and overall likeability for beef top sirloin steaks. Therefore, discontinuing the use of blade tenderization could result in less favorable consumer eating experiences.

Impact of Extended Aging Time and Freezing on Tenderness of Beef Top Sirloin Steaks

Impact of Extended Aging Time and Freezing on Tenderness of Beef Top Sirloin Steaks

Effects of Temperature Abuse on Shelf Life and Color Stability on Beef Products

ObjectivesMeat color is the single most influential purchasing decision for consumers, as they associate freshness and wholesomeness with discoloration. Surface discoloration results in about 15% of retail beef being discounted and about $1 billion in annual revenue loss. Although several factors can influence beef color, limited information is currently available on the effect of temperature abuse on beef color. Therefore, the overall goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of temperature abuse on shelf-life and color stability in beef products.Materials and MethodsAll master bags (0.4% carbonmonoxide, 30% carbondioxide, and 69.6% nitrogen) were kept in dark storage for 15 d before display at a temperature of –2 to 0°C. Four different treatments were utilized during the 5 d display study: (1) case at –1 to 1°C, 5 d display; (2) case at 3 to 5°C, 5 d display, (3) 8 h temperature abuse at 10°C then 5 d display, case at –1 to 1°C; and (4) 8 h temperature abuse at 10°C and 5 d display, case at 3 to 5°C. Seven trays of strip loin steaks (n = 28) and top sirloin steaks (n = 28) were utilized for each treatment and were randomly assigned to a retail case. Surface color, biochemical, and microbiological qualities were determined during display time. Each sample was visually evaluated for lean color, surface discoloration, and overall acceptability over 5 d by a 6 member trained color panel. For the biochemical analysis, pH, metmyoglobin reducing activity, and oxygen consumption were determined on the steaks before display. At the conclusion of color evaluation, 2 samples from each treatment were utilized for total aerobic plate count. The data were analyzed using the Mixed Procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC), and considered significant at a level of P < 0.05.ResultsLean color and overall acceptability were not different (P > 0.05) for strip loin and sirloin steaks that were temperature abused prior to display, but lean color and overall acceptability were lower for steaks in warmer retail cases (P < 0.05). Sirloin steak discolored more rapidly (P < 0.05) than strip loin steaks in all treatments. The total plate counts showed no differences between treatments for sirloin steaks. However, a greater total plate count was noted in strip loin steaks that had not been temperature abused but displayed in a warmer temperature. Oxygen consumption rate, metmyoglobin reducing activity, and pH were not different between treatments.ConclusionTemperature abuse prior to retail display had no effect on the lean color, discoloration, or overall acceptability of the product. However, a warmer retail case had significant effect on surface color and overall acceptability of steaks. Temperature abuse prior to display combined with a warmer display case leads to shorter shelf-life.

Grilling Temperature Effects on Tenderness, Juiciness, and Flavor of Ribeye, Top Loin and Top Sirloin Steaks

Grilling Temperature Effects on Tenderness, Juiciness, and Flavor of Ribeye, Top Loin and Top Sirloin Steaks

National Beef Tenderness Survey—2015: Palatability and Shear Force Assessments of Retail and Foodservice Beef

Beef retail steaks from establishments across 11 US cities and beef foodservice steaks from establishments in 6 US cities were evaluated using Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) force and consumer sensory panels. The average post-fabrication aging time of steaks at retail establishments was 25.9 d with a range of 6 to 102 d, and those from foodservice establishments averaged 31.5 d with a range of 3 to 91 d. The retail steaks with the lowest WBS value (P &lt; 0.05) was the boneless top loin, compared to the top round steaks, which had the higher (P &lt; 0.05) average WBS value. For the foodservice sector, top loin and ribeye steaks had the lowest (P &lt; 0.05) WBS values, whereas the top sirloin represented the highest (P &lt; 0.05) WBS values. The top blade retail steaks received among the highest consumer ratings (P &lt; 0.05), whereas the top round and bottom round steaks received among the lowest (P &lt; 0.05) consumer ratings for overall liking, tenderness liking, tenderness level, flavor liking, and juiciness liking. For the foodservice sector, the ribeye and top loin steaks were rated higher (P &lt; 0.05) than top sirloin steaks for all consumer rating categories. The WBS values and sensory ratings were comparable to previous surveys, indicating no substantial changes in tenderness. Additional emphasis in improving the tenderness of top and bottom round steaks is necessary to increase consumer acceptability of these cuts.

Increasing postmortem aging time decreases color and flavor stability of top sirloin steaks (2014)

Top sirloin butts are commonly blade-tenderized to significantly increase tenderness, but minimal data have shown the relationship between blade tenderization and color stability as well as the effect of extended postmortem aging periods past 30 days on color stability. Tenderness plays a significant role in consumer satisfaction with beef products, and blade tenderization and extended postmortem aging periods are effective ways to ensure that beef cuts are tender. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to: (1) determine color and flavor stability of beef gluteus medius during extended postmortem aging times with and without mechanical tenderization, and (2) determine the biochemical factors responsible for color stability of beef gluteus medius at five different aging periods.

North American Beef Tenderness Survey 2011–2012: Benchmarking tenderness and sample shipping procedures1

Fifty-four stores in 30 U.S. cities were sampled from June 2011 through May 2012 to benchmark beef tenderness at retail, as assessed by Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF). Top loin (Longissimus dorsi; n = 980) and sirloin (Gluteus medius and Biceps femoris; n = 860) steaks were collected at random (Quality Grade and brand) and shipped via overnight delivery to Colorado State University. From June 2011 through November 2011, North American Beef Tenderness Survey (NABTS) Period 1, samples were shipped fresh and then frozen. Mean WBSF values during Period 1 were 2.9 and 3.5 kg for top loin and sirloin steaks, respectively. Frequencies of steaks classified as tough (WBSF ≥ 4.4 kg) were 8.6% and 17.7% for top loin and sirloin steaks, respectively. When shipped fresh, a disproportionately high frequency (16.9%) of top loin steaks had WBSF ≤ 2.0 kg, representing a deviation from previous works. Two trials were conducted to assess the effect of freezing, retail display, and shipping on WBSF and slice shear force (SSF) of beef top loin steaks. Freezing, retail display, and shipment reduced WBSF by 0.4, 0.3, and 0.0 kg during Trial 1, and by 0.4, 0.3, and 0.1 kg during Trial 2. Slice shear force was lower (P < 0.05) in steaks exposed to shipping conditions during Trial 1; however, this difference was not observed in Trial 2. Shipping decreased the frequency of steaks categorized as tough (SSF ≥ 20.0 kg) from 11.1 to 5.7% and from 30.5 to 28.6%, during Trial 1 and 2, respectively. During Trial 1, WBSF indicated that shipping increased incidence of tough samples from 0.0 to 3.8%, but this trend was reversed during Trial 2 when shipping reduced incidence of tough samples from 13.0 to 5.6%. Coefficients of variation for treatment effects suggested variance remained unchanged (± 2.0%), with respect to shear force values. However, mean values were reduced as a result of shipping conditions. These findings dictated a change in NABTS protocol from December 2011 through May 2012 (Period 2), during which time samples were shipped frozen. Mean WBSF values were 3.4 and 4.0 kg for top loin and sirloin samples, respectively. Frequencies of steaks classified as tough were 14% and 23.5% for top loin and sirloin steaks, respectively. These findings suggest that freezing samples before shipment may influence shear force of steaks collected at the retail level. These data should be considered when evaluating beef tenderness surveys and in the design of future works.

Canadian beef tenderness survey: 2001-2011

Juarez, M., Larsen, I. L., Klassen, M. and Aalhus, J. L. 2013. Canadian beef tenderness survey: 2001-2011. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 89-97. A large survey across Canada was developed collecting retail beef samples in 2001 (702 steaks) and 2011 (602 steaks). The samples (strip loin, top sirloin, inside round and cross-rib steaks) were evaluated for instrumental tenderness using standard procedures for sampling, storage, cooking and texture evaluation. New equations were also developed in order to compare the results obtained in these studies with consumer thresholds developed in Canada and the United States of America. In general, retail steaks collected in 2011 weighed less and showed higher fat thickness than those from 2001. Regarding tenderness, a significant improvement was observed, especially for strip loin and top sirloin steaks between 2001 and 2011. Using US threshold categories, the percentage of “tender” samples improved for the strip loin (2001=89%; 2011=99%), top sirloin (2001=70%; 2011=87%), in...