Towards improving classification of Canadian dark-cutting beef carcasses: Consumer sensory evaluation

• Published in: Meat science Vol. 195; p. 109008
• Main Authors: Leighton, Patricia L.A., Pietrasik, Zeb, López-Campos, Oscar, Rodas-González, Argenis, Aalhus, Jennifer, Prieto, Nuria
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-01-2023
• Subjects: Beef; Consumers; Dark cutter; Grading system; Marbling; Dark cutter; Beef; Marbling; Grading system; Consumers
• ISSN: 0309-1740; 1873-4138
• DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2022.109008

This study evaluated whether different colour intensities of ribeye steaks from dark-cutting (B4 grade) beef carcasses (Dark–B4DK/Moderate–B4MD) were similar in appearance and eating quality to steaks from normal (N) carcasses of lower marbling grades (AA or A) as assessed by consumers. The B4MDAAA and B4DK/MDAA had similar raw appearance and eating quality to N carcasses with a one quality downgrade for marbling (P > 0.1), potentially supporting a B4MDAAA and B4DK/MDAA re-class to NAA and NA grades, respectively. Cooked B4DKAAA steaks had greater juiciness and tenderness acceptability (P < 0.01) and similar appearance, flavour and overall acceptability and purchase intent compared to NAA steaks (P > 0.1). However, consumers perceived greater marbling and lower colour acceptability (P < 0.01) in raw B4DKAAA compared to NAA steaks, lowering the purchase intent scores of B4DKAAA steaks (P < 0.01). These results suggest merit for continuing a B4DKAAA segregated grade, unless the superior eating quality of B4DKAAA could offset its poorer raw appearance through consumer education or modified atmosphere packaging.
•Moderate B4 had comparable quality to normal (N) steaks of one marbling grade lower.•Dark B4 with AA marbling were similar in quality to N steaks with A grade marbling.•Re-class of moderate B4AAA to NAA and moderate/dark B4AA to NA carcasses is merited.•Dark B4AAA had better eating quality than N steaks with AA grade marbling.•Raw appearance of Dark B4 with AAA marbling merits a continued segregated B4 grade.