Sensory and preference testing of selected beef muscles infused with a phosphate and lactate blend

Consumers expect beef products to be juicy and tender. In the present investigation four beef muscles, i.e. Biceps femoris (BF), Longissimus lumborum (LL), Rectus femoris (RF) and Semitendinosus (ST), were infused with a blend consisting of sodium and potassium salts, di- and triphosphates; and lactates. The muscles were stored at 4 degrees C for 24 h, followed by storage at -18 degrees C until the descriptive sensory analysis could be performed on all four muscles. BF and LL were also subjected to consumer sensory analysis to determine the overall degree of liking. The infused and non-infused samples did not differ significantly with regard to aroma and flavour. The infused samples were significantly more juicy and tender than the untreated samples. Although the infused samples were rated significantly higher in salty taste than the untreated samples, both treatments illustrated a relatively low mean value for saltiness. Both the infused LL and BF samples illustrated a high degree of liking. Therefore, the infusion of beef muscles with a blend containing phosphates and lactates could be applied successfully to enhance the sensory attributes of beef. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.