Analysis of physicochemical properties of dry-cured beef made from Hanwoo and Holstein meat distributed in South Korea

The purpose of the study is to check the possibility of developing dry-cured meat from Hanwoo (South Korean native cattle) and Holstein cattle considering the differences between breeds and use this data for the preparation and development of dry cured ham unique to South Korea. Same-grade Semitendinosus muscle from Hanwoo and Holstein was cured using a curing agent with 4.6% salt content at 4 °C for 7 days, and then aged for 70 days. Data was analyzed through physicochemical characterization, and the manufacturing period was established through weight loss, volatile basic nitrogen (VBN), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Moisture content and weight loss of both samples significantly decreased during the manufacturing process (P < 0.05). TBARS was significantly higher in Hanwoo and VBN in Holstein (P < 0.05). According to the values of VBN (less than 20 mg/100 g) and TBARS (less than 2 mg MDA/kg), dry aging for 5 weeks is appropriate for both samples. The principal component analysis of 5 weeks-aged Holstein showed a dramatically changing trend due to myofibril fragmentation as indicated by Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. In addition, 5 weeks-aged Holstein contains methanethiol (cheese), butan-2-one (butter), and 3-3-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-hexadiene (fatty acid-derive) compounds that represent fermentation and aging flavors. Therefore, the possibility of product development was confirmed by the 5-week aging of Holstein dry-cured ham.

Comparison of reducing sugar content, sensory traits, and fatty acids and volatile compound profiles of the longissimus thoracis among Korean cattle, Holsteins, and Angus steers

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to compare fat content, reducing sugar contents, sensory traits, and fatty acid (FA) and volatile compound profiles in longissimus thoracis (LT) among Korean cattle (KC), Holstein (HO), and Angus (AN) steers.

METHODS

Twelve LT samples (about 500 g each) of KC with an average age of 31±0.42 months, an average carcass weight of 431±12.5 kg, and a quality grade (QG) of 1+ were obtained from the joint livestock products market. Twelve LT samples of HO cattle with an average age of 24±0.54 months, an average carcass weight of 402±7.81 kg, and a QG of 2 were also obtained from the same market. Twelve LT samples of AN steers with an average age of about 20 months and a QG of choice were purchased from a beef delivery company. After slaughter, samples were kept at 4°C for 42 days and prepared for immediate analysis or stored at appropriate conditions. The chemical composition, color, pH, shear force, collagen content, reducing sugars, sensory evaluation, FA composition, and volatile compound content for each LT sample were analyzed.

RESULTS

The LT of KC had the highest (p<0.05) fat content, the highest reducing sugar content, and the highest scores in the sensory evaluation (flavor, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptance). All the sensory traits were positively correlated (p<0.001) with intramuscular fat and reducing sugar content. Several FAs and volatile compound profiles varied among the breeds. KC LT had the highest (p<0.05) concentrations of acetaldehyde, 3-methyl butanal, and 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, and these volatile compounds were positively correlated (p<0.05) with all the sensory traits.

CONCLUSION

Variations in fat content and reducing sugar contents and FA and volatile compound profiles may contribute to differences in the sensory quality of LT among breeds.