Some Effects on the Mechanical Properties of Meat Produced by Cooking at Temperatures between 50° and 60°C

ABSTRACT Peak force (PF) shear values obtained for stretched muscles from beef animals of three ages (2–3 months, 2–6 year and 12–17 years) decreased when heated for 1 hr at temperatures above 50°, 55° and 60°C respectively. PF values obtained for veal muscles were unaffected by heating at 50°C for up to 8 hr but rapidly decreased with increased time of heating at 55° or 60°C. The decrease in shear values with heating time was still evident after the connective tissue contribution was eliminated by a further cook at 80°C. Samples from the oldest animals required 24–48 hr at 60°C to produce a large decrease in the connective tissue contribution. Tenderization by prolonged cooking at 50–60°C was achieved by accelerated aging of the myofibrillar structure and, at ≥ 55°C, by a weakening of the collagenous connective tissue also.