Comparison of Storage Stability, Volatile Compounds and Sensory Properties between Coarsely-and Finely-Marbled 1+ Grade Hanwoo Beef Loins

Abstract

This study aimed at comparing the storage stability, fatty acids profile, volatile flavor compounds and eating quality of Hanwoo beef <i>longissimus thoracis</i> (LT) muscles between two marbling morphological groups (fineness and coarseness). The 1⁺ grade Hanwoo LT muscles were measured for marbling fleck morphology at the 13^th thoracic vertebrae location by using computerized image analysis. Results reveal that both marbling groups had similar proximate composition (protein, fat, moisture and collagen), color and technological quality traits (p>0.05). However, the coarse marbling group presented greater C18:2n6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids contents compared to the fine marbling group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the fine marbling group presented lower volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) and 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) contents compared to the coarse marbling group after 14 d storage (p<0.05). Also, higher amounts of C18:2n6 oxidation-derived volatile compounds such as hexanal and 3-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-hexadiene, were found in the coarse marbling group. In term of sensory aspects, the finely-marbled group received higher scores of flavor and taste compared to the coarse marbling group (p<0.05). Overall, the marbling flecks morphology partially showed its effects on the storage stability, fatty acids profile and eating quality of the 1⁺ grade Hanwoo beef LT muscle.