The effects of enzyme and phosphate injections on the quality of beef semitendinosus

Abstract

In light of palatability concerns with beef semitendinosus (ST), its resistance to tenderization by more conventional methods, and its large content of elastin, investigation into the efficacy of enzyme injection was undertaken. Pancreatin, an enzyme cocktail for cheese making, was chosen for its content of elastase, amongst other enzymes, making it a suitable choice for use in the ST. To compare with uninjected controls, samples were prepared to contain a conservative level (0.01% delivered) of pancreatin, salt/phosphate brine, or a combination of enzyme with brine, injected to 105 or 110% green weight. Injection treatment significantly affected several meat quality attributes, while injection level did not. Where water alone was used as the enzyme carrier for injection, an excessive amount of drip loss was observed, with no improvement in tenderness. Salt/phosphate improved brine retention, increased pH, and resulted in darker meat colour. A significant reduction in shear was observed following injection with the enzyme/brine combination, results indicating that ST tenderness can be improved by 9-15% with the modest level of pancreatin used in this injection treatment. Further investigation is recommended to evaluate the tenderization potential using higher enzyme levels, and to examine the safety and sensory aspects of pancreatin use.