A note on the eating quality of pork from lean pigs

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Abstract
Sixteen pork carcasses were purchased from those exhibited in Class 146 at the Royal Smithfield Show 1978 (i.e. pork carcasses of 48 to 61kg dead weight, age m. longissimus at the last rib and estimated lean content in side of 63%), while eight had thicker backfat than the average (‘lean’ group with 12 mm fat over m. longissimus at the last rib and estimated lean content in side of 57%). Both groups were leaner than the national average. The carcasses were returned to the Meat Research Institute for eating quality assessments. Muscle quality was similar in both groups. Toughness (assessed instrumentally), tenderness and flavour (assessed by taste panellists) were also similar. Juiciness was lower in the ‘very lean’ group but was not matched by higher cooking losses and the difference was considered to be relatively unimportant. In conclusion, the eating quality of pork is maintained at very low values of carcass fatness.