FAT CONTENT AND SENSORY ANALYSIS OF SELECTED PORK MUSCLES TAKEN FROM CARCASSES WITH VARIOUS BACKFAT LEVELS

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Abstract
Sixteen carcasses from each of four last‐rib backfat thicknesses (1.8, 2.3, 2.8 and 3.3 cm) were evaluated. Crude fat, moisture and protein contents were completed on the following muscles: triceps brachii, longissimus, psoas major, gluteus medius, semimembranosus, biceps femoris and semitendinosus. Boneless rib chops and fresh ham (top) steaks were broiled to 77°C and evaluated for crude fat, moisture and protein contents and for sensory attributes. In the raw state, the intramuscular crude fat content of the boneless rib chop (longissimus muscle) from the least backfat class averaged 2.9%, and when averaged over backfat, six of the seven muscles contained crude fat contents of 4.3% or below. Broiled boneless rib chops (longissimus) and fresh ham (top) steaks (semimem‐branosus) averaged 4.3 and 3.5% crude fat, respectively, when averaged over backfat. Generally, sensory scores for juiciness of the boneless rib chop increased as backfat level increased. Both juiciness and tenderness of the fresh ham (top) steak increased as backfat level increased.