Effect of freezing/irradiation/thawing processes and subsequent aging on tenderness, color, and oxidative properties of beef

This study evaluated the use of gamma irradiation (3, 6 and 9 kGy) in frozen vacuum-packed beef and subsequent thawing and aging for up to 14 days. The effects on tenderness, color, and oxidative properties were determined and compared to non-irradiated controls for frozen/thawed and chilled vacuum-packed beef. The combined irradiation and freezing/thawing processes increased total exudate loss and reduced the meat water-holding capacity, regardless of the dose used. Myofibrillar fragmentation was favored by the freezing/thawing processes and negatively affected by irradiation. Lower shear force values were observed in the non-irradiated frozen/thawed samples. Frozen samples irradiated at 9 kGy had a higher percentage of soluble collagen, lipid peroxidation, and a more reddish color tone. The meat reducing capacity and oxygen consumption were reduced by freezing and further by irradiation, which also included accumulation of metmyoglobin. It was concluded that irradiation of frozen meat and its subsequent thawing and aging does not confer any additional advantages for beef technological quality. •Frozen-irradiation resulted in a substantial exudate loss upon thawing•Frozen-irradiation at 9 kGy increased the soluble collagen content•Frozen-irradiation reduced the meat proteolysis during aging•Irradiation of frozen meat did not increase tenderness•Irradiation of frozen meat did not reduce lipid/pigment oxidation•High-dose irradiated frozen beef had a redder hue