Effects of subprimal type, quality grade, and aging time on display color of ground beef patties

• Display characteristics of ground beef patties were evaluated.
• Chuck roll patties were brighter red and less discolored than knuckle patties.
• Premium Choice patties were brighter red and less discolored than Select patties.
• Premium Choice patties had higher L*, a*, and b* values than Select patties.
• Aerobic plate counts increased with aging days and from 0 h to 24 h of display.

A factorial design was used to evaluate the effects of two subprimal types (chuck roll and knuckle), two quality grades (Premium Choice and Select), and three vacuum-storage aging times before processing (7, 21, and 42 d) ground beef patty display color attributes. Patties from chuck roll and Premium Choice subprimals had brighter red visual color scores, less discoloration, and higher L*, a*, b*, and chroma values than those from knuckle and Select subprimals, respectively. With an increased display time, patties became darker red, more discolored, and had decreased L*, a*, b*, and chroma values. Therefore, aging Premium Choice chuck rolls for less time (fewer than 21 d) could maximize display color life.