Influence of various traditional seasonings on beef flavor: United States, Spanish, and Argentinian practices

A consumer study was conducted to determine the most popular beef seasonings used in three countries: Argentina, United States (US), and Spain. Once the typical cooking methods and seasonings in these countries were established, descriptive analysis was used to determine the differences in the main flavor attributes, particularly the impact on beef characteristics, of the samples. Large variations were found in the consumer practices in the studied countries, and the preferred seasonings from each country were identified. This study showed that on average US consumers would prefer beef products with more initial flavor impact, brown/roasted and salty characteristics than Argentinian or Spanish consumers. The addition of seasonings changed some of the main beef attributes, but the changes were dependent on the cooking method. Beef identity (Beef ID), brown/roasted, and bloody/serumy were the attributes most affected when adding different seasonings.

► A consumer survey was done to determine seasonings used in Argentina, Spain and the US. ► Large differences were found among cooking practices of the studied countries. ► Descriptive analysis was done with seasoned beef which represented each country. ► The addition of seasonings changed some of the main beef attributes (e.g. beef ID). ► Different cooking methods slightly changed main beef flavor notes.