Marbling and ageing - Part 2. Consumer perception of sensory quality

Studies have shown that ageing of pork has a positive effect on its eating quality, but often these studies are limited to a trained sensory panel. The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of ageing on the sensory properties of grilled pork as perceived by the consumer. Sixty pork loins aged 2, 6, 8, 10 or 12 days were evaluated by 98 consumers. Only tenderness was sufficiently influenced by the ageing period to be perceived by the consumer, being more tender at 6 to 12 days than 2 days (P < 0.001). Sex, however, influenced tenderness (P < 0.001), juiciness (P < 0.001) and taste liking (P < 0.015), being stronger in pork from female pigs than castrates. No evidence was found to suggest that current ageing practices are not optimal for both the trait originally intended, tenderness, and for perceived taste.

► Consumer evaluation of pork from five ageing periods (2-12 days) was studied. ► Only tenderness was sufficiently influenced by ageing for consumer perception. ► The sex of the pig influenced tenderness, juiciness and taste liking. ► No evidence was found suggesting current ageing practices are not optimal for pork.