Theoretical Aspects of Meat Tenderness and Research Progress on Meat Tenderization
BAO Yulong, XU Wanjun, JIA Shiliang, ZHANG Yaqi, GAO Ruichang
1.College of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; 2.Key Laboratory of Marine Fishery Resources Exploitment and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, School of Food Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
Abstract：Tenderness is one of the most important meat quality attributes. It is closely related to the selling price, consumer satisfaction and willingness to repeat purchase. Recently, plant-based meat and cultured meat are gaining great popularity, which pursue mimicking the sensory properties of meat including the unique texture. This paper reviews the major factors influencing meat tenderness and recent progress in research on meat tenderness. Firstly, the definition and evaluation methods of meat tenderness and are briefly introduced. Secondly, the major factors influencing meat tenderness and the underlying mechanism are thoroughly discussed from the perspectives of sarcomere length, connective tissue and proteolysis. Finally, the methods used to regulate meat tenderness and the latest research progress are briefly described. We expect that this review will provide theoretical support for the traditional meat industry, as well as the research and development of meat analogues and 3D-printed meat, etc.
2023, Vol. 37 
