Cholesterol Content and Sensory Analysis of Ground Beef as Influenced by Fat Level, Heating, and Storage

Abstract

Twelve treatment combinations including three fat levels, two internal endpoint temperatures, and two storage periods for ground beef patties were studied. Quality and sensory attributes as well as cholesterol content were evaluated. As fat level increased in raw patties, cholesterol content, drip and total cook loss, fat and cholesterol content of cook drip increased whereas red color intensity and evaporative losses decreased. Cholesterol content, evaporative and total losses, and beef‐flavor intensity increased with higher internal endpoint temperature. Red color intensity of raw patties and cholesterol content of raw and cooked patties decreased with storage. No differences in cholesterol content could be attributed to fat content of raw product; therefore, choosing low fat ground beef to lower cholesterol may not be justified.