Possibilities for developing texture‐modified beef steaks suitable for older consumers using fruit‐derived proteolytic enzymes

Abstract Meat intakes in the older population are commonly reduced because the relatively tough texture of meat can impair mastication. Fruit‐derived proteolytic enzymes have been reported to have beneficial effects on tenderness, by causing significant degradation of myofibrillar proteins and collagen. Three treatments including: papain, bromelain, and a 50:50 mixture of papain/bromelain, alongside one control were applied to beef M. semitendinosus steaks. Effects on Warner‐Bratzler shear force, texture parameters, color, and cook loss were determined. Both enzymatic treatments that included papain significantly reduced Warner‐Bratzler shear force values ( p  < .05) and increased cook loss. Beef steaks tenderized with papain and papain/bromelain offer potential for inclusion in older consumers' diets, but improvement in tenderization may be associated with a reduction in processing yield. Practical applications Meat processors have a role to play in enhancing the availability of appropriate foodstuffs for older people, through developing targeted products that will meet the specialized nutritional and chemosensory needs of this cohort. Meat intakes in the older population are commonly reduced because the relatively tough texture of meat can impair mastication. In this study, beef steaks tenderized with papain and papain: bromelain (50:50) were demonstrated to produce more tender meat products, with a lower cook loss compared with tenderization with bromelain alone, which has relevance to the development of texture‐optimized meat products that appeal to older adults with difficulty in mastication. This information could help meat processors to develop strategies for optimization of texture‐modified beef products within their own businesses.