Red meat biochemical and flavor changes through postmortem aging

Red meats consist of beef, pork, and lamb which commonly undergo postmortem aging prior to consumption. Palatability of red meats is greatly influenced by flavor. Furthermore, consumers frequently describe flavor to be the most important red meat palatability attribute. During the aging period biochemical mechanisms progress which may liberate or develop flavor contributing metabolites. Factors such as aging type (wet or dry), duration, and temperature are demonstrated to be of significant influence on development of flavor related metabolites. Likewise, microbial growth during aging may further influence flavor contributing metabolites and perceived flavor. Each of these factors may impact flavor differently among beef, pork, and lamb. This review takes aim at describing the biochemical mechanisms that generate flavor related metabolites during aging. Secondly, the effects of aging parameters will be described for beef, pork, and lamb.