What is the boundary between beef aging and its decay?

What is the boundary between beef aging and its decay? - Cheerful Asian grandma with boy and female teen preparing dumplings at table with minced beef filling at home

It sounds like it could be tasty, but there is also a risk of bacteria contamination isn't it?



Best Answer

Here is what some will definitely label a biased description of aging and packing that might help a bit. It goes into the difference between wet and dry aging and gas packing which has become more common.

My description of dry aging, and wet aging for that matter, and how I was taught to think of it is that it is decay, but controlled. Enzyme action breaking down tissue for a more tender product, and and improved and more concentrated flavor is the goal and this enzyme action is definitely decay. As to bacteria, even the above article a supporter of aging, in its description of dry aging points out that the outer layer absolutely is contaminated by bacteria.

During the dry aging process, mold and bacteria forms on the outermost layers of the beef which must be cut off and thrown away.

Also, the dry aging is done at 30-35 degrees (F), an area of slow bacterial growth and outside of the 40-140 (F) danger zone of fast growth.

Wet aging is also done, or at least should be, at these same "safe" temperatures and is normally done is vacuum sealed bags so should again not be high risk for contamination. Dry is at more risk because it is in less sealed environment, but is also high price/high value so tends to be carefully inspected and cared for. As normally 10-15% weight is lost during dry curing, and additional is lost to trimming for safety, plus the additional holding time and handling, prices are much higher.

ETA: Their description of 10-11 days for dry aging I would definitely put at the low end of premium aging. All descriptions I know of that is about the limit of water loss, but only the beginning of some of them big changes in flavor.




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What happens during the aging process of beef?

The process changes beef by two means. Firstly, moisture is evaporated from the muscle. The resulting process of desiccation creates a greater concentration of beef flavour and taste. Secondly, the beef's natural enzymes break down the connective tissue in the muscle, which leads to more tender beef.

What is the reason for aging beef?

The main reason why beef should be aged is to make it more tender. During the aging process the connective tissue in the muscles of the beef will begin to break down leaving you with a much more desirable texture and enhanced beef flavor.

How does aged beef not spoil?

The most common timeframe for a steak to be dry-aged is 30 days. The meat doesn't spoil during this time, because you age it in conditions that tightly control the levels of moisture and bacteria. During the dry-aging process, moisture is drawn out of the meat.

What happens to meat when it is aged for longer periods of time?

Aging beef makes it more tender. The protein in an animal's body is constantly turning over; breaking down and being built back up. One set of enzymes break down the protein and another mechanism builds it.



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