Relationship of USDA Maturity Groups to Palatability of Cooked Beef

In comparison to carcasses of B, C or E maturity, carcasses of A maturity produced broiled steaks which: (a) had higher (P < 0.05) palatability ratings in 62 to 86% of comparisons, (b) were decidedly less variable (C.V.), (c) were more likely to be assigned high (≥ 6.00) and less likely to be assigned low (≤ 2.99) sensory panel ratings, and (d) were more likely to have low (≤ 3.63 kg) and less likely to have high (≥ 6.35 kg) shear force values. Position within the A or A + B maturity group(s) explained 0–4% (loin steaks) and 10–18% (round steaks) of the observed variation in overall palatability ratings and/or shear force values.