During the ageing process, proteins that give muscles form and functionality start to be broken down by enzymes left in the body after slaughter. As these larger proteins disassemble into smaller ones, meat becomes tenderer. There are two key types of ageing meat - wet ageing and dry ageing - whilst both processes assist in the tenderisation of meat; dry ageing also results in a change in the flavour and texture of the meat. Ageing does nothing to tenderise heavy connective tissue in meat - this is combated by slow moist cooking or acidic marinades.
Wet Ageing
Wet ageing is a general storage process that occurs after a carcase is broken down or boned when meat is vacuum packaged and stored. Wet ageing enhances tenderness, but does not greatly influence the flavour of the meat. It is popular because it requires less time and space than dry ageing meat, plus there is no weight loss as moisture is retained in the meat.
The process
Endogenous proteolytic enzymes weaken the structural myofibrillar proteins in the meat. This takes 10 to 14 days and results in a more tender meat. Meat is aged in its own blood and serum therefore growth of Lactobacilli can
result in a more subtle flavour compared to dry aged meat.
Temperature control
A storage temperature below 5°C must be used. Frozen or thawed meat must not be aged because the desired enzymatic action will not occur
and mould growth will not be initiated on the surface of the meat.
Dry Ageing
Despite its current popularity, dry ageing isn't a new technique or trend. Until the developments in chilling and vacuum packing in the early 1960s, dry ageing was the most common, and often, the only way to prepare meat for storage and transport. The process of dry ageing was traditionally carried out by hanging either the whole carcase or cut pieces of the carcase in a cool room.
The process
The secret to dry aged meat is the reduction in moisture. Techniques in dry ageing can vary depending on the desired flavour outcome and the amount of the
moisture that is lost, both related to how long the meat is aged for.
The process is typically 7-14 days, but can be up to a month or longer. During this time, a protective 'crust' of bacteria forms over the meat which helps to concentrate flavour. This crust is then removed before the meat can be safely prepared and served to customers.
These elements are critical as they relate to flavour development, shelf life, product shrinkage and loss due to spoilage. Dry ageing is therefore not an exact science, but one that requires an understanding of how these elements work together.
Dry aged meat should be stored at around -0.5°C to 3°C, with humidity set between 75% and 85%.
Master dry agers will have a preference for specific settings to control the end flavour profile result Dry ageing can result in losing up to 8.5% of yield, but what's lost in bulk is made up for in flavour. During the process, the fats become aromatic as the left over energy in the muscle turns into glucose, which also enhances the flavour.
Key factors
Duration of ageing | Storage temperature | Humidity and air flow
