Development and evaluation of the retail cuts, yields and sensory properties of smoked grasscutter (Tryonomys swinderianus)

The study was carried out to develop retail cuts, evaluate the effect of the method of pelage (removal/scalding) on the yield and organoleptic quality of smoked grasscutter (Tryonomys swinderianus). Sixteen grass cutters were purchased from Abico bush meat market in Benin City, Nigeria. The pelages were removed by water and fire scalding. Some were brined in 15% salt solution for 3 hrs while others were not. The carcasses were cut into seven retail cuts. All samples were smoke-dried for 6 hrs. Sensory evaluation was done by a 12-man panelusing a 5-point hedonic scale. The results showed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the yield of fresh salted and non-salted grass cutter samples. There was also significant difference (P<0.05) in the smoked yield of salted smoked grasscutter with WSS giving the highest yield of 1.03 kg. The method of pelage removal did not have any significant effect (P>0.05) but there was significant effects in the smoked yields. Sensory evaluation showed significant differences (P<0.05) in the colour, tenderness, juiciness, flavor and overall acceptability. Salted samples had the highest scores all organoleptic properties. It was recommended that further studies be carried out to evaluate the effects of salting and smoking on economic and sensory parameters of other sources of bush meat in Nigeria.