Evaluations Steaks were thawed for 24 h at 4°C and cooked on open-top Farberware grills to an internal temperature of 70°C. Thermocouples were placed in the center of each steak, and temperature was monitored by using a Doric 205 Minitrend recorder. After steaks reached 70°C, they were held in double boilers (64°C) until samples were cut. All dried edges were removed from the steaks, which were then cut into cubes (AMSA, 1978). All muscles from one animal were evaluated in one session. A reference sample of D- and E-maturity longissimus lumborum muscle was served first and between successive groups of four samples to keep panelists oriented. Samples were served in random order to panelists seated in individual booths equipped with red lights to mask color differences. Panelists evaluated beef-flavor intensity (from 1 = least-intense beef flavor to 10 -- most-intense beef flavor), tenderness (from 1 -- least tender to l0 -- most tender), and juiciness (from 1 = least juicy to 10 = most juicy) on a 10-cm line with increments scale.