An in-home evaluation of beef value cuts from the round was conducted to determine ways to improve palatability attributes for steaks prepared by consumers. The M. vastus lateralis, M. rectus femoris, M. semimembranosus, and M. adductor (n = 266) muscles were either blade tenderized, enhanced with a salt and phosphate solution, or served as a control. Consumers (n = 261) cooked these steaks as they normally would and were asked to document cooking method and degree of doneness, as well as palatability ratings for overall like, tenderness, juiciness, flavor intensity, and flavor desirability for each steak. Enhancing round muscles with a salt and phosphate solution improved most palatability traits compared to those that were blade tenderized or not treated. For M. semimembranosus and M. vastus lateralis, the enhanced steaks received higher (P < 0.05) ratings for all palatability traits. For the most part, cooking method and degree of doneness had little influence on consumer palatability ratings. Where differences occurred, they were muscle specific, which may allow limited recommendations for certain muscles with respect to the most appropriate cooking method and degree of doneness.

Water is considered to be one of the most limited and precious resources on Earth. Due to this scarcity, water conservation has become essential in order to preserve water resources. Landscape plant material brings quality to urban and suburban lifestyles and increases value to home properties. Yet it has been shown that an excess amount of water is often applied to landscapes when the plant material does not in fact need the supplemental irrigation. A researcher based survey, the Landscape Water Conservation Survey, was sent to 799 single family homes in the College Station, TX. Data collection occurred from November 2005 through August 2006 with a 27% return. The survey asked the recipients 14 questions on water use and home consumers? perceptions. Historical landscape water usage was compiled from 2000-2002 which included actual water use, taxable value, of the residence, heated area, and the water meter identification number for these selected households supplied by The City of College Station Water Utilities. The survey indicates a strong disconnect between the amount of irrigation landscape plant materials need and the quantity of water that is actually applied. Surveyed home consumer perceptions demonstrate excessive amounts of irrigation were normally applied to landscape plant material when no irrigation was needed due to rainfall. Many respondents to The Landscape Water Management Survey indicated that they believed to have efficient irrigation practices in place when in actuality they do not. Educational resources are needed to teach the public on the amounts of irrigation landscape plant materials actually need, how to apply measured home irrigation practices, the principles of water conservation, and meeting the water requirements of varied landscape plant material. If these could be established and implemented, there would be a higher rate of conserving water and providing plant material with the sufficient amount of irrigation required.