Effect of Bacopa monnieri extracts on storage quality of chicken nuggets at refrigeration temperature (4 ± 1°C)

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to explore the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of locally available herbs, namely, Bacopa monnieri in enhancing the shelf life of chicken nuggets.Design/methodology/approachMeat products are highly vulnerable to spoilage due to their excessive fats and protein content. Therefore, chicken nuggets incorporated with 1, 2 and 3 per cent Bacopa monnieri extracts and control chicken nuggets, were studied to explore the potency of this locally available herb on oxidative stability and storage quality of chicken nuggets on the 0,7th,14th and the 21st day at the refrigerated storage (4 ± 1°C).FindingsExtracts of Bacopa monnieri were prepared and optimally incorporated in the chicken nuggets. Chicken nuggets prepared with 2 per cent of Bacopa monnieri were adjudged as the best among all based on sensory attributes. Extracts of Bacopa monnieri-incorporated nuggets were safe for consumption until 21 days of refrigerated storage (4 ± 1°C), based upon the power of hydrogen (pH), free fatty acid (FFA), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), microbiological profile and sensory evaluation of the chicken nuggets.Practical implicationsTwo per cent of Bacopa monnieri extracts’ incorporation in the chicken nuggets successfully improved the oxidative stability and storage quality of chicken nuggets and, therefore, can be commercially exploited.Social implicationsThe Bacopa monnieri herb is commonly available in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir state in the Indian Republic; hence, it can be used in its extract form in meat products, to make the products function with enhanced shelf life.Originality/valueThe addition of 2 per cent extracts of Bacopa monnieri in the chicken nuggets successfully improved the oxidative stability and its storage quality during the refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) storage. Therefore, it can be commercially exploited to improve the storage quality for longer duration of the meat food without adversely affecting the sensory quality of the products.