Effect of different processing methods on the proximate composition, mineral content and functional properties of snail (Archachatina marginata) meat

Abstract

This work aimed at assessing the effect of different processing methods on some nutrients and functional properties of snail meat. Meat samples were divided into seven groups. Six of them were processed and one served as control. The treatments applied were boiling, steaming, roasting, grilling, frying or their combinations. After that, they were characterized for their proximate composition, mineral content and the functional properties of their powders. Boiling for 12 min without water coupled to grilling or roasting; boiling with water or steaming for 24 min coupled to frying increased the protein content of snail meat from 41.65 to 58.62%. All treatments reduced its carbohydrate, sodium, potassium and phosphorus content, but increased its calcium (from 304 to 1892 mg/100 g) and magnesium (from 117.20 to 260.38 mg/100 g). Results of the functional properties are showed that the treatments applied increased the water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling capacity (SC), packed bulk density (PBD), emulsion stability (ES), hausner ratio and pH of snail meat powder. Boiling without water for 12 min coupled to roasting and boiling with water for 12 min coupled to frying decreased its oil absorption capacity (OAC). Frying decreased the loose bulk density (LBD) of the powder and increased its porosity. Snail meat can be a very good ingredient for the preparation and industrial formulation of food products. • The effect of different processing methods on the nutritional and functional properties of snail meat was assessed. • The protein content increased with boiling coupled to grilling/roasting/frying and steaming coupled to frying. • All treatments increased the calcium and magnesium content of the meat. • The functional properties of snail meat powder varied with treatments.