Reduced Cooking Loss Research Articles

Quality of Beef Burgers Formulated with Fat Substitute in a Form of Freeze-Dried Hydrogel Enriched with Açai Oil.

The growing number of people at high risk of cardiovascular disease development contributed to both changes in diets by consumers and the reformulation of food products by food producers. Cardiovascular diseases are caused by the i.a. consumption of meat that contains animal fat rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA). The use of fat substitutes in meat seems to be a promising tool for the reduction of cardiovascular disease occurrence. In the presented study, beef fat was replaced at 0 (CO), 25 (S-25%), 50 (S-50%), 75 (S-75%), and 100% (S-100%) by a fat substitute in a form of a lyophilized hydrogel emulsion enriched with encapsulated açai oil. The chemical (TBARS, volatile compound profile, fatty acid profile, pH), and physical (TPA, consumer rating, L*a*b* color, cooking loss) analyses were performed on raw and grilled burgers subjected to storage at cold conditions (4 °C) in days 0 and 7. Burgers formulated with hydrogels had a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of about 32% (p < 0.05) and reduced SFAs by 22%. Reformulation of the burger resulted in lower nutritional indices of the atherogenicity index (AI) (0.8 for CO, 0.3 for S-100%, p < 0.05) and thrombogenicity index (TI) (1.8 for CO, 0.6 for S-100%, p < 0.05), as well as led to an increased h/H ratio (1.3 for CO, 3.9 for S-100%, p < 0.05). Furthermore the application of freeze-dried hydrogels reduced cooking loss. Moreover, consumers did not observe significant differences (p < 0.05) between the control and S-25% and S-50% burgers. Thus, the use of lyophilized hydrogels formulated with konjac flour and sodium alginate and enriched with encapsulated acai oil can be successfully applied as a fat substitute in beef burgers.

Physical quality of kampong chicken meat with cikala acid (Etlingera elatior) marinades at different shelf life

Traditional seasoning in livestock products is one of the efforts to provide safe and sustainable food. Cikala acid (Etlingera elatior) is usually used as traditional spices and herbs with a fresh aroma. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cikala acid marinade (Etlingera elatior) on the physical quality of kampong chicken meat during shelf life of 24 to 48 hours. This study used a completely randomized design with a factorial pattern with 4 treatments and 4 replications. The materials used were kampong chicken breast and 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% cikala acid (Etlingera elatior). The results showed that 4% cikala acid can maintain the pH value, reduce cooking loss, and increase tenderness. In addition, cikala acid marinade was also effective in maintaining water content, freshness, and colour during shelf life. The conclusion is that Kampong chicken meat marinated with 4% cikala acid extract can improve physical quality during shelf life of 48 hours. This also proves that the use of cikala acid (Etlingera elatior) is an alternative in improving the quality of kampong chicken meat as a safe and sustainable food.

Effects of Different Dietary Carbohydrate Sources on the Meat Quality and Flavor Substances of Xiangxi Yellow Cattle.

This study investigated the dietary supplementation of starches with different carbohydrate sources on the proximate composition, meat quality, flavor substances, and volatile flavor substances in the meat of Chinese Xiangxi yellow cattle. A total of 21 Chinese Xiangxi yellow steers (20 ± 0.5 months, 310 kg ± 5.85 kg) were randomly divided into three groups (control, corn, and barley groups), with seven steers per group. The control steers received a conventional diet (coarse forage type: whole silage corn at the end of the dough stage as the main source), the corn group received a diet with corn as the main carbohydrate source, and the barley group received a diet with barley as the main carbohydrate source. The experiment lasted for 300 d. and the means of the final weights in the control, corn, and barley groups were 290 kg, 359 kg, and 345 kg. The diets were isonitrogenous. The corn and barley groups reduced the moisture (p = 0.04) and improved the intramuscular fat content of the meat (p = 0.002). They also improved meat color (a*) (p = 0.01) and reduced cooking loss (p = 0.08), shear force (p = 0.002), and water loss (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the 5'-nucleotide content (p &gt; 0.05), the equivalent umami concentration (EUC) (p = 0.88), and taste activity value (TAV) (p &gt; 0.05) among the three groups. The 5'-IMP (umami) content was the highest in the 5'-nucleotide and its TAV &gt; 1. The corn and barley groups improved the content of tasty amino acids (tAA, p &lt; 0.001). The corn group had a higher content of sweet amino acids (SAA, p &lt; 0.001) and total amino acids (TAA, p = 0.003). Corn and barley improved the levels of MUFA (p &lt; 0.001), PUFA (p = 0.002), n-3 PUFA (p = 0.005), and n-6 PUFA (p = 0.020). The levels of alcohols, hydrocarbons, and aldehydes in the corn group were higher than in the barley and control groups (p &lt; 0.001). The esters content in the corn group was higher than in the barley and control groups (p = 0.050). In conclusion, feeding corn or barley as a carbohydrate source can improve the nutrient content and taste. Feeding corn as a carbohydrate source can improve the content of free amino acids (Cys, Glu, Gly, Thr, Leu, Trp, Gln, Asn, and Asp), fatty acids (saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, polyunsaturated fatty acid, n-3PUFA, n-6PUFA, and total fatty acid), and volatile flavor substances (alcohols, aldehydes, acids, and hydrocarbons) to improve the flavor and meat quality.

Understanding metabolic phenomena accompanying high levels of yeast in broiler chicken diets and resulting carcass weight and meat quality changes

The use of yeast as a protein source was investigated in broiler chicken diets on carcass quality, storage stability, and metabolite changes in leg meat. Male Ross 308 chickens (n = 100) were fed with one of 5 diets: control, control added 0.6% formic acid, or 3 diets where soybean meal was substituted with 10, 20, and 30% crude protein from inactivated yeast Cyberlindnera jadinii (CJ10, CJ20, CJ30, respectively). The yeast-containing diets reduced carcass weight, linoleic acid, and warm-over flavor in chicken leg meat. Protein degradation-related metabolite biomarkers were upregulated in the leg of chickens that were fed yeast-containing diets, indicating an adaptive response to the loss of appetite. Chill-stored leg meat of birds fed yeast diets showed increased browning and metallic taste compared with those fed the control diet. The use of formic acid in the diet reduced cooking loss and had a positive effect on vitamin B content.

Effects of low-frequency and high-intensity ultrasonic treatment combined with curdlan gels on the thermal gelling properties and structural properties of soy protein isolate

The effects of low-frequency and high-intensity ultrasonic treatments and curdlan gels on the thermal gelling and structural properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) were investigated. Low-frequency (20 kHz), high-intensity ultrasonic treatment improved the solubility and rheological properties of the SPI and promoted gelling, especially with 400 W treatment for 10 min. The addition of thermo-reversible curdlan gel (TRC) or thermo-irreversible curdlan gel (TIRC) further improved gel strength and reduced cooking loss from SPI gels pretreated with ultrasound. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of the SPI composite gel showed that the peak at 3268 cm−1 for the O–H vibration exhibited a blue shift compared to the control SPI and a red shift compared to pure TRC or TIRC, which indicated formation of hydrogen bonding interactions between SPI and TRC or TIRC. Circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD) showed that the addition of TRC or TIRC significantly decreased the α-helix content but increased the β-sheet contents of SPI gels due to denaturation and unfolding of SPI. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the addition of TRC or TIRC led SPI gel to form a more regular and homogeneous network. These results revealed that the ultrasonic treatment and curdlan gels had obvious synergistic effects that improved the quality of SPI gels. Moreover, compared with TIRC, TRC addition promoted expansion and interactions of SPI molecules and formed a more stable network. Therefore, ultrasonic treatment combined with curdlan addition significantly improved the thermal gelation and structural properties of SPI.

Pasting Property of Jasmine Rice Flour, Quality and Sensory Evaluation of Gluten-Free Rice Penne as Affected by Protein and Hydrocolloid Addition

Jasmine rice flour (JMRF) is one of the most popularly consumed rice products in Thailand but applications to prepare gluten-free pasta are limited as JMRF amylose content is low. This research was carried out to develop JMRF suitable for gluten-free rice pasta (penne) (GFRP) by adding soy protein isolate (SPI, 5%), egg white protein powder (EW, 5%) and hydrocolloids (guar gum, GG and xanthan gum, XG, 1%). JMRF blended with proteins and hydrocolloids was investigated for pasting properties. JMRF blended with EW and SPI with GG showed the highest peak viscosity, whereas setback values observed in JMRF blended with EW and GG or XG were not significantly different. GFRP was prepared and determined for protein content, color and sensory evaluation. The protein content of GFRP with SPI blended with GG and XG ranged from 10.50 to 10.95% is higher than GFRP with EW and penne without SPI or EW (control). GFRP with SPI had higher yellowness than GFRP with EW. Adding SPI, EW and gums reduced cooking loss, while sensory evaluation showed a higher liking score for GFRP with SPI and GG than GFRP with EW. Results suggested that adding SPI and GG to JMRF improved pasting properties, protein content, color and acceptance. GFRP showed promise as a new alternative sustainable source to replace wheat in pasta products. However, characteristics, such as product chemical composition, texture analysis and nutritional benefits require further evaluation.

The Effectiveness of Gelugur acid (Garcinia atroviridis) Marinade on the Physical Quality of Culled Chicken Meat

A method to improve the physical quality of culled chicken meat is required due to the tough texture and faint color of culled chicken meat. High protein content in culled chicken meat makes it easy to experience quality degradation. One of the methods to maintain the quality of post-harvest chicken meat is using spices. Gelugur acid (Garnicia atroviridis) is a spice for cooking spice, sweets, herbs, deodorizing fresh fish, and even cleansing fish before it proceeds into the processing stage. This study aimed to determine the concentration of Garcinia atroviridis which is effective to improve the physical quality of culled chicken meat. This study used a randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments consisted of T0: without marination using Garcinia atroviridis (as control), T1: marination in 50 g of Garcinia atroviridis + 1000 mL aquadest, T2: marination in 50 g of Garcinia atroviridis + 750 mL aquadest, T3: marination in 50 g of Garcinia atroviridis + 500 mL aquadest. The parameters were the physical quality of meat consisting of meat pH, water holding capacity, tenderness, cooking loss, drip loss and meat color. Based on the results of the study, Garcinia atroviridis marinade had significant effect (P &lt;0.05) on the pH value of the meat, cooking loss, drip loss, tenderness, water holding capacity, and meat brightness. It was concluded that the marination of meat at concentration of 50 g of Garcinia atroviridis + 1000 mL aquadest (T1) was effective in maintaining the pH value, reducing meat drip loss, increasing water holding capacity, increasing tenderness, brightening the color of the meat and maintaining the freshness of the refined culled chicken meat. Marination of meat in concentration of 50 g Garcinia atroviridis + 750 mL aquadest (T2) was also effective in reducing cooking loss of culled chicken meat.

Quality characteristics of chicken sausages using a combination of jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis L.) and soy protein isolate as a binder

Jack beans are one of the legumes with a high protein content to make protein isolates. This research aimed to evaluate the physical, sensory and proximate qualities of chicken sausages with jack bean protein isolate (JBPI) and the combination of JBPI and soy protein isolate (SPI) as a binder to improve the quality of the chicken sausages. This research included the preparation of JBPI and chicken sausages. The treatments were formulated as follows: control (without JBPI and SPI); T1 (SPI: JBPI = 100: 0); T2 (SPI: JBPI = 80:20); T3 (SPI: JBPI = 60:40); T4 (SPI: JBPI = 40: 60); T5 (SPI: JBPI = 20: 80); T6 (SPI: JBPI = 0: 100). The analysis of the physical, sensory, and proximate properties of sausages have been performed. The results showed that the JBPI protein content was high at 93.98% db, and contained higher essential amino acids than the FAO/WHO standards, i.e., leucine, lysine, phenylalanine + tyrosine, threonine. The combination of JBPI and SPI improved emulsion stability, lightness, yellowness, texture properties, protein content, and reduced cooking loss and redness of chicken sausages compared to control (p&lt;0.05). The results of the sensory evaluation showed that the overall preference, slice properties, and texture attributes of chicken sausage with the addition of a combination of SPI and JBPI were 40:60 (T4) significantly different from the control received by the panellists (p&lt;0.05). The formulation with the addition of a combination of SPI and JBPI of 40:60 was the optimal treatment because it improves the overall physical, sensory, and chemical characteristics of the resulting chicken sausage. JBPI had the potential as an alternative to substitution for SPI.

Functionality and consumer acceptability of low-fat breakfast sausages processed with non-meat ingredients of pulse derivatives.

Owing to recent changes in consumer eating behaviours as well as potential cost savings for processors, pulse ingredients are finding more application in the meat processing industry. In this study, pea ingredients (pea fibre, FB; pea starch, ST; pea flour, PF) and chickpea flour (CF) were used, at 4% addition level, as fat replacers in low-fat breakfast sausages. The impact of these substitutions on processing and sensory characteristics of breakfast sausage was evaluated. While reduction in fat content in breakfast sausage resulted in some detrimental changes in cooking as well as textural characteristics of the product, addition of binders significantly improved these attributes in low-fat breakfast sausages. Overall, treatment formulation did not significantly affect the pH and the instrumental colour attributes of cooked breakfast sausage. Addition of all binders resulted in reduced cooking loss and increased moisture retention in low-fat breakfast sausage (P < 0.05), whereas, FB and ST were significantly more effective in improving water holding capacity of low-fat breakfast sausage. Furthermore, while both FB and ST increased the hardness, cohesiveness and chewiness parameters of low-fat breakfast sausage (P < 0.05), PF and CF had no impact. Generally, the consumer overall liking and flavour acceptability of FB and ST in low-fat breakfast sausage were significantly higher than those of PF and CF. The use of ST or FB as a fat replacer in breakfast sausages offers processors improved cook yield without negatively impacting the important sensory attributes of breakfast sausages. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Divergent values in feed efficiency promote changes on meat quality of fattening lambs

• Feed efficiency in fattening lambs is imparied by genetic and programming events. • Caracass and meat quality can be modified due to differences in feed efficiency. • Meat from low efficient lambs is more tender and loses less water. • Some fatty acids are increased in the meat of low efficient lambs. • Other physicochemical traits are scarcely modified according to feed efficiency. Fattening lambs in Mediterranean countries are produced under intensive production systems where high concentrate intake levels are reached. It is also well known that fattening lambs may present wide differences in feed efficiency, so the ability to transform the feed consumed into meat is variable and may impact the profitability of the farm and the quality of the final product obtained. Accordingly, it is essential to understand the differences in meat quality caused by divergent feed efficiency values before making recommendations to the farmers. Therefore, the aim of the present study has been to study the effects of two groups of Assaf fattening lambs with differences in feed efficiency on physicochemical parameters, fatty acid content and volatile compounds of meat. Lambs were fed a complete pelleted diet (CPD) ad libitum and slaughtered when they were 85-days old. The results obtained reveal that the less efficient lambs presented no differences in caracass and non-carcass parameters, but increased tenderness of the meat, probably caused by reduced cooking losses and higher amounts of several fatty acids ( e.g. , 17:0, 19:00, 20:0, c 12−18:1, t 10−18:1 + t 11−18:1, 19:1, c 11−20:1, t 18:2). Other physicochemical traits such as chemical composition, pH or colour changes of meat under refrigerated storage were not significantly affected by feed efficiency in the present study, but volatiles compounds responsible of the flavor of cooked meat ( e.g. , 2-pentylfuran) presented a trend towards significantly lower values ( P = 0.056) in low efficient lambs. All these results suggest the need for a deeper knowledge (including differential gene expression analyses and sensory characteristics) regarding the overall effects of feed efficiency on meat quality before implementing breeding programs for high efficient Assaf fattening lambs.

Effect of high molecular weight chitosan coating on quality and shelf life of refrigerated channel catfish fillets

This study investigated effects of the high molecular-weight (800 kDa) chitosan coating on quality and shelf life of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fillets stored at 4 °C. Distilled water (control), CHAC1% (1% w/v chitosan in 1% v/v acetic acid), AS3% (3% w/v aspartic acid), and CHAS3% (3% w/v chitosan in 3% w/v aspartic acid) were used as coating solutions. Microbial (total aerobic mesophilic bacteria-TAMB; total aerobic psychrophilic bacteria-TAPB), physicochemical, and consumer perception parameters of chitosan-coated catfish fillets were analyzed at 0, 3, 6, 8, and 10 days. Chitosan coating treatments, especially CHAS3%, effectively inhibited microbial growth, delayed lipid oxidation, reduced cooking loss, and retained water holding capacity, color, and texture. Overall acceptance and purchase intent of CHAS3% fillets drastically decreased from 6.16 to 84% on the 8th day to 4.31 and 44.67% on the 10th day of storage. Shelf life of catfish fillets was extended by CHAS3% from 6 days to 8 (based on consumer acceptance) and/or 10 (based on TAMB and TAPB) days compared to the control. This study demonstrated that CHAS3% coating showed promise as a natural preservative to extend shelf life by delaying chemical and microbial deterioration of refrigerated catfish fillets, and potentially for other fish fillets.

Physicochemical properties of beef burger after partial incorporation of ethylcellulose oleogel instead of animal fat.

The online version contains supplementary material available at(10.1007/s13197-021-04970-4).

Effect of starch and non‐starch components on water migration, microstructure, starch retrogradation and texture of flat rice noodles made from different rice varieties

SummaryEffects of starch and non‐starch components on rice noodle quality, water migration during rehydration, texture, microstructure and starch retrogradation of dried rice flour and rice starch noodles made from five rice varieties with similar high amylose contents were examined. Rice noodle qualities depended mainly on starch properties and to a lesser extent on the presence of non‐starch components. Elongation of rice flour noodles was lower than rice starch noodles due to the presence of non‐starch components that interrupted the starch network. Non‐starch components reduced cooking loss of flour noodles in some varieties. Water migration in rice flour noodles with a looser microstructure was faster than in rice starch noodles. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging revealed different water migration speeds in rice flour noodles among varieties, related to noodle microstructure and retrogradation properties. For production of good quality rice noodles, manufacturers should consider not only amylose content but also non‐starch components.

In-Bag Dry- vs. Wet-Aged Lamb: Quality, Consumer Acceptability, Oxidative Stability and In Vitro Digestibility.

The aim of this study was to produce in-bag dry-aged lamb and compare its meat quality, consumer acceptability, oxidative stability and in vitro digestibility to the wet-aged equivalents. Significantly higher pH, weight loss and reduced cook loss were observed in dry-aged lamb compared to the wet-aged (p < 0.0001). Dry-aged lamb had harder and chewier texture profiles and lower colour attributes (L*, a* and b*) than the wet-aged (p < 0.001). The dry-aged and wet-aged lamb were equally preferred (around 40% each) by the consumer panel, underpinning the niche nature of dry-aged meat. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher yeast and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TABRS) levels were observed in dry-aged lamb compared to the wet-aged. There was no difference in fatty acid profile, protein carbonyl content and pattern of proteolysis between ageing regimes (p > 0.05). Ageing regimes had no impact on overall digestibility; however, a greater gastric digestibility was observed in dry-aged lamb through the increased release of free amino acids (FAAs) compared to the wet-aged. Outcomes of this study demonstrated for the first time the possibility of producing dry-aged lamb legs of acceptable quality, oxidative stability and superior digestibility compared to the equivalent wet-aged lamb.

Effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum L) peel powder meal dietary supplementation on antioxidant status and quality of breast meat in broilers

This study examined the antioxidant status and quality of breast meat in broiler birds fed diets supplemented with pomegranate peel powder meal (PPPM). During the 35-d feeding trial, broiler birds were fed six experimental diets: diet with 0% additives (negative control; NEGCON); diet with α-Tocopherol acetate at 200 g/tonne (positive control; POSCON); and four levels (2, 4, 6 and 8 g/kg) of PPPM, designated as PPPM2, PPPM4, PPPM6, and PPPM8. Breast muscle pH was determined 15mins and 24hrs postmortem. The breast muscles were then stored at 4 °C to determine shelf-life attributes (pH, colour, hue angle, and chroma) for 16 days. Meat from the 8 g/kg PPPM had the highest thawing loss, whereas cooking loss was lowest at 2 g/kg PPPM inclusion. The meat of birds fed 2 g/kg and 4 g/kg PPPM had the highest (P<0.05) ability to scavenge the ABTS [(2, 2-azinobis (3ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulfonic acid))] radical cation (ABTS+), whereas, catalase activity was increased at 8 g/kg PPPM. The results obtained in this study indicate that 2 g/kg supplementation of pomegranate peel powder meal significantly improved the water-binding capacity of broiler breast meat, owing to the reduced cooking loss of the meat, and meat from the PPPM2 (2 g/kg) group had the highest ability to scavenge ABTS.

Use of native pea starches as an alternative to modified corn starch in low-fat bologna

In an attempt to explore alternative ingredients that satisfy emerging consumers demand for clean label products, we investigated the impact of pea starches on functional properties, textural and eating quality of low-fat (LF) bologna. LF bologna processed without binder (control) was compared to formulations supplemented with modified corn starch (MCS) or one of two pea starches: air classified pea starch (ACPS) and wet extracted pea starch (WEPS). Although not as effective as corn starch, addition of pea starches reduced cook loss and improved water holding capacity of LF bologna sausage (P < 0.05). Generally, pea starches contributed to higher chewiness and hardness in LF bologna (P < 0.05). However, instrumental colour parameters as well as sensory attributes of LF bologna type sausages were only minimally impacted by the addition of starches. The current study revealed that pea starch addition to LF bologna could be beneficial for meat processors given that its effect on sensory attributes is only marginal when compared to other conventional binders.

Influence of Reheating Methods and Frozen Storage on Physicochemical Characteristics and Warmed-Over Flavor of Nutmeg Extract-Enriched Precooked Beef Meatballs.

The effects of convection-oven precooking, frozen storage (−18 °C/ two months) and four different reheating methods—namely, boiling, pan-roasting, convection oven and microwave oven on pH, color, texture, antioxidant activity and warmed-over flavor of beef meatballs were investigated. In this study, four kinds of beef meatballs were prepared: with added butylated hydroxyl toluene (0.02% BHT, M1); with nutmeg extract (0.02%, M2); with nutmeg powder (0.02%, M3) and control (no antioxidant). Addition of (0.02%) nutmeg extracts in beef meatballs M2 resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in lipid and protein oxidation, hardness and gumminess values after convection oven precooking. Again, M2 reheated by microwave oven significantly (p < 0.05) reduced cooking loss, gumminess, springiness, rancid flavor, saltiness and burnt taste and increased oxidative stability, redness and adhesiveness with the chewiness intensity and overall acceptability compared to control, M1 and M3. Conclusively, the addition of nutmeg extracts (0.02%) as a natural plant antioxidant to precooked beef meatballs can result in reduced lipid and protein oxidation levels, stabilized color and texture values and improved overall acceptance after reheated by microwave oven during two months of frozen storage.

Effect of curdlan on the quality of frozen-cooked noodles during frozen storage

Frozen-cooked noodles (FCN) and its components undergo quality changes during frozen storage, such as reduced textural and cooking qualities, weakened gluten network, and damaged starch properties; thus, storage condition is a critical factor affecting the final quality of FCN. In this study, in view of the thermoirreversible high-strength gel property (at ≥ 80 °C) of curdlan, strong hydrophilicity, and freeze-thawed stability of high-strength gel prepared from curdlan powder, the effect of curdlan on the quality of FCN during frozen storage was first evaluated. The results showed that curdlan was effective in reducing cooking loss, enhancing water absorption, and improving textural properties of FCN; the improving effect presented a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the amount of increasing curdlan (0.1%–0.9%); and the addition of 0.5% curdlan was most effective in improving the quality of FCN. Thermal gravimetric analysis indicated that curdlan enhanced thermal stability of FCN, implying curdlan could strengthen the gluten network. Meanwhile, structural observations revealed that, during frozen storage, FCN with added curdlan exhibited a more continuous and compact gluten network accompanied with more uniform and smaller ice crystals. Thus, curdlan is desirable to be used as a novel gum in FCN to provide specific functionality and minimize the negative effect of frozen storage. This study provides new insights into the quality improvement of FCN and further expands the application potential of curdlan in food industry.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure processing and sodium reduction on physicochemical properties, sensory quality, and microbiological shelf life of ready-to-eat chicken breasts

The effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) conditions at two processing stages (300 MPa/5 min after tumbling and 600 MPa/3 min applied to the final product) and sodium reduction (up to 50%) on the physicochemical properties and sensory and microbiological quality of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken breasts were studied. The microbiological shelf life of RTE chicken breasts was also estimated. The NaCl was partially replaced with KCl (25%–50%), which increased (P < 0.05) cooking loss and hardness of conventional RTE chicken breasts. HHP processing significantly reduced cooking loss and hardness and improved the sensory attributes of sodium-reduced RTE chicken breasts compared with controls. HHP extended the microbiological shelf life of sodium-reduced RTE chicken breasts by more than 60 days. Based on their physicochemical properties and sensory quality, the unpressurised RTE chicken breasts reduced NaCl up to 25%, while pressurised RTE chicken breasts reduced up to 50%. HHP contributes to developing sodium-reduced RTE chicken breasts with enhanced product quality and microbiological safety.

Effects of sodium pyrophosphate coupled with catechin on the oxidative stability and gelling properties of myofibrillar protein

The influence of a combination of sodium pyrophosphate (PP) and catechin (C) on the gelling properties of pork myofibrillar protein (MP) under oxidative stress was investigated. The addition of PP or C significantly inhibited lipid oxidation and protein carbonyl formation, and their combination (PP + C) provided the maximum protection. However, these additives did not prevent sulfhydryl and free amine losses caused by oxidation. The presence of PP in the oxidizing system reduced the mean particle size and elevated zeta potential and solubility of MP, reduced cooking loss, and improved breaking strength of MP gels (P < 0.05). Environmental scanning electron microscopy revealed a fine and smooth microstructure within the set gels of oxidized MP treated with PP, similar to non-oxidized MP control gels. The incorporation of C produced no definitive effect on the gelling behavior of MP under oxidation condition except reducing whiteness. The PP + C treatment resulted in an overall improvement of MP gelling capacity and structural integrity of the gel. Hence, enhanced oxidative stability and gelling properties of MP can be attained through PP coupled with catechin.