Effect of cooking method on carnosine and its homologues, pentosidine and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance contents in beef and turkey meat

Commercial samples of beef and turkey meat were prepared by commonly used cooking methods with standard cooking times: (1) broiled at 200 °C for 10 min, (2) broiled at a medium temperature (140 °C) for 10 min, (3) cooked by microwave (MW) for 3 min and then grilled (MW/grill) for 7 min, (4) cooked in a domestic microwave oven for 10 min, and (5) boiled in water for 10 min. The raw and cooked meats were then analysed to determine the carnosine, anserine, homocarnosine, pentosidine, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) contents. It was observed that boiling beef caused a loss of approximately 50% of the carnosine, probably because of the high water solubility of carnosine and its homologues; cooking by microwave caused a medium loss of the anti-oxidants of approximately 20%; cooking by MW/grill led to a reduction in carnosine of approximately 10%. As far as the anserine and homocarnosine contents were concerned, a greater loss was observed for the boiling method (approximately 70%) while, for the other cooking methods, the value ranged from 30% to 70%. The data oscillate more for the turkey meat: the minimum carnosine decrease was observed in the cases of MW/grill and broiling at high temperature (25%). Analogously, the anserine and homocarnosine contents decreased slightly in the case of MW/grill and broiling at a high temperature (2-7%) and by 10-30% in the other cases. No analysed meat sample showed any traces of pentosidine above the instrumental determination limits. The cooked beef showed an increased TBARS value compared to the raw meat, and the highest values were found when the beef was broiled at a high temperature, cooked by microwave or boiled in water. The TBARS value of the turkey meat decreased for all the cooking methods in comparison to the TBARS value of the fresh meat.     

Effect of salt,kinnow and pomegranate fruit by-product powders on color and oxidative stability of raw ground goat meat during refrigerated storage

Effects of salt, kinnow and pomegranate fruit by-product powders on color and oxidative stability of raw ground goat meat stored at 4 ± 1 °C was evaluated. Five treatments evaluated include: control (only meat), MS (meat + 2% salt), KRP (meat + 2% salt + 2% kinnow rind powder), PRP (meat + 2% salt + 2% pomegranate rind powder) and PSP (meat + 2% salt + 2% pomegranate seed powder). Addition of salt resulted in reduction of redness scores. Lightness increased in control and unchanged in others during storage. Redness scores declined and yellowness showed inconsistent changes during storage. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values were higher (P < 0.05) in MS followed by control and KRP samples compared to PRP and PSP samples throughout storage. The PSP treated samples showed lowest TBARS values than others. Percent reduction of TBARS values was highest in PSP (443%) followed by PRP (227%) and KRP (123%). Salt accelerated the TBARS formation and by-products of kinnow and pomegranate fruits counteracted this effect. The overall antioxidant effect was in the order of PSP > PRP > KRP > control > MS. Therefore, these powders have potential to be used as natural antioxidants to minimize the auto-oxidation and salt induced lipid oxidation in raw ground goat meat.     

Relationship between the solubility,dosage and antioxidant capacity of carnosic acid in raw and cooked ground buffalo meat patties and chicken patties

Antioxidant capacity of oil soluble and water dispersible carnosic acid (CA) extracted from dried rosemary leaves using HPLC was evaluated at two different dosages (22.5 ppm vs 130 ppm) in raw and cooked ground buffalo meat patties and chicken patties. Irrespective of total phenolic content, CA extracts reduced (p < 0.05) the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) by 39%–47% and 37%–40% in cooked buffalo meat and chicken patties at lower dosage (22.5 ppm) relative to control samples. However, at higher dosage (130 ppm) the TBARS values were reduced (p < 0.05) by 86%–96% and 78%–87% in cooked buffalo meat and chicken patties compared to controls. The CA extracts were also effective in inhibiting (p < 0.05) peroxide value and free fatty acids in cooked buffalo meat and chicken patties. The CA extracts when used at higher dosage, were also effective in stabilizing raw buffalo meat color.     

Effect of protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate of alfalfa supplementation on physico-chemical properties of turkey breast and thigh muscles during ageing

The objective was to evaluate the effects of a dietary protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate of alfalfa to turkey diets (at 15 and 30 g kg^− 1 feed) on the physico-chemical properties of breast and thigh muscles during ageing. The experiment involved 120 turkeys (Big-6 type) allotted to 3 groups (group I—control group; group II—with 1.5% supplementation of the protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate; group III—with 3% supplementation of the protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate). Measurements of pH, water holding capacity, color, oxymyoglobin content, TBARS and oxidation–reduction potential showed that the addition of protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate of alfalfa to a turkey diet did not cause deterioration of breast and thigh meat quality. In addition, changes in color, oxymyoglobin content, TBARS and oxidation–reduction potential values suggested that the inclusion of the concentrate to turkey diets acts as an antioxidant in the raw meat.     

Grape seed extract as antioxidant in cooked, cold stored turkey meat

Efficiency of four concentrations of grape seed extract (0.0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g/kg) in retarding oxidative rancidity was tested with cooked turkey breast meat. Development in lipid oxidation during 13 days of refrigerated storage was evaluated by means of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and volatile compound formation. Hexanal, pentanal, octanal, 2-octenal, 1-octen-3-ol, 2-octen-1-ol, and 1-penten-3-ol showed high correlations (r>0.95) with TBARS values and could, therefore, serve as markers for the oxidation process in the cooked turkey breast meat. Supplementation of grape seed extract prior to cooking significantly improved oxidative stability of minced turkey meat during heat treatment and storage. The ability of grape seed extract to prevent lipid oxidation was concentration-dependent. Vacuum-packaging considerably improved oxidative stability of meat regardless of the low concentration of grape seed extract used. It appears that grape seed extract could be very effective in inhibiting lipid oxidation of cooked turkey meat during chill-storage.     

Effects of calf diet, antioxidants, packaging type and storage time on beef steak storage

The effect of basal dietary supplemented with vegetable oils plus vitamin E (sunflower, soybean, linseed and a basal diet control), type of packaging (MAP or vacuum), addition of natural antioxidant (grape seed, rosemary) and storage time (0, 7, 14 and 21 days) on lipid oxidation, color stability, vitamin E content, and total aerobic bacterial counts in steaks of Longissimus thoracis was studied. The triple interaction diet × time × packaging affected oxidative stability, redness and yellowness of the meat. TBARS values did not increase with time in vacuum-packaged samples for all dietary treatments. However, samples from MAP and control showed the highest TBARS values after 21 days of storage (0.72 mg MDA/kg of meat, P < 0.05). Both exogenous antioxidant extracts and MAP maintained low total aerobic counts in steaks until the 21st day. Calves should be fed a diet supplemented with L-VE, stored in MAP and treated with grape seed extract to extend the shelf life of their meat.     

Anti-oxidant effect of extracts of kinnow rind,pomegranate rind and seed powders in cooked goat meat patties

To overcome the disadvantages of using synthetic anti-oxidants in meat products, an investigation was carried out to evaluate the anti-oxidant effect of extracts of fruit by-products viz., kinnow rind powder (KRP), pomegranate rind powder (PRP) and pomegranate seed powder (PSP) in goat meat patties. Total phenolics content, DPPH radical scavenging activity and effect of these extracts on instrumental color, sensory attributes and TBARS values during storage (4 ± 1 °C) of goat meat patties were evaluated. Results showed that these extracts are rich sources of phenolic compounds having free radical scavenging activity. Hunter Lab L value significantly (P < 0.05) lowered in PRP followed by PSP and KRP patties. Sensory evaluation indicated no significant differences among patties. Further, a significant (P < 0.5) reduction in TBARS values (lipid oxidation) during storage of goat meat patties was observed in PRP, PSP and KRP as compared to control patties. Average TBARS values (mg/kg meat) during refrigerated storage (4 ± 1 °C) were significantly lower in PRP, followed by PSP and KRP as compared to control. The overall anti-oxidant effect was in the order of PRP > PSP > KRP. It was concluded that extracts of above fruits by-product powders have potential to be used as natural anti-oxidants in meat products.     

Effect of freeze-thaw cycles on physicochemical properties and color stability of beef semimembranosus muscle

The effects of freeze-thaw cycle on the physicochemical properties and color stability of beef semimembranosus muscle during cold storage were investigated. Meat was tested for effects on color (CIE L^?, a^?, b^?), myoglobin content (%), metmyoglobin reducing ability (MRA), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), heme pigment content (ppm), SDS-PAGE profile, and tissue microstructure. Fresh meat showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher values of CIE a^?, CIE b^?, and oxymyoglobin content (%) compared to freeze-thawed meat during cold storage. However, metmyoglobin content (%) was higher in freeze-thawed meat than in fresh meat during 7 days of cold storage. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in MRA among the treatments during cold storage. The TBARS value (0.387 mg/kg) of fresh meat was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of freeze-thawed meats after 5 days of cold storage. These results suggest that the freeze-thaw process could accelerate the deterioration of meat color.     

Antioxidant potential of mint (Mentha spicata L.) in radiation-processed lamb meat

The effectiveness of mint leaves, a common herb used in Indian cuisine, as a natural antioxidant for radiation-processed lamb meat was investigated. Mint extract (ME) had good total phenolic and flavonoid contents. It exhibited excellent antioxidant activity, as measured by β-carotene bleaching and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. It also showed a high superoxide- and hydroxyl-scavenging activity but low iron-chelating ability. A positive correlation was found between the reducing power and the antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of ME was found to be comparable to the synthetic antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The suitability of ME as an antioxidant was determined during radiation processing of lamb meat. ME retarded lipid oxidation, monitored as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), in radiation-processed lamb meat. TBARS values of ME containing irradiated meat stored at chilled temperatures were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than samples without ME. After 4 weeks of chilled storage, TBARS in irradiated meat containing ME (0.1%) was half of that in untreated irradiated meat.     

Effect of ultimate pH and freezing on the biochemical properties of proteins in turkey breast meat

Biochemical and functional properties of proteins from turkey breast meat with different ultimate pH at 24 h post-mortem (pH₂₄) in fresh and frozen conditions have been studied. Meat with different pH₂₄ was referred to as low, normal and high pH meat. Low and normal pH meat showed similar properties indicating their similarity in the extent of protein denaturation. Total (193 mg/g) and sarcoplasmic (99 mg/g) protein solubilities were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in high pH meat compared to those of low and normal pH meat, and hence expected to have better functional properties. Freezing caused denaturation and oxidation of proteins as revealed by a significant decrease in Ca²⁺-ATPase activity (p < 0.0001), total protein solubility (p < 0.0001), reactive (p < 0.05) and total sulphydryl groups (p < 0.0001) and an increase in the formation of carbonyl groups (p < 0.0001), which may have implications for functionality.     

Antioxidant activity of Carob fruit extracts in cooked pork meat systems during chilled and frozen storage

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding condensed tannins in the form of non-purified (Liposterine^®) or purified (Exxenterol^®) extracts obtained from Carob fruit to prevent lipid cooked pork meat systems from oxidising during chilling and frozen storage. The antioxidant activity of these extracts was compared with that of α-tocopherol. Meat lipid alteration was evaluated as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content (TBARS) and polar material-related triglyceride compounds followed by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC). TBARS levels were lower (P < 0.05) in samples containing Liposterine (LM), Exxenterol (EM), and α-tocopherol (TM) than in control sample (CM) under chilled storage. TBARS formation was similar (P > 0.05) for LM and EM but lower (P < 0.05) than for TM. Polar material increased several times in all samples, but significantly less in TM and EM than in LM. Thermal oxidation compounds determined by HPSEC were lower (P < 0.05) in EM than in LM or TM. The changes in polar material were proportionally smaller after six months frozen storage than after chilled storage, with Exxenterol displaying the highest antioxidant protection. Therefore Carob fruit extracts can be successfully used to reduce fat alteration in cooked pork meat at chilled and frozen temperatures.     

Mass spectrometric characterization and thermostability of turkey myoglobin

Pink color defect (PCD) is a major quality problem in the turkey industry leading to pink appearance of pre-cooked, uncured turkey. The present study determined the molecular mass of turkey myoglobin (Mb) using mass spectrometry and characterized the thermostability of turkey Mb, in comparison with beef Mb, to elucidate the molecular basis of PCD. Purified turkey and beef myoglobins were analyzed using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry. The thermostability of turkey and beef oxymyoglobins was examined at pH and Mb concentrations (pH 6.2 and 0.04 mmol/L for turkey; pH 5.6 and 0.15 mmol/L for beef) reflecting inherent conditions in these meats. Turkey and beef oxymyoglobins were incubated at 71, 75, and 80 °C and percentage myoglobin denaturation (PMD) was determined. Molecular mass of turkey Mb (17,295 Da) was 346 Da greater than beef Mb (16,949 Da) and was approximately 300-350 Da greater than those of other red meat myoglobins, suggesting its unique primary structure. PMD was lower (P < 0.05) in turkey Mb than in beef Mb during incubation at 71, 75 and 80 °C, indicating that in-situ turkey Mb is less susceptible to heat-induced denaturation than beef Mb at typical meat cooking conditions. The observed greater thermostability of turkey Mb compared to beef Mb could be, partially, due to inherent greater pH in turkey than in beef. Possible unique primary structure of turkey Mb could have contributed to its greater thermostability, which is one of the reasons for PCD.     

Effect of dietary mixture of gallic acid and linoleic acid on antioxidative potential and quality of breast meat from broilers

The effect of dietary mixture of gallic acid and linoleic acid (MGL) on the antioxidative potential and quality of breast meat from broilers was investigated. Broilers during the 22–36 days on trial received 3 dietary treatments: 1) control (commercial finisher diet), 2) 0.5% MGL (gallic acid:linoleic acid = 1 M:1 M), and 3) 1.0% MGL. The feed efficiency, DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS⁺ reducing activity, reducing power, TBARS, and total phenolic content in the breast from the broilers improved significantly by 1.0% MGL dietary treatment. Arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids were higher in the broilers fed both levels of MGL diets. In addition, water holding capacity of the breast was enhanced by the 1.0% dietary MGL treatment and was accompanied by a slight antimicrobial activity (1 decimal reduction) during storage. In conclusion, 1.0% dietary supplementation with MGL can improve the antioxidative potential, and nutritional and functional qualities of broiler breast meat.     

Chloride salt type/ionic strength and refrigeration effects on antioxidant enzymes and lipid oxidation in cattle,camel and chicken meat

The effects of NaCl and KCl at varying ionic strengths on catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and lipid oxidation in ground Longissimus dorsi (LD) of cattle and camel and breast muscle of chicken during refrigerated storage were studied. NaCl and KCl significantly increased 2-thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) and peroxide values. TBARS and peroxide values increased and GSH-Px activity decreased during 4 day storage in the 4 °C, but catalase activity was stable. Salt type had no consistent effect on GSH-Px and catalase activities. Chicken samples had lower enzyme activities and TBARS content than cattle and camel. Their peroxide values were lower than camel samples. Camel meat showed higher catalase activity and TBARS content than cattle meat. Results indicated that negative correlation between lipid oxidation and GSH-Px activity and the accelerated lipid oxidation in salted meat may be partly related to a decrease in GSH-Px activity.     

Ohmic cooking of whole turkey meat – Effect of rapid ohmic heating on selected product parameters

Intact turkey meat was cooked using low temperature long time (LTLT) and high temperature short time (HTST) protocols in a combined ohmic/convection system and compared to conventional (CONV) steam cooking. Both ohmic protocols gave a significantly lighter (p < 0.05) and a more uniform colour vs. CONV, while no significant differences (p ? 0.05) were found in texture profile analysis attributes between LTLT and CONV though HTST showed significantly higher attributes (p < 0.05). Cook loss was significantly (p < 0.05) different between treatments (25.2%, 27.9% and 31.3% for LTLT, CONV and HTST). Sensory studies largely confirmed these observations. Cook values (p < 0.05) were lowest for LTLT (4.0) followed by HTST (5.4) and control (8.5). Lipid oxidation and sulphur-flavour-compound development (measured over 7 days) were higher for conventional than ohmic treatments. Overall, these results demonstrate considerable industrial potential for ohmic heating, yielding high quality products with an 8–15-fold reduction in cooking time.     

Effect of exposure to light on physico-chemical quality attributes of sliced dry-cured Iberian ham under different packaging systems

Dry-cured Iberian ham slices were stored under vacuum and under two different atmospheres (N₂ = 70% N₂ + 30% CO₂; Ar = 70% Ar + 30% CO₂) and exposed to lightness or darkness. Physico-chemical, sensory and microbial analysis was carried out throughout 60 days storage. Vacuum samples showed the highest a*-value compared to N₂ and Ar after 30 (P < 0.05) and 60 days (P < 0.05). The influence of illumination during storage was evident after 60 days of storage, L* and a*-values being lower (P < 0.01) in hams exposed to light than those kept in darkness, which can be ascribed to the lower nitrosylmioglobin content in samples exposed to light after 60 days (P = 0.001). Ham slices stored in darkness showed the lowest TBARS values (P < 0.05) and hexanal content (P < 0.05) after 60 days. Slices of ham packed in vacuum showed lower TBARS values than N₂ and Ar batches (P = 0.001), these samples being perceived as more rancid (P < 0.05). The rest of the sensory attributes were not generally affected by gas mixture or illumination (P > 0.05).     

Evolution of amino acids and biogenic amines throughout storage in sausages made of horse,beef and turkey meats

The changes in concentration of free amino acids and biogenic amines, along 28 d of storage at 4 °C, were monitored in a wide range of European ripened sausages manufactured from horse, beef and turkey meats. Generally speaking, both chemical families became more concentrated with elapsing time – but rather distinct patterns were followed in each meat type: total free amino acids increased by 13-fold in the case of horse sausages, and 5-fold in the case of beef sausages, but decreased to one third in the case of turkey sausages; and total biogenic amines attained 730 mg/kg in turkey sausages, 500 mg/kg in beef sausages and 130 mg/kg in horse sausages by 28 d of refrigerated storage. For putrescine, maximum levels of 285 mg/kg were attained in turkey and 278 mg/kg in beef sausages; for cadaverine, maximum levels of 6 mg/kg in turkey and 9 mg/kg in beef; and for histamine, maximum levels of 263 mg/kg in turkey and 26 mg/kg in beef. Hence, public safety concerns may be raised in the case of turkey sausages.     

Mortadella sausage manufactured with Caiman yacare (Caiman crocodilus yacare) meat,pork backfat,and soybean oil

Mortadellas manufactured using Caiman yacare meat (70%) and pork fat (30%) were reformulated by substituting pork fat with increasing amounts of soybean oil (25%, 50%, and 100%) and evaluated 7, 30, and 60 days post-manufacture. The substitutions resulted in an increase in fat content and in the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (total PUFA; 18:2 n − 6 and 18:3 n − 3), and a reduction in saturated fatty acids (total SFA; 14:0 and 16:0). These alterations reduced (P < 0.01) the indices of atherogenicity and thrombogenicity by 4- to 5-fold in the formulation with 100% soybean oil compared to the original formulation. The levels of TBARS obtained at day 7 were positively correlated (P < 0.01) with 18:2 n − 6 and 18:3 n − 3 (r = 0.83 and 0.84, respectively) and negatively correlated with 17:0 and 17:1 (r = − 0.91 and − 0.89, respectively). All formulations received favourable overall acceptability by the sensory panel.     

Chemical composition,fatty acid content and antioxidant potential of meat from goats supplemented with Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves,sunflower cake and grass hay

The present study determined the chemical composition, fatty acid (FA) content and antioxidant capacity of meat from goats supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) or sunflower cake (SC) or grass hay (GH). The meat from goat supplemented with MOL had higher concentrations of total phenolic content (10.62 ± 0.27 mg tannic acid equivalent E/g). The MOL significantly scavenged 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic-acid (ABTS) radical to 93.51 ± 0.19% (93.51 ± 0.19%) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical to 58.95 ± 0.3% than other supplements. The antioxidative effect of MOL supplemented meat on catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid oxidation (LO) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other meat from goat feed on grass hay or those supplemented with sunflower seed cake. The present study indicated that the anti-oxidative potential of MOL may play a role in improving meat quality (chemical composition, colour and lipid stability).     

Dietary olive cake reduces the oxidation of lipids,including cholesterol,in lamb meat enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids

Over 40 days, lambs were fed: concentrate (C), concentrate containing 20% linseed (L), concentrate containing 35% olive cake (OC), or concentrate containing 10% linseed and 17% olive cake (OCL). The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and peroxidation index (PI) in phospholipids were increased by the L and OCL treatments (P = 0.007 and P = 0.003, respectively). The OC and OCL diets increased the concentration of tocopherol in muscle (P < 0.001). Compared to the OC and OCL diet, the L diet increased fatty acid oxidation, measured as conjugated dienes (CD; P = 0.003), peroxides (PV; P < 0.001) and TBARS (P = 0.002) in minced muscle over 11 days of storage in high-oxygen atmosphere. Also, the L diet increased (P < 0.001) the levels cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). In conclusion, feeding olive cake improved the oxidative stability of lamb meat and the combination of olive cake and linseed improved the fatty acid composition of meat without compromising its oxidative stability.