Manipulation of Omega‐3 PUFAs in Lamb: Phenotypic and Genotypic Views

A number of studies have shown that dietary omega‐6 and omega‐3 long‐chain fatty acids can be incorporated into muscle tissue of ruminants despite the biohydrogenation of dietary fatty acids in the rumen. The main focus of this review is on eicosapentaenoic (20:5n‐3) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n‐3) fatty acids because health authorities around the world consider the sum of these fatty acids as the basis of classifying a food as a source or good source of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). A high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids are hydrogenated in the rumen, leading to a higher concentration of 18:0, but some escapes the rumen to be absorbed intact by the small intestine. Feeding strategies for ruminants have been successfully applied to increase the absorption of PUFAs in the small intestine and therefore to increase the levels of PUFAs in muscle tissue. Protected fats and algae are strong candidates to improve the nutritional value of red meat in ruminants in terms of health‐claimable omega‐3 fatty acids. Efforts to understand the genetic basis of fatty acid metabolism have been underway. The knowledge of the main genes which control the output of omega‐3 fatty acids is still lacking, but gene expression studies have helped to explain the deposition of these acids in muscle, liver, and subcutaneous fat.     

QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF GLUTEN‐FREE CHICKEN NUGGETS EXTENDED WITH SORGHUM FLOUR

ABSTRACT

Application of coarse cereal flours is recommended to replace wheat gluten in meat products and to avoid gluten allergy in susceptible populations. Sorghum flour is a good source of dietary fiber and provides nonglutinous flours and scope for making gluten‐free meat products. Keeping this in view, the present research was envisaged to evaluate the different quality characteristic of gluten‐free chicken nuggets prepared with sorghum flour. Three types of chicken nuggets viz., Control chicken nuggets (CCNs), gluten‐free nuggets (GFN1 with 5% sorghum flour and GFN2 with 10% sorghum flour) were compared for different physicochemical, instrumental texture, color and sensory characteristics. Use of sorghum flour significantly (P < 0.05) increased the product yield and dietary fiber content in GFN1 and GFN2 as compared with CCN. Instrumental color results showed that lightness (L* value) and redness (a*) values were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in GFN1 and GFN2 as compared with CCN. Texture profile analysis indicated that incorporation of sorghum flour significantly (P < 0.05) improved hardness, gumminess and chewiness. Sensory scores of GFN1 and CCN were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than GFN2. It was concluded that that 5% sorghum flour is optimum to prepare gluten‐free chicken nuggets.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Sorghum is coarse millet and a popular staple diet in many developing countries. The results of this study support that sorghum flour can serve as a functional ingredient in developing healthy meat products. Use of sorghum flour in the formulation of wheat free meat products is an alternative to avoid gluten allergy. These gluten‐free meat products have potential to reach the niche markets and will be highly acceptable to gluten allergic consumers who demand gluten‐free products. Therefore, sorghum based food products can be marketed as health/functional products.     

Functional dry fermented sausages manufactured with high levels of n‐3 fatty acids: nutritional benefits and evaluation of oxidation

Dry fermented sausages including fish oil extracts rich in n‐3 fatty acids were manufactured in order to obtain functional products, and their nutritional advantages and effects on oxidation process were compared with traditional ones. Modified products were manufactured with 5.3 g kg^?1 and 10.7 g kg^?1 of fish oil extract. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents per 100 g of dry fermented sausages were 0.15 g and 0.13 g for the lower rate of addition and 0.33 g and 0.26 g, respectively, for the higher rate, compared with only 0.01 g EPA and 0.03 g DHA in the control products. No significant differences were found in the other fatty acids. A decrease in the n‐6/n‐3 ratios from 16.14 in the control to 7.78 in batch A and 5.32 in batch B was achieved. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values were similar in control (0.31 ppm) and in batch A products (0.34 ppm) but increased significantly in batch B products (1.22 ppm). No statistical differences were observed among batches for the content of cholesterol oxidation products (2.36–2.43 µg g^?1 fat) leading to similar percentages of oxidation. 7‐Ketocholesterol, considered an indicator of oxidation, was not present in any sample. Values obtained for L* and hue (arctg b*/a*) were comparable with those of meat products. Although no effect was observed in cholesterol oxidation product formation and instrumental measurements of colour, the highest level of n‐3 fatty acid seemed to accelerate the oxidation process significantly. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Low‐Fat Beef Patties with Augmented Omega‐3 Fatty Acid and CLA Levels and Influence of Grape Seed Extract

The effects of raising the omega‐3 fatty acid (FA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), or omega‐3 FA plus CLA levels on beef by means of dietary supplementation and of adding grape seed extract (250 mg/kg meat product) in beef patties stored at 2 ± 1 °C in aerobic packaging under simulated retail display conditions for 6 d was evaluated by measuring the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), pH, and instrumental color measurement values and by means of sensory analysis. The pH, instrumental color measurements, and sensory attribute values for patties made from beef with augmented omega‐3 FA and/or CLA contents were similar to the values for the control patties made from beef from animals fed a conventional diet. Adding GSE lowered oxidation levels on day 6 (P < 0.001) and did not affect the instrumental color or sensory analysis results during the display period. This suggests that omega‐3 FA and CLA‐augmented beef could be used to make low‐fat beef patties having characteristics similar to those of conventional beef patties while being more in keeping with currently recommended nutritional guidelines.     

Meat goat kids finished on alfalfa,red clover or orchardgrass pastures: Carcass merit and meat quality

This experiment was conducted in 2005–2007 to evaluate carcass and chevon (goat meat) quality parameters when meat-goat kids (n = 72) were finished on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L; ALF); red clover (Trifolium pratense L.; RCG); or orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.; OGR) pastures. Carcass conformation score was greater (P = 0.08) when meat-goat kids were finished on ALF compared to OGR with RCG intermediate. Chevon meat samples from goats finished on the three pasture treatments did not differ in ash, intramuscular fat, or crude protein content or in concentrations of omega6 and omega3 fatty acids, or the omega6 to omega3 ratio. Goats finished on OGR had higher (P < 0.001) 18:1 trans-11 fatty acids (FA) compared to ALF or RCG. Overall, meat-goat kids finished on ALF, RCG, or ORG produced desirable carcass weights for most niche markets in the USA. Chevon is a low-fat meat option with high desirable fatty acids for human diets.     

Dietary fatty acid intervention of lactating cows simultaneously affects lipid profiles of meat and milk

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated tissue‐specific responses of muscle and mammary gland to a 10 week intervention of German Holstein cows (n = 18) with three different dietary fat supplements (saturated fat; linseed oil or sunflower oil plus docosahexaenoic acid‐rich algae) by analysing fatty acid profiles and quality parameters of meat and milk. RESULTS: Plant oil/algae intervention affected neither fat content nor quality parameters of meat but decreased fat content and saturated fatty acid amounts of milk. Linseed oil/algae intervention caused significantly higher concentrations of C18:3n‐3 (meat, 1.0 g per 100 g; milk, 1.2 g per 100 g) and C22:6n‐3 (meat, 0.3 g per 100 g; milk, 0.14 g per 100 g). Sunflower oil/algae intervention increased n‐6 fatty acid contents in milk (4.0 g per 100 g) but not in meat. Elevated amounts of C18:1trans isomers and C18:1trans‐11 were found in meat and especially in milk of plant oil/algae‐fed cows. C18:1cis‐9 amounts were found to be increased in milk but decreased in meat after plant oil/algae intervention. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that dietary fatty acid manipulation substantially shifted the fatty acid profiles of milk and to a lesser extent of meat, whereas meat quality traits were not affected. Indications of tissue‐specific responses of mammary gland and muscle were identified. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

A quantitative and qualitative assessment of mung bean (Vigna mungo (L.) Wilczek) seed in response to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide: potential changes in fatty acid composition

The effect of rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO₂]) on seed production and the fatty acid profiles of mung bean (Vigna mungo L. Wilczek) were studied under field conditions. Increased [CO₂] (ca 250 ppm above ambient) resulted in significant increases in pod number, pod weight and total seed weight, but also significantly increased the percentage of immature pods at harvest. Qualitatively, increased [CO₂] significantly decreased the percentages of palmitic and omega‐6 fatty acids, but increased the percentage of omega‐3 fatty acids and the relative proportion of omega‐3 to omega‐6 fatty acids in mature seed. Overall, increased carbon dioxide may significantly increase quantity and alter quality in mung bean seed, a recognized alternative source of fatty acids in the human diet. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

POTENTIAL USES OF MECHANICALLY DEBONED BULLFROG (RANA CATESBEIANA) MEAT TO PARTIALLY REPLACE LEAN PORK TO PRODUCE EMULSIFIED MEATBALLS

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the qualities of emulsified meatballs where part of the lean pork was substituted with mechanically deboned bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) meat (MDBM) during manufacturing and subsequently stored at 4C. Meatballs were manufactured by adding 0, 7.5, 15, 22.5 or 30% MDBM. The meatballs had higher moisture, lower protein and fat contents, darker color, lower water‐holding capacity, higher cooking loss and softer texture as the MDBM usage level increased. The thiobarbituric acid and volatile basic nitrogen values of the products significantly (P < 0.05) increased, and the shear values, springiness and fracturability decreased as the MDBM usage level increased (P < 0.05). The products containing 7.5% MDBM had higher acceptable sensory characteristics than those samples containing more MDBM. In conclusion, emulsified meatballs that had 7.5% mechanically deboned bullfrog meat, substituted with equal quantities of the lean pork, were acceptable based on their physicochemical and sensory qualities.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Many animal by‐products which are produced during processing are edible and valuable. How to utilize these by‐products has become a great issue for the industry. In this study, high‐quality proteins which were obtained from mechanically deboned bullfrog meat (MDBM) resulted in emulsified meatballs with acceptable qualities. More specifically, this information could make MDBM a possible material to substitute for part of the added lean meat in many emulsion‐type meat products and increase products marketability because of lower raw ingredients' cost. This finding may be useful for both marine and domestic animal industries to make better use of this by‐product. Lastly, this information can be used to enhance the potential reduction of animal wastes, which might pollute the environment.

     

Two by-products of the olive oil extraction industry as oleic acid supplement source for Iberian pigs: effect on the meat's chemical composition and induced lipoperoxidation

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two by‐products of the olive oil extraction industry—olive soapstocks and olive‐pomace oil—as added fat sources into feed concentrates, in two different rearing systems (free‐range complemented with concentrates and intensive rearing with concentrates) on the chemical composition and oxidative stability of Iberian pig meat. RESULTS: No differences in the chemical composition, colour and fatty acid composition of gluteobiceps m. were found due to added fat source. However, the feeding system had a significant effect on protein (P < 0.05), γ‐tocopherol (P < 0.05), colour (P < 0.01) and fatty acid composition of gluteobiceps m. Neither added fat source nor the feeding system had an effect on the malondialdehyde content. CONCLUSION: The addition of olive soapstock or olive‐pomace oil as fat sources into concentrates did not influence meat composition or fatty acid profile. However, there are differences in the fatty acid composition of meat from Iberian pigs as a result of the production system used. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of medium-voltage electrical stimulation on postmortem changes in fat-tailed sheep

Abstract: Effects of different medium‐voltage electrical stimulation (ES) and ageing on postmortem changes in longissimus dorsi muscle of the fat‐tailed sheep were studied. Fifteen male animals were divided into 5 equal groups (n= 3) including: T₁ (control, without ES), T₂ (100 V/30 s), T₃ (100 V/60 s), T₄ (150 V/30 s), and T₅ (150 V/60 s) with fixed frequency of 50 Hz. Five minutes after sticking, the carcasses were stimulated in order of the treatments. After normal processing, they were kept at 6 °C for 14 d. ES accelerated the glycolytic rate resulting in a significant fast fall in pH (P < 0.05) during the 1st 6‐h postmortem (PM) with a gradual decline until 24‐h PM, and a simultaneous significant reduction in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content (P < 0.05). There was a significant (P < 0.05) decline in the total calpain activity during the 1st 6‐h PM. The muscles from ES carcasses had significantly (P < 0.05) lower water holding capacity (WHC) than those from nonstimulated ones. Ageing revealed a significant (P < 0.05) effect on the reduction of WHC. No significant difference was found for the mean value of the muscle color (L*, a*, and b*) in all treatment groups during ageing (P > 0.05). The results of free amino acid (FAA) content and myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) revealed a significant improvement of proteolysis and tenderness by ES and ageing (P < 0.05). In the present study, higher voltage/duration (150 V/60 s) showed greater effects and significantly accelerated glycolysis, pH decline, and ATP depletion and thus decreased the time for rigor completion and improved the tenderness.     

Effect of Camelina sativa expeller cake on performance and meat quality of broilers

The experiment was conducted to measure the effects of Camelina sativa expeller on the performance of broiler chickens and on the sensory quality and fatty acid composition of broiler meat. One‐day‐old broiler chickens were randomly allocated to the three dietary treatments which lasted 37 days. Experimental diets contained 0, 5 or 10% C. sativa expeller. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. The birds were weighed at the beginning, at 14 days and at the end of the trial at 37 days. Feed intake was recorded between weighings. C. sativa expeller reduced the growth of the birds linearly (P < 0.001). It also depressed their feed intake and feed conversion ratio during the starter phase (1–14 days). C. sativa did not cause any significant enlargement of the thyroid gland, nor were any liver lesions observed. Feeding of C. sativa significantly (P < 0.001) increased the omega‐3 fatty acid level in broiler meat. This was mainly due to an increase in α‐linolenic acid (18:3, n‐3). Feeding did not seem to have any adverse effect on the sensory quality of broiler meat. Meat from female broilers produced by feeding 5% C. sativa in the diet was significantly (P = 0.02) more tender than meat produced by feeding 10% C. sativa. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fibre‐optic method for estimation of bovine fat quality

Spectroscopy using remote surface, contact, insertion and transmission fibre‐optic probes and a sensor at wavelengths of 400 to 1100 nm was used for rapid estimation of the physio‐chemical characteristics of bovine fat. Surface reflectance of the adipose tissue was negatively correlated with the bovine fat colour score at many wavelengths and positively correlated with the contents of the polyunsaturated fatty acids at 400 to 650 nm (P < 0.05). Internal reflectance using an insertion probe at 445 to 1100 nm was positively correlated with melting point and negatively correlated with refractive index (P < 0.05). Internal reflectance using a contact probe tended to be related to saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid contents. Transmittance at almost all wavelengths was positively correlated with refractive index (P < 0.05). Internal reflectance of the intermuscular fat from 34 animals measured at a meat market was correlated (P < 0.01) with saturated fatty acid content (r = 0.72 at 650 nm) and with monounsaturated fatty acid content (r = ?0.69 at 650 nm). These results indicated the possibility of using fibre‐optic measurements, requiring 1 s in bovine adipose tissue, to evaluate the quality of depot fat and that the various types of probe can be used to evaluate different physiochemical characteristics of fat. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

FATTY ACIDS AND MEAT CHARACTERISTICS OF DIFFERENT BIOLOGICAL TYPES OF BEEF CATTLE DEVELOPED UNDER A MANAGEMENT-INTENSIVE GRAZING SYSTEM

ABSTRACT

Beef steers representing four biological types were evaluated for fatty acid profiles and meat characteristics in muscle tissue developed on grazed forages. Biological types included six large‐framed, late maturing, nine medium‐framed, late maturing, nine medium‐framed, intermediate maturing, and nine medium‐framed, early maturing steers. Longissimus dorsi muscles were removed and frozen after 7 days of dry aging. Tenderness and cook loss were similar between biological types. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in fatty acid profiles were found between biological types. The medium‐framed, early maturing animals scored highest (P < 0.05) in marbling, had the highest (P < 0.05) concentration of total n‐3 fatty acids, and had the lowest n–6/n–3 ratio at 1.03:1. All biological types had a mean n–6/n–3 ratio well below the recommended <4:1 for human cardiovascular health. Under this dietary management system, medium‐framed, early maturing beef steers should be considered for producing grass‐fed beef based on both carcass merit and fatty acid composition.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Beef cattle that reach physiological maturity (i.e. puberty) earlier than their contemporaries should be selected for the production of grassfed beef if fully developed on forages. Those animals have the ability to deposit fat earlier than their later‐maturing contemporaries. Additionally, medium‐framed beef animals should be selected over larger‐framed animals as skeletal frame does not contribute to meat quality but requires more nutritional input for growth and maintenance. This ability to deposit fat exclusively on forage nutrients, without energy or protein supplementation, should be exploited when developing grassfed beef. Fat deposition, particularly intramuscularly (IM), contributes positively to meat quality. Fatty acids, especially the ratio of n‐6/n‐3, are optimized when beef animals have been fully developed on nutrient‐dense forages. Forages must be managed in such a way to capture those nutrients for animal intake and protect the plants for regrowth in a pasture setting.     

Physico chemical,microstructural and sensory characteristics of low‐fat meat emulsion containing aloe gel as potential fat replacer

In this study, a possible use of aloe gel (AG) as a potential fat replacer in the manufacture of low‐fat meat emulsion was investigated. The low‐fat meat emulsions with added AG and vegetable oil (VO) in different proportions [AG7.5 (7.5% AG + 7.5% VO); AG5 (5% AG + 10% VO); AG2.5 (2.5% AG + 12.5% VO)] were compared with full‐fat meat emulsion [Control (15% VO only)]. A substantial fat reduction (P < 0.05) up to 50% as compared to full‐fat control meat emulsion was recorded without compromising other sensory attributes of meat emulsion. Microstructural properties as studied by scanning electron microscopy indicated more homogenous regular emulsion matrix with fewer cracks and more regular shaped oil droplets in AG‐added samples than the control samples.     

Incorporation of by-products of rosemary and thyme in the diet of ewes: effect on the fatty acid profile of lamb

The present study measured changes in fatty acid composition of lamb meat from sheep fed plant by-products (rosemary- and thyme-distilled leaves) during pregnancy and lactation. For that, thirty-six pregnant Segureña ewes were employed per experiment (2 experiments in total: A with distilled rosemary leaf—DRL—and B with distilled thyme leaf—DTL) and were randomly assigned into three homogeneous groups. Sheep in the control group (C _R: control DRL experiment; C _T: control DTL experiment) were given a basal diet (BD). The experimental diets of the other two groups were modified by substituting 10 and 20 % of the BD by DRL (R ₁, R ₂) in experiment A and with 10 and 20 % of the BD by DTL (T ₁, T ₂) in experiment B. Moisture, fat, protein content, fatty acid profile, and pH of the fresh lamb meat were analysed. Pearson’s correlations were made between fatty acid profile and rancid odour (RO), TBARS of fresh lamb meat at day 21 of storage. The incorporation of thyme- and rosemary-distilled leaves in the diet of pregnant and lactating ewes caused a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), and a significant decrease in the percentage of saturated fatty acid (SFA) saturation index (S/P), atherogenic (AI), and thrombogenic (TI) indices in lamb meat. In general, this effect was more pronounced with a diet of 20 % DRL. High positive correlations were found between rancid odour and SFA (except C _18:0 and C _20:0) and monounsaturated fat (MUFA); on the contrary, a negative correlation was shown between PUFA content and RO, TBARS. Thus, adding by-products of rosemary and thyme to the diet of ewes significantly improved fatty acid profile of lamb meat.     

PROCESS OPTIMIZATION FOR CHICKEN PATTIES MANUFACTURED WITH A COMBINATION OF SPENT HEN AND RABBIT MEAT

ABSTRACT

A comminuted chicken patty was produced using spent hen and rabbit meats at 100:0, 95:5, 90:10, 85:15 and 80:20 ratios. The extenders/binders with whole liquid eggs (WLE) at 5, 10 and 15% and soy chunks at 3, 6 and 9%, respectively, were also used. The patties were evaluated for sensory, physicochemical and proximate quality and shelf life. The scores for all sensory attributes of patties stored at refrigerated temperature (4 ± 1C) for 20 days decreased significantly (P < 0.05) while pH, thiobarbituric acid and tyrosine values increased significantly (P < 0.05). The patties formulated with WLE and soy chunks‐added patties were acceptable up to 20 days without any spoilage. A combination of 90:10 spent hen meat and rabbit meat formulated with either 10% WLE or 9% soy chunks resulted in the most desirable patties that scored maximum for sensory attributes and had better cooking yield, emulsion stability and physicochemical characteristics over all other combinations.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Meat from spent hens is usually tough and poor in functional properties but could be beneficially utilized through formulation of comminuted processed products. The process of comminution is proven to convert relatively tough and less juicy meat into processed meat products with desirable characteristics. Rabbit meat is rich in vitamin B complex, low in fat and cholesterol content and easily digestible. The protein value of domestic rabbit meat ranked superior over meat of other species being used for human consumption. Egg is a well‐known food additive and emulsifier that possesses nutritional, functional and emulsion properties. The functional properties of egg improve the physicochemical and sensory qualities of patties. In addition, the antimicrobial and antioxidative properties of egg components have been effectively utilized in formulation of meat products.     

Proximate and fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of different cuts of guinea fowl meat as affected by cooking method

BACKGROUND: Poultry is one of the leading meat products in South Africa, and its nutritional composition can be affected by the cut and cooking method. Limited food composition data are available for typical South African poultry products. This study investigated the effect of different cuts and cooking methods on the proximate and fatty acid composition as well as the cholesterol content of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) meat. RESULTS: The open‐roasting method produced the highest moisture content for all cuts, and the baking bag method the lowest. The baking bag method resulted in the highest protein content. Cooking method had no effect on fat content, although breast had the lowest and thigh the highest fat content. Ash content was highest in the open‐roasted drumstick. All cuts, regardless of cooking method, had a favourable polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid (P/S) ratio (>0.4). Their n‐6/n‐3 ratio was also within the recommended beneficial range (<4:1). Both cooking method and cut affected cholesterol content. CONCLUSION: Different cuts of guinea fowl vary in proximate and fatty acid composition as well as in cholesterol content, which in turn is affected to varying degrees by cooking method. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of feeding micronised flaxseed on yield and composition of milk from Holstein cows

Nine multiparous Holstein cows were used in three 3 × 3 Latin squares to investigate the effects of feeding unheated and micronised flaxseed on milk yield and milk fatty acid composition. Three diets were formulated to meet the nutrient requirement of dairy cows in early lactation: a control diet with no added flaxseed (NFS), an unheated flaxseed diet (UFS) and a micronised flaxseed diet (MFS). The level of flaxseed in UFS and MFS was 70 g kg^?1 of the diet dry matter (DM). Feeding flaxseed to dairy cows had no effect on DM intake or milk yield. However, energy‐corrected milk was higher (P < 0.05) for cows fed MFS than for those fed UFS or NFS. Supplemental flaxseed reduced (P < 0.05) the milk fat percentage without affecting the concentration of milk protein or milk lactose. However, the yield of milk components was not affected by feeding flaxseed. The concentrations of short‐chain (C_4:0 to C_12:0) and medium‐chain (C_14:0 to C_17:0) fatty acids were decreased (P < 0.05) while those of long‐chain fatty acids (C_18:0 to C_18:3) were increased (P < 0.05) in the milk of cows fed UFS and MFS compared with cows fed NSF. Feeding flaxseed to dairy cows can alter the milk fatty acid composition, but only minor effects on milk fatty acid composition can be expected by feeding micronised versus unheated flaxseed. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SALT CONTENTS ON SOME QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS DURING PROCESSING OF DRY‐CURED TURKISH PASTIRMA

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effects of different salt contents (3, 6 and 9%) during process stages on physicochemical, lipid oxidation and microbial quality of a dry‐cured meat product, past?rma, throughout 21 days of processing. Significant changes in moisture content, NaCl content, pH and water activity (a_w) were observed in past?rma after the third drying and pasting stages. There were significant decreases (P < 0.05) in objective color characteristics (L*, a* and b*) between raw material and final product for all past?rma samples. However, no significant effect of salt level (P > 0.05) was detected on L* and a*. Salt level significantly (P < 0.05) affected thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) formation, which was lower in low‐salt past?rma samples, while the combination of salting, drying and pressing stages increased TBARS values in high‐salt past?rma samples. Higher salt content (6% and 9%) and last drying resulted in reduction of microbial count.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Salt (NaCl) is an important agent in inhibiting microbial growth, reducing water activity and imparting a salty taste to dry‐cured meat products such as ham and past?rma. Salt content in past?rma varies from 5% to 10% in the final product and has an impact on product quality parameters. The effects of different NaCl contents (3, 6 and 9%) and processing stages on pH, water activity (a_w), color parameters, lipid oxidation and microbial count were studied during processing of past?rma. Low‐salt concentration had some negative impacts on past?rma characteristics, giving high a_w, pH and microbial count, but low Thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances value and NaCl content. Drying, pressing and pasting with çemen mixture during past?rma processing had a positive impact on reduction of moisture, a_w and microbial count.