Technological and sensory characteristics in development of innovative symbiotic boneless dry-cured lamb meat snack.

Novel shelf-stable and high-protein meat products that are affordable, convenient, and healthy are hot topic in current food innovation trends. To offer technological databases for developing new functional lamb meat products, this study aimed to evaluate the technological and sensory aspects of dry-cured lamb meat snacks incorporated with the probiotic culture Lactobacillus paracasei and the prebiotic lactulose. Four formulations were analyzed: control (without prebiotic or probiotic); PREB (with 2% lactulose); PROB (with 107 CFU/g of L. paracasei); and SYMB (with 2% lactulose and 107 CFU/g of L. paracasei). Fitted curves revealed that weight-loss behavior during snack ripening was not affected (P > 0.05) by treatments. Snack moisture, water activity, pH, titratable acidity, lipid oxidation, and residual nitrite were affected (P < 0.05) only by ripening time. The target probiotic strain stood out against competitive flora and was detected at 107 CFU/g in the snack-supplemented formulations (PROB and SYMB). In snacks supplemented with prebiotics (PREB and SYMB), the lactulose content was maintained at 2.17%. Significant differences were not observed in the chemical composition, texture profiles, and CIE color indices between the proposed functional snacks and the control. In addition to texture, flavor, and overall impression evaluation, only color attributes were positively impacted (P < 0.05) in the acceptance and multiple comparison tests against the control. The proposed formulation and bench process parameters produced potential nutritionally and sensory-appreciated, microbiologically stable, and safe (multi-hurdle perspective) functional high-protein restructured lamb snacks.

Freezing/thawing as an accelerating process of wet- and dry-aged Nellore beef.

This study aimed to evaluate the use of freezing/thawing as a way of accelerating the aging processes of beef from Nellore animals. Non-frozen (NF) or freezing/thawing (FT) strip loins were aged (for 14 and 28 days) using two systems: bone-in dry-aging (DA); boneless wet-aging (WA). FT-treated samples had greater weight losses (P < 0.05) during aging than NF-treated samples, especially using the DA process. However, the weight loss of the FT 14-days DA beef samples was comparable to that of NF 28-days DA. FT beef had lower fragmentation index and shear force values (P < 0.05), as well as its maximum sensorial tenderness was achieved earlier (P < 0.05) than the NF counterpart. With 28 days of aging, DA beef showed higher (P < 0.05) tenderness and juiciness scores and lower lightness values than WA beef. The FT process decreased the reducing capacity of meat samples, generating more metmyoglobin and lower amounts of chroma than NF. The expected volatile profile of DA beef was achieved faster in FT-treated samples, but the freezing treatments did not compromise the microbial count for either aging system. Our findings indicate that accelerated DA by the FT process could improve the palatability of Nellore beef, allowing the desired tenderness and flavor profile to be achieved in a shorter time, without increasing costs with weight losses or adversely affecting physicochemical, chemical, and microbial characteristics.

S-nitrosothiols as nitrite alternatives: Effects on residual nitrite, lipid oxidation, volatile profile, and cured color of restructured cooked ham.

This study evaluated the use of the S-nitrosothiols, S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (NAC-SNO) and S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine ethyl ester (NACET-SNO), at different concentrations (25-300 mg nitrite equivalent - NEq/kg) as sodium nitrite substitutes in restructured cooked hams. The pH value and instrumental cured color were not affected by the type or amount of curing agent used. Products with 25 and 50 mg/kg ingoing nitrite had lower thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance values than those with equimolar amounts of S-nitrosothiols. Products with >150 mg NEq/kg of S-nitrosothiols had residual nitrite similar to 50 mg/kg nitrite, and this resulted in the same volatile compound profile as nitrite added in equimolar amounts. A 300 mg NEq/kg of S-nitrosothiols was required to obtain a similar and minimally stable cured pink color perception as sliced samples with 50-150 mg/kg added nitrite. The results obtained reinforce the great potential of both alternative curing agents in the complete replacement of nitrite by equimolar amounts in restructured cooked products; however, differences in cured color stability should be considered.

Technological and sensory characteristics of hamburgers made with polyunsaturated gelled emulsions.

The quest for healthiness has driven the meat industry to seek solutions to reduce or replace saturated animal fat. The replacement (partial or total) of animal fat by polyunsaturated vegetable oils rich in omega fatty acids has gained prominence in terms of making a product healthier. However, an obstacle to this strategy is the effects on the sensory characteristics of the products, which may be unfavorable to consumers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the lipid reformulation of hamburgers through the total replacement of pork fat with canola, sunflower, and corn oil emulsions. The physical-chemical, technological, and sensory properties analyses were performed. There were no significant changes (P > 0.05) in moisture content, protein content, ash content, pH, weight loss (%), moisture retention (%), or shrinkage (%). However, the lipid content was reduced (P < 0.05) and there was a significant improvement in the fatty acid profile with the application of gelled emulsions. The lipid peroxidation and oxidation also increased (P < 0.05) for the samples with the addition of gelled emulsions, and we observed the same behavior for lipid retention (%). In the sensory evaluation, the samples showed good overall acceptance, with hedonic scores ranging from "like slightly" to "like very much." In addition, through check-all-that-apply questions, we observed that the most positive scores given applied to the treatments were applied to the emulsions. The total replacement of animal fat by gelled emulsions is a promising strategy for producing healthier hamburgers.

Application of gamma radiation in the beef texture development during accelerated aging.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of gamma radiation (3 kGy) on the quality of post-rigor beef (M. longissimus lumborum) aged for up to 21 days at different temperatures (1, 7, and 15°C). Irradiation reduced the mesophilic and lactic acid bacteria counts, which were higher in the non-irradiated samples aged at 7 and 15°C. The water retention capacity was lower in the irradiated beef, resulting in higher values of exudation and cooking losses. High aging temperatures increased the exudation loss and myofibrillar proteolysis (lower fragmentation index; FI) and reduced the total and insoluble collagen contents and the beef Warner-Bratzler square Shear Force (WBsSF). However, irradiated beef had higher FI and SF than non-irradiated ones, increasing the time required for the beef tenderizing. Gamma irradiation (3 kGy) can be used to ensure the microbiological safety during short storage at high temperatures (up to 15°C) in order to accelerate the process of beef tenderizing.

Assessment of Japanese radish derivatives as nitrite substitute on the physicochemical properties, sensorial profile, and consumer acceptability of restructured cooked hams.

This study aimed to evaluate the technological and sensory properties of restructured cooked hams prepared with natural curing agents (0.5% radish powder, HRP; 3% radish juice, HRJ; and 0.5% radish pulp powder, HRPP) and with 40 and 150 mg/kg sodium nitrite (HN40 and HN150, respectively). No difference was observed for pH, proximate composition, or cooking loss. Higher residual nitrite contents were observed in the HN150, followed by the radish derivatives hams and HN40. All radish derivatives hams had a similar hue (h) color to HN40, but the h values of HRJ also did not differ from the HN150 ones. The stability of the cured color was not affected. Consumers perceived a non-characteristic aroma and flavor in the radish derivatives hams, but the HRJ had the best acceptance scores. The HRJ appearance was similar to the HN150, and the other sensory attributes were like the HN40. The potential use of radish derivatives, especially radish juice, as natural curing agents was confirmed.

Temporal dominance of sensations and check-all-that-apply analysis of restructured cooked hams elaborated with different salt content and pork quality meats.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of salt (NaCl) content of 1.2%, 1.6%, and 2.0% in the sensory characteristics of restructured cooked hams, formulated with abnormal (PSE; pale, soft, and exudative) and normal (RFN; reddish pink, firm, and non-exudative) meats. The products with 1.2% added salt had higher (P < 0.05) acceptance scores for flavor, regardless of the type of meat used. Hams manufactured with PSE meat and 1.2% salt content had higher (P < 0.05) overall impression scores and were associated with the terms "characteristic ham flavor", "juicy", and "soft" in the check-all-that-apply analysis. RFN meat samples with 1.6% and 2.0% salt content were respectively associated to "rubbery" and "firm" texture. The ham flavor was always reported at the beginning of the temporal dominance of sensation test, followed by the term "salty" for the samples with 2.0% salt and "meaty" in the samples with 1.2% salt. The term "umami taste" appears to be associated to that samples made with PSE meat. These results led to the conclusion that PSE meat had a positive effect on the sensory profile of restructured cooked hams, especially in those formulated with 1.2% salt.

Preservative of Essential Oil Blends: Control of Clostridium perfringens Type a in Mortadella

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the essential oils of cinnamon, cardamom, clove, oregano, and thyme and their synergism on vegetative cells and endospores of Clostridium perfringens type A inoculated in meat sausage (mortadella), as well as the influence of blends on the color, and lipid oxidation through the determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS index). The anticlostridial action of the oil blends was established. The two added oil blends (Treat. 1: oregano, clove, and thyme; Treat. 2: oregano, clove, and cinnamon) in combination with reduced nitrite content (75 ppm) promoted a lower growth of C. perfringens in mortadella stored at 15 °C for 21 days in comparison to treatments containing only 75 ppm of nitrite. The essential oil blends showed antioxidant action and did not alter food color, thus possessing potential application as a preservative for the meat products industry.

Effect of freezing/irradiation/thawing processes and subsequent aging on tenderness, color, and oxidative properties of beef.

This study evaluated the use of gamma irradiation (3, 6 and 9 kGy) in frozen vacuum-packed beef and subsequent thawing and aging for up to 14 days. The effects on tenderness, color, and oxidative properties were determined and compared to non-irradiated controls for frozen/thawed and chilled vacuum-packed beef. The combined irradiation and freezing/thawing processes increased total exudate loss and reduced the meat water-holding capacity, regardless of the dose used. Myofibrillar fragmentation was favored by the freezing/thawing processes and negatively affected by irradiation. Lower shear force values were observed in the non-irradiated frozen/thawed samples. Frozen samples irradiated at 9 kGy had a higher percentage of soluble collagen, lipid peroxidation, and a more reddish color tone. The meat reducing capacity and oxygen consumption were reduced by freezing and further by irradiation, which also included accumulation of metmyoglobin. It was concluded that irradiation of frozen meat and its subsequent thawing and aging does not confer any additional advantages for beef technological quality.

Combined effects of gamma irradiation and aging on tenderness and quality of beef from Nellore cattle.

Combined effects of gamma irradiation (0, 3, 6 and 9 kGy) and aging (1 and 14 days) on quality attributes of vacuum-packaged beef from Nellore cattle were evaluated. The meat water holding capacity was affected by irradiation, increasing (p < 0.05) purge and cooking loss regardless of the dose used. Irradiation negatively affected myofibrillar fragmentation, but samples irradiated at 9 kGy had (p < 0.05) higher soluble collagen and lower shear force values. The meat metmyoglobin reducing activity was reduced (p < 0.05) by the irradiation process, inducing the metmyoglobin accumulation with increasing dose applied. Samples irradiated at 9 kGy presented (p < 0.05) higher lipid oxidation and lower oxymyoglobin proportion and color redness and chroma values. It was concluded that irradiation at 9 kGy combined with aging can be used as an effective tool for improving the tenderness of Nellore beef, but resulted in a discoloration of the beef.

Sensory profile and technological characterization of boneless dry-cured ham with lactulose added as a prebiotic.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the technological and sensory profile of boneless dry-cured ham added with different contents of lactulose as a prebiotic ingredient. METHODS: In addition to the control samples (without the addition of lactulose), three treatments were formulated to contain 2, 4 or 6% lactulose. Technological (lactulose content, CIE color and texture profile analysis) and sensory (acceptance and check-all-that-applies tests) analyses were performed on the final product. RESULTS: The lactulose content in the finished product (1.86±0.23%, 3.16±0.18% and 2.51±1.35%) was lower than the lactulose originally added (2, 4 and 6% respectively). The addition of 4% and 6% lactulose made (P &lt; 0.05) the products darker (lower L*) and redder (lower h) with higher hardness and chewiness values, when compared to control samples. The additions of 2% and 4% lactulose reduce the appearance acceptability of the products, but overall the treatments were well accepted. CONCLUSION: The use of up to 4% lactulose as a prebiotic in the production of boneless dry-cured hams provides an alternative to improving its nutritional value with little alteration in the technological characteristics and still meeting the sensory characteristics desired by consumers.

Análise do perfil de textura de apresuntados elaborados com diferentes concentrações de nitrito / Texture profile analysis of restructured cooked ham elaborated with different nitrite contents

O trabalho objetivou estudar os efeitos da adição de diferentes concentrações de nitrito (0 a 300 mg/Kg) nos atributos de textura de apresuntados ao decorrer do tempo de armazenamento a vácuo (0 a 40 dias) utilizando um delineamento composto central rotacional. Maiores perdas de peso por cozimento foram observadas (P0,05) pelos fatores estudados, enquanto que maiores valores de flexibilidade foram observados nos produtos adicionados de maior quantidade de nitrito. Concluiu-se que o perfil de textura de produtos cárneos cozidos é ligeiramente alterado pela adição de nitrito de sódio.

Avaliação sensorial de lombos defumados elaborados com carne suína de diferentes qualidades e com teor reduzido de sal / Sensory assessment of smoked loin elaborated with different pork qualities and with reduced salt content

Objetivou-se avaliar a aceitação sensorial e a percepção de ideal de sal de lombos suínos defumados elaborados com carnes de diferentes classes de qualidade (RFN, PSE e DFD) e diferentes concentrações de sal (1,2 e 1,8%). As notas de aceitação do sabor (nota 6,53) e da impressão global (nota 6,69) não foram afetadas (P>0,05) pelos fatores, mas os consumidores preferiram a aparência das amostras adicionados de 1,8% de sal, independentemente da qualidade da carne. Amostras RFN com 1,8% de sal tiveram a textura mais aceitas do que as com 1,2% de sal e amostras PSE com 1,8% foram consideradas com ideal de sal quando comparado às PSE com 1,2% de sal. Conclui-se que diferentes classes de qualidade e teores de sal afetam a aceitação dos lombos defumados, mas estes ainda possuem uma boa aceitação sensorial por parte dos consumidores.

Características tecnológicas de lombos suínos PSE injetados com diferentes soluções salinas no pré-rigor / Technological characteristics of PSE swine injected with different saline solutions in pre-rigor

Avaliou-se o efeito da injeção de soluções salinas no pré-rigor em lombos suínos PSE. Lombos suínos PSE foram desossados a quente e injetados (10%) com uma das soluções: Tripolifosfato de sódio (50 e100 mM), Cloreto de cálcio (100 e 200 mM), Cloreto de sódio (100 e 200 mM). Após injeção, as amostras foram armazenadas a 4°C/24h e, em seguida, avaliadas quanto ao pH, cor objetiva, perda de peso (purga, gotejamento e cozimento) e força de cisalhamento. Os resultados foram comparados à carne suína PSE e RFN, excisadas após maturação higiênica e sem injeção. Houve diferença apenas para a de perda de peso por purga, onde amostras adicionadas de NaCl apresentaram maior percentual de perda que as demais. Conclui-se que, a injeção de salmouras em lombos suínos PSE, no período de pré-rigor, melhorou as características da qualidade da carne suína.

Caracterização de carne mecanicamente separada de coelho / Characterization of mechanically deboned rabbit meat

Objetivou-se elaborar e caracterizar carne mecanicamente separada (CMS) de coelho (CMSC), comparando-a à CMS de frango (CMSF). As amostras foram analisadas quanto ao pH, composição centesimal, teor de cálcio, índice de peróxido (IP), índice de TBARS, pigmentos heme totais (PHT) e cor CIELAB. Com exceção para os valores de IP, a CMSC atendou aos critérios legais brasileiros para CMS, apresentando um maior teor proteico (19,08 x 12,66%) e menor teor de gordura (9,44 x 17,47%) do que a CMSF. A CMSC apresentou maior PHT (35,36 x 137,90 mg/g), o que justifica sua tonalidade menos avermelhada (h = 51,98 x 43,27) e menos intensa (C* = 23,91 x 30,26) do que a CMSF. Concluiu-se que a CMS de coelho possui um grande potencial para uso como ingrediente cárneo.

Caracterização fisico-química de produto curado seco de carne ovina elaborado com lactulose como prebiótico / Physicochemical characterization of dry-cured lamb with lactulose as prebiotic

O objetivo desse trabalho foi acompanhar as alterações nas características físico-químicas de produto curado dessecado de carne ovina adicionado de lactulose ao longo de sua elaboração (0, 7, 21 e 30 dias). Foram necessários 30 dias para que os produtos perdessem cerca de 40% de peso. A umidade foi afetada (P<0,05) apenas pelo tempo de processamento, atingindo valores finais de 47,60%. Em relação ao pH, houve efeito significativo (p<0,05) nos tempos e nos tratamentos analisados ao longo do processo. A presença de lactulose não afetou na produção de ácido lático e nem na Atividade de água. Foi possível desenvolver e caracterizar um produto de carne ovina adicionado de Prebiótico com as mesmas características em relação tratamento controle atendendo a legislação Brasileira.

Efeito da adição de nitrito nos valores de nitrito residual e cor de apresuntados durante o armazenamento / Effect of nitrite addition on residual nitrite values and color of reestructured cooked ham during storage

Objetivou-se avaliar a cinética de redução das concentrações de nitrito adicionado (0 a 300 mg/kg) em apresuntados e seus efeitos na cor curada ao decorrer do tempo de armazenamento a vácuo (0 a 40 dias). O teor de nitrito residual aumentou (P0,05) por nenhum dos fatores. O comportamento para a tonalidade (h) foi o inverso do índice de cor curada, sendo que pequenas adições de nitrito implicaram em uma cor mais avermelhada (mais rosada), com ligeira perda (fading) no decorrer do tempo de armazenamento. Adições de 50 a 300 mg/kg de nitrito basicamente não alteraram a cor dos produtos, sendo pouco afetado pelo tempo de armazenamento à vácuo.

Efeitos da qualidade da carne suína na cor e textura instrumentais de lombos defumados com teor reduzido de sal / Pork quality effects on instrumental color and texture of smoked loins with reduced salt contente

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da qualidade da carne suína (PFN, PSE, RFN, RSE e DFD) e do teor de sal (1,2 e 1,8%) nos valores de perda por cozimento (PPC), pH e cor e textura instrumentais de lombos marinados, curados e defumados. Não houve efeito significativo (P>0,05) para os valores de PPC (10,85 ± 3,98%), pH (6,24 ± 0,32) e todos os índices de cor avaliados (L* = 64,47 ± 3,29; C* = 13,68 ± 2,58; e h = 55,05 ± 5,30°). No entanto, a dureza e a coesividade foram menores nos produtos adicionados com 1,8% de sal, enquanto a mastigabilidade foi afetada pela interação entre teor de sal e qualidade da carne. Conclui-se que os uso de diferentes classes de qualidade e teores de sal na elaboração de lombos defumados não afeta o rendimento e coloração dos produtos, mas ambos os fatores afetam significativamente a textura final.

Efeitos da transglutaminase na textura de fiambres elaborados com carne suína PSE e teor reduzido de sal / Effects of transglutaminase addition on the texture of ‘fiambres’ elaborated with pork PSE and salt reduction

Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil de textura instrumental e sensorial de fiambres elaborados com transglutaminase (TG), carne suína PSE e redução de sal. Seis formulações com carnes normais (RFN) e PSE foram formuladas contendo 2% de sal, sem sal adicionado e sem sal + TG. A remoção do sal da formulação resultou (P<0,05) em menores valores de dureza e mastigabilidade, independentemente da carne utilizada. A TG foi capaz de evitar a redução nos valores de dureza e mastigabilidade quando os produtos foram elaborados com carne RFN, mas não quando elaborado com carne PSE. A aceitação sensorial da textura foi reduzida com a redução de sal, mas este foi minimizado pela adição da TG. Concluiu-se que apesar da TG minimizar os problemas de textura oriundos da redução de sal nos fiambres, a percepção sensorial não foi favorecida.

Acompanhamento de mudanças na cor de carnes a partir de imagens obtidas de smartphones: uma nova abordagem / Follow-up of changes in meat color from smartphones images: a new approach

Objetivou-se acompanhar as mudanças na cor de carnes durante o armazenamento refrigerado (0 a 3 dias a 7°C) utilizando imagens obtidas por um celular. Os índices de cor (CIELAB) foram registrados por um colorímetro e comparados aos índices obtidos a partir da proporção de cores da paleta oriunda da imagem de um celular (IMG = todas as cores; IMG2 = 2 cores em maior proporção; e IMG3 = 3 cores em maior proporção). O comportamento das mudanças de cor observada durante o armazenamento foi idêntico paras os índices obtidos do colorímetro e das imagens do celular. As imagens obtidas do colorímetro eram menos saturadas (menor C*) e com tonalidade menos avermelhada (maior h) do que as imagens obtidas do celular. O método IMG2 registrou cores visualmente mais próximas das observadas visualmente na superfície das carnes.