Descriptive Sensory Attributes and Volatile Flavor Compounds of Plant-Based Meat Alternatives and Ground Beef.

The objective of this study was to characterize descriptive sensory attributes and volatile compounds among ground beef (GB) and plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA). The Beyond Burger, Impossible Burger, a third brand of PBMA, regular GB, and lean GB were collected from local and national chain grocery stores. Patties were formed and cooked on an enamel-lined cast iron skillet to an internal temperature of 71 °C. A trained descriptive sensory panel evaluated patties for 17 flavor attributes and 4 texture attributes. Volatile compounds were extracted using solid phase microextraction and analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Distinct differences in sensory and volatile profiles were elucidated (p < 0.05). PBMA possessed decreased beef flavor intensity and increased umami, nutty, smokey-charcoal, and musty/earthy flavor compared to GB. Sensory differences corresponded with pyrazine, furan, ketone, alcohol, and aldehyde concentration differences between products. These data support the conclusion that ground beef and PBMA possess different flavor and texture characteristics. Furthermore, the flavor of PBMA varied among available retail brands.

Comparison of Gas Treatments of High Oxygen, Carbon Monoxide, and Nitric Oxide on Ground Beef Color in Modified Atmosphere Packaging.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability and performance of nitric oxide modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) as a novel alternative to high oxygen and carbon monoxide MAP for ground beef. Packages of ground beef under high oxygen (HI-OX), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitric oxide (NO) atmospheres were evaluated for descriptive and instrumental color every 12 h during a 120 h display period. Surface myoglobin percentages, internal cooked color, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and residual nitrite and nitrate were also evaluated. There were gas × time interactions for descriptive color, discoloration, a* values, b* values, deoxymyoglobin percentages, and metmyoglobin percentages (p < 0.05). There were also gas-type main effects for cooked color and TBARS (p < 0.05). Carbon monoxide maintained the most redness and least discoloration throughout the display period, while HI-OX started with a bright red color but rapidly browned (p < 0.05). Nitric oxide started as dark red to tannish-red but transitioned to a dull red (p < 0.05). However, NO had increased redness and a* values for internal cooked color (p < 0.05). Although CO outperformed NO packages, NO exhibited a unique color cycle warranting further research to optimize its use.