Natural antioxidants in processing and storage stability of sheep and goat meat products

A systematic review of clean-label alternatives to synthetic additives in raw and processed meat with a special emphasis on high-pressure processing (2018-2021)

The meat industry is continuously facing challenges with food safety, and quality losses caused by thermal processing. This systematic review reports recent clean label approaches in high-pressure production of meat. A literature search was performed using Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Springer databases for studies published in 2018-2021. In this regard, 69 articles were assessed out of 386 explored research articles in the identified stage. The findings indicate that most of the earlier work on high-pressure processing (HPP) focused on physicochemical and sensorial meat quality rather than providing nutritional aspects and clean-label solutions. However, few advanced studies report effective and innovative solutions to develop low salt/fat, and reduced nitrite for raw and cured meat products. HPP could help on increasing the shell life by five times in meat products; however, it depends on the formulation and packaging, etc. HPP can also preserve nutrients by using this non-thermal technology and reduce food waste as once the shelf life of products is known, it easily reduces the shrinkage in the marketplace. This review explores the latest trend of experimental research in high-pressure processing alone, or multi-hurdle techniques employed to increase the effect of clean-label ingredients for enhanced meat safety/quality.

Effects of grape pomace supplementation on the diet of lactating ewes as compared to vitamin E on the meat shelf life of suckling lambs

Forty-eight Churra ewes and their suckling lambs were assigned to four dietary treatments: control (CTRL), VIT-E (500 mg kg-1 TMR vitamin E), GP-5 (5% grape pomace) and GP-10 (10% grape pomace). After slaughter (11.5 kg live weight), longissimus muscle of lambs was sliced, packaged under modified atmosphere (80,20%/O 2:CO 2) and stored in retail conditions. At each sampling point (0, 3, 7, 10, 14 days), microbiological, physicochemical and sensory characteristics were analysed. Vitamin E and GP-5 were found to be effective (p < 0.05) at preventing enterobacteria growth as of day 10. After day 10, vitamin E and grape pomace in the ewe's supplementation reduced metmyoglobin (p < 0.05) lipid oxidation (p < 0.05) and sensory spoilage throughout the storage period. An effect of the grape pomace dosage was observed, with the supplementation at 5% being more effective. Therefore, we can conclude that grape pomace was just as effective as vitamin E in preventing spoilage during retail storage.

Characterization and application of Croton blanchetianus Baill extract for lamb ribs preservation

This research evaluated the antioxidant, antimicrobial and toxicity potential of the leaf extract of Croton blanchetianus Baill (ExCb) and its effect on the conservation of lamb ribs. The ExCb (control treatment) revealed higher concentration of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (190.10 mg/g), catechin (84.10 mg/g), rosmarinic acid (56.01 mg/g), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (52.05 mg/g) and myricetin (40.00 mg/g). And it showed high phenolic content (204.05 mg GAE/g), antioxidant potential (11.78 µg/mL by DPPH and 140.40 mmol Sulf Fer/g by FRAP) and antimicrobial activity with inhibition for Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus flavus. However, it showed toxicity against brine shrimp (Artemia Salina) (LD50 of 66.26 μg/mL). The 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid was indicated as the main compound responsible for the toxicity of ExCb. After treatment in an oven at 110 °C for 15 min, the toxicity of ExCb was reduced by over 7 times, the compound 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid was not identified, and still maintained the phenolic compounds content of 94.35% and antioxidant activity compared to the control (without thermal treatment). The application of absorbent containing 50 mg/mL of ExCb added to the packaging maintained the quality and prevented the lipid oxidation of lamb ribs during 10 days of refrigerated storage.

Variation in Volatile Flavor Compounds of Cooked Mutton Meatballs during Storage

Solid phase microextraction (SPME) and Solvent-Assisted Flavor Evaporation (SAFE) were used to analyze the flavor changes of cooked mutton meatballs during storage by gas chromatography-olfactometrymass spectrometry (GC-O-MS), sensory evaluation and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR). With the increase of storage time, the concentrations of various volatile compounds in cooked mutton meatballs decreased to varying degrees at the later stage of storage, indicating that the aroma was gradually weakened, which was consistent with the results of sensory evaluation. At 30 days of storage, the overall aroma profile was more prominent, and at the later stage of storage, the sulfur odor was more prominent. The correlation of PLSR further confirmed the credibility of the results. Compared with the SPME and SAFE extraction methods, SPME extracted more flavor substances, and the SAFE extraction rate was higher, which indicated that the combination of several methods was needed for aroma extraction. An analysis of the dilution results and odor activity value (OAV) showed that the key aroma components during storage were 1-octene-3-ol, linalool, methylallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, 2-pinene, hexanal and butyric acid.

Potential Effects of Delphinidin-3-O-Sambubioside and Cyanidin-3-O-Sambubioside of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on Ruminant Meat and Milk Quality

Simple Summary

Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) calyxes are widely used as nutraceutical supplements in humans; however, stalks, leaves, and seeds are considered as agriculture by-products. Including HS by-products in animal feeding could reduce economic costs and environmental problems, and due to their bioactive compounds, could even improve the quality of meat and milk. However, although HS antioxidants have not been tested enough in ruminants, comparison with other by-products rich in polyphenols allows for hypothesizing on the potential effects of including HS by-products and calyxes in nutrition, animal performance, and meat and milk quality. Antioxidants of HS might affect ruminal fiber degradability, fermentation patterns, fatty acids biohydrogenation (BH), and reduce the methane emissions. After antioxidants cross into the bloodstream and deposit into ruminants’ milk and meat, they increase the quality of fatty acids, the antioxidant activity, and the shelf-life stability of dairy products and meat, which leads to positive effects in consumers’ health. In other animals, the specific anthocyanins of HS have improved blood pressure, which leads to positive clinical and chemicals effects, and those could affect some productive variables in ruminants. The HS by-products rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins can improve fatty acid quality and reduce the oxidative effects on the color, odor, and flavor of milk products and meat.

Abstract

The objective was to review the potential effects of adding anthocyanin delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside (DOS) and cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside (COS) of HS in animal diets. One hundred and four scientific articles published before 2021 in clinics, pharmacology, nutrition, and animal production were included. The grains/concentrate, metabolic exigency, and caloric stress contribute to increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS). COS and DOS have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anthelmintic activities. In the rumen, anthocyanin might obtain interactions and/or synergisms with substrates, microorganisms, and enzymes which could affect the fiber degradability and decrease potential methane (CH₄) emissions; since anthocyanin interferes with ruminal fatty acids biohydrogenation (BH), they can increase the n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), linoleic acid (LA), and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in milk and meat, as well as improving their quality. Anthocyanins reduce plasma oxidation and can be deposited in milk and meat, increasing antioxidant activities. Therefore, the reduction of the oxidation of fats and proteins improves shelf-life. Although studies in ruminants are required, COS and DOS act as inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACEi) and rennin expression, regulating the homeostatic control and possibly the milk yield and body weight. By-products of HS contain polyphenols as calyces with positive effects on the average daily gain and fat meat quality.

Proteomics analysis to investigate the impact of diversified thermal processing on meat tenderness in Hengshan goat meat

During the thermal processing, proteins of Hengshan goat meat undergo structural modifications such as degradation, oxidation and denaturation, ultimately affect the palatability and acceptability. The results of several objective metrics demonstrated that thermal processing exhibited significant impacts on the tenderness of goat meat. The 551, 84, 72, and 121 proteins were identified in the control and thermal processed groups (boiled, steamed, and roasted), respectively. Compared with the control group, the 101, 98, and 109 differentially-expressed proteins were explored in the treatment groups. Furthermore, the functions of metabolic and skeletal muscle proteome were investigated and discussed. Sensory evaluation and proteomics analysis showed that steaming and boiling treatment had no significant effect on the tenderness of goat meat, while roasting significantly reduced the tenderness, indicating that the available thermal processing methods to ensure the tenderness of goat meat were steaming and boiling treatments. Thus, the established proteomics database of goat meat provided the valuable reference for rational selection of thermal processing methods.

Terpenoids and Polyphenols as Natural Antioxidant Agents in Food Preservation

Synthetic antioxidant food additives, such as BHA, BHT and TBHQ, are going through a difficult time, since these products generate a negative perception in consumers. This has generated an increased pressure on food manufacturers to search for safer natural alternatives like phytochemicals (such as polyphenols, including flavonoids, and essential oils rich in terpenoids, including carotenoids). These plant bioactive compounds have antioxidant activities widely proven in in vitro tests and in diverse food matrices (meat, fish, oil and vegetables). As tons of food are wasted every year due to aesthetic reasons (lipid oxidation) and premature damage caused by inappropriate packaging, there is an urgent need for natural antioxidants capable of replacing the synthetic ones to meet consumer demands. This review summarizes industrially interesting antioxidant bioactivities associated with terpenoids and polyphenols with respect to the prevention of lipid oxidation in high fat containing foods, such as meat (rich in saturated fat), fish (rich in polyunsaturated fat), oil and vegetable products, while avoiding the generation of rancid flavors and negative visual deterioration (such as color changes due to oxidized lipids). Terpenoids (like monoterpenes and carotenoids) and polyphenols (like quercetin and other flavonoids) are important phytochemicals with a broad range of antioxidant effects. These phytochemicals are widely distributed in fruits and vegetables, including agricultural waste, and are remarkably useful in food preservation, as they show bioactivity as plant antioxidants, able to scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, such as superoxide, hydroxyl or peroxyl radicals in meat and other products, contributing to the prevention of lipid oxidation processes in food matrices.

Biopreservative efficacy of grape (Vitis vinifera) and clementine mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata) by-product extracts in raw ground beef patties

Beef patties were treated with 450 μg/g of extracts from grape (Vitis vinifera) seeds (GSE), pomace (GPE) or orange (Citrus reticulata) pomace (OPE) and compared to negative (no extract; CTR) and positive (sodium metabisulphite; SMB) controls for their effect on colour, lipid and protein oxidation and bacterial growth under simulated retail display conditions (4 °C) for 9 d, and sensory quality. Antioxidant activity and redness of beef patties increased in the order of CTR < OPE = GPE < GSE < SMB. The order of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and carbonyl values were CTR > GPE = OPE > GSE > SBM, while that of bacterial counts were CTR > GSE = GPE > OPE > SMB. Retail display period had significant effect on all the shelf-life parameters. Overall, intensity of aroma, beef-like aroma and flavour in beef patties were highest in OPE. Results suggested that GSE and OPE could be commercially valorised as natural antioxidants and antibacterials in beef patties, respectively.

Recent Research Advances in Meat Products

Recent trends in meat products have their origin in the new needs of consumers that are related to nutrition, health concerns, well-being and natural products [...].

Evaluation of the Effect of Inhibiting Lipid Oxidation of Natural Plant Sources in a Meat Model System

In this study, we assessed the antioxidative ability of 23 natural sources in a meat model system at the same addition level (1.0%). We evaluated the free radical (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) scavenging ability of natural plant sources and their peroxides, as well as their aldehyde-inhibiting ability in pork patties, over 10 days of cold storage. It was found that blueberries, cherries, onions, black tea, and clove buds (20.6–25.0 mg AA/g) have a higher DPPH scavenging ability than that of other natural sources (10.80–16.7 mg AA/g) ( $P<0.05$ ). Moreover, it was found that peroxides in pork patties are largely inhibited by red wine, lettuce, and red ginseng ( $P<0.05$ ), whereas aldehydes are significantly inhibited by blueberries, chokeberries (aronia), blackcurrant, clove buds, elderberries, ginger, and cinnamon ( $P<0.05$ ). These inconsistencies detected in the antioxidative ability of these 23 natural sources indicate that it is important to perform comprehensive and practical assessments of the potential antioxidative ability of natural sources. In addition, it is assumed that the interactions between natural plant sources and meat components affect the inhibition of lipid oxidation in meat and meat products.

The use of mutton in sausage production

The work analyzes the quality of sausage with mutton. The proportion of individual commodities was as follows 40% sheep thigh, 40% pork shoulder, and belly 20%. The protein content in pork shoulder was 20.11 g.100g-1 in sheep thigh 23.65 g.100g-1 and sausage 19.89 g.100g-1. Of the monitored amino acids, the highest content was in lysine, in the sausage was 1.9 g.100g-1 and of the raw materials in the belly 2.1 g.100g-1. We also found a higher proportion of leucine 1.7 g.100g-1 in both sausage and sheep thighs. The arginine content in the sausage was also high 1.39 g.100g-1. We found a high content of palmitic acid in the pork shoulder of 24.38 g.100g-1 FAME. The content of palmitic acid in sheep meat was 24.32 g.100g-1 FAME and in sausage 24.16 g.100g-1 FAME. The content of stearic acid in the pork shoulder was 10.89g.100g-1 FAME, in the sheep thigh 10.64g.100g-1 FAME, in the belly 11.07 g.100g-1 FAME, and the sausage 10.92 g.100g-1 FAME. The MDA content in sheep meat was 0.185 mg.kg-1, in pork shoulder 0.141 mg.kg-1, in pork belly 0.22 mg.kg-1 and in sausage on the day of production 0.45 mg.kg-1. On the 30th day, the MDA content was in the sausage 0.78 mg.kg-1. The high MDA content of the sausage was probably most influenced by the technological process, as all raw materials, because there was a lower MDA content.

Effects of ultrasonic-assisted cooking on the volatile compounds, oxidative stability, and sensory quality of mortadella

Ultrasound is a form of green technology that has been applied efficiently to improve processes in the food industry. This study evaluated the application of ultrasound to reduce the cooking time of mortadella. The volatile compounds, oxidative stability, and sensory quality of mortadella were evaluated. Four cooking conditions were used, as follows: Control, corresponding to the cooking time traditionally used in the meat industry; TUS100 and TUS50: cooking with US (25 kHz) and 50% reduction of the cooking time of Control, using 100% (462 W) and 50% (301 W) amplitude, respectively; and TWUS: cooking without the application of US and 50% reduction of the cooking time of Control. TUS100 and TUS50 showed an increase of 10.8% and 29.4%, respectively, in the total amount of terpenes on the first day of storage in relation to the Control. The presence of nonane on the 60th day only in the US-treated samples (0.22 × 10⁶ vs 0.11 × 10⁶ for TUS100 and TUS50, respectively) indicated that the US treatment may have induced higher oxidation in mortadella. The oxidative stability index ranged from 274 to 369 days for TUS100 and the Control, respectively. The treatments TWUS and TUS50 showed a lower sensory quality at the end of storage. On the other hand, TUS100 presented sensory quality similar to the Control, demonstrating that ultrasonic-assisted cooking using a 100% amplitude is an alternative to reduce the cooking time without affecting the product quality.

Effect of Dietary Anthocyanin-Extracted Residue on Meat Oxidation and Fatty Acid Profile of Male Dairy Cattle

This research aimed to evaluate the effects of anthocyanin-extracted residue (AER) in the diet of cattle on meat oxidation during storage and on the fatty acid profiles of the meat. Sixteen male dairy cattle (average body weight 160 ± 10.6 kg) were allotted to feed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four levels of AER supplementation, 0, 20, 40, and 60 g/kg dry matter (DM) in the total mixed ration (TMR). These TMR diets were fed ad libitum to the cattle throughout the trial. At the end of the feeding trial (125 days), all cattle were slaughtered and meat samples from the Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle were collected to assess meat oxidation and fatty acid profile. The antioxidant effect of AER on meat oxidation was investigated during 14 days of storage based on color, myoglobin redox forms, lipid, and protein oxidation. The results showed meat from cattle fed AER had better color stability, lower oxidation of lipid, protein and myoglobin than did meat from cattle fed the control diet (0 g/kg AER). Furthermore, fatty acid profiles were affected by AER supplementation with an increase in the concentration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These results support the inclusion of AER supplementation as a natural antioxidant in cattle to reduce meat oxidation and increase PUFA in meat.

Molecular mechanism of lipid transformation in cold chain storage of Tan sheep

Cold chain (-20 °C) is one of the main transportation methods for storage of Tan sheep products. Lipids (66) in seven subclasses involved in sphingolipid, glycerophospholipid and fatty acid degradation metabolism were quantified in Tan sheep under cold chain storage, including fatty acyl carnitines, phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), ceramides, sphingomyelin (SM) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE). Lipid transformation and molecular mechanism analyzed using fragmentation mechanisms and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS combined with lipidomics approaches determined transient increases of certain PC, PE and fatty acyl carnitine during the first 12 days of cold storage, subsequent declines of SM, PC, PE and fatty acyl carnitine, as well as increases of ceramide, LPC and LPE (24 days). These results offered insights into lipid transformation and quality of Tan sheep during cold chain storage.

Application of Fat-Tailed Sheep Tail and Backfat to Develop Novel Warthog Cabanossi with Distinct Sensory Attributes

This study compared the use of pork backfat (PF) and fat-tailed sheep tail and backfat (SF) on the physicochemical, fatty acids and sensory attributes of warthog cabanossi. There were no differences between weight loss during drying, moisture content, pH, water activity, salt content and lipid oxidation between the cabanossi types. However, protein and ash contents were higher in PF cabanossi whilst fat content was higher in SF cabanossi. The PF cabanossi had higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially n-6), lower monounsaturated fatty acids whilst the saturated fatty acid content was similar between the two cabanossi products. The n-3:n-6 ratio was more beneficial in the SF cabanossi. The descriptive sensory analysis showed two distinct products where PF cabanossi scored higher for most attributes. Although SF cabanossi scored less for these attributes, this cabanossi had unique and acceptable sensory attributes. This study concluded that fat-tailed sheep tail and backfat could be used to produce a unique cabanossi product of acceptable quality.

Plant-Derived Natural Antioxidants in Meat and Meat Products

The global meat industry is constantly evolving due to changes in consumer preferences, concerns and lifestyles, as well as monetary, geographical, political, cultural and religious factors. Part of this evolution is the introduction of synthetic antioxidants to increase meat and meat products' shelf-life, and reduce meat spoilage due to lipid and protein oxidation. The public perception that natural compounds are safer and healthier per se has motivated the meat industry to replace synthetic antioxidants with plant-derived ones in meat systems. Despite several promising results from in vitro and in situ studies, the effectiveness of plant-derived antioxidants against lipid and protein oxidation has not been fully documented. Moreover, the utility, usability, marketability and potential health benefits of natural antioxidants are not yet fully proven. The present review aims to (i) describe the major chemical groups of plant-derived antioxidants and their courses of action; (ii) present the application of spices, herbs and fruits as antioxidants in meat systems; and (iii) discuss the legislative framework, future trends, challenges and limitations that are expected to shape their acceptance and mass exploitation by the meat industry.

Physicochemical composition, lipid oxidation, and microbiological quality of ram mortadella supplemented with Smallanthus sonchifolius meal

This study evaluated the physicochemical, lipid peroxidation, and microbiological quality of mortadellas prepared with ram and supplemented with different amounts of Smallanthus sonchifolius meal. Three mutton mortadella formulations supplemented with 1.25%, 2.50%, and 5% yacón meal and control formulation without yacón meal was included. The physicochemical, lipid peroxidation, and microbiological analyses were carried out in the time periods 10, 45 days, three, and six month after the preparation of mortadella. The control formulation presenting lighter and more intense red tone compared with the other formulations. All formulations presenting lipid peroxidation increased 90 days after processing; already the pH and Aw values were constant for all formulations at the experimental times stipulated. All formulations had the physicochemical characterization and microbiological quality standards, according to defined in regulations for mortadella production in Brazil. The results show that mutton mortadella supplemented with yacón meal is a promising alternative in the manufacture of healthy meat products.

Physicochemical Characteristics, Fatty Acid Profile, Alpha-Tocopherol Content, and Lipid Oxidation of Meat from Ewes Fed Different Levels of Distilled Myrtle Residues

The aim of this work was to study the sheep meat physicochemical traits as affected by distilled myrtle residues (MR) supplementation. For this, 27 culled ewes were divided into three groups receiving a ration composed by concentrate and hay for the Control group, concentrate and MR as a total substitute to hay for the Myrt-H group, or hay, less concentrate, and MR as a partial substitute to concentrate for the Myrt-C group. The meat chemical composition, pH, and color parameters were not affected by the MR intake. However, this animal’s dietary treatment resulted in higher meat polyphenol and α-tocopherol content for both MR groups (9.38 and 8.05 vs. 3.04 μg g⁻¹ DM for Myrt-H, Myrt-C, and Control, respectively). In addition, since day 3 of meat storage, the lipid oxidation was improved by MR intake being lower for both MR groups than the Control (0.51 vs. 1.11 mg MDA/kg of meat). The total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and saturated fatty acid (SFA) were similar among groups. However, the meat of Myrt-H had the highest C18:2n-6 and total PUFAn-6. In conclusion, the MR intake could be useful given it increases the meat content of vitamin E and improves its oxidative status without negative effects on the FA profile.

Natural Antioxidants from Seeds and Their Application in Meat Products

The use of synthetic antioxidants in the food industry has raised important questions about the effects of prolonged consumption on human health. On top of that, the consumption of meat products has been changing due to the awareness generated by health-related organizations. In this sense, exploring strategies to develop and produce healthier meat products has become a paramount concern. Several studies explored the composition of several seeds to characterize and explore the compounds with antioxidant activity, which are mainly composed of polyphenols. The use of antioxidant extracts in meat products has shown important results to delay the oxidative reactions in meat products derived from the processing and storage of meat products. Moreover, these extracts can also replace synthetic antioxidants and preserve the quality of meat products. Therefore, the aims of this review are first, to present the sources and compounds with antioxidant activity in seeds, and second, to discuss their protective effect against oxidative reactions in meat products.

Assessment of the Stability of Fresh Beef Patties with the Addition of Clove Extract during Frozen Storage

The study assessed the stability for fresh beef patties with the inclusion of clove extract (CE) as a natural antioxidant in comparison to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ascorbic acid (AA) at frozen storage. Four different patties were made dependent on the added antioxidants: control (added no antioxidants), added with 0.02% BHT, 0.05% AA, and 0.1% CE. Inclusion of BHT, AA, and CE resulted in a significant reduction of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hue angle (h°) value and increase of redness (CIE a*) and chroma (C*) values (p<0.05). BHT, AA, and CE were observed effectively to retard lipid oxidation and increase color stability. BHT and AA revealed significantly (p<0.05) higher thiol content than the control and CE. However, the reduction percentage for thiol content in CE treated patties was lower than the control and AA-treated patties from first to last time of storage. Moreover, inclusion of AA and CE led to significantly (p<0.05) increased heme iron content when compared to BHT and the control. In conclusion, CE can replace the application of AA and BHT while improving lipid stability, heme iron content, and color stableness of fresh beef patties throughout frozen storage.

Application of Edible Alginate Films with Pineapple Peel Active Compounds on Beef Meat Preservation

Alginate-based edible films containing natural antioxidants from pineapple peel were applied in the microbial spoilage control, color preservation, and barrier to lipid oxidation of beef steaks under storage at 4 °C for five days. Different stabilization methods of pineapple peel compounds were used before incorporation into alginate films, including extracted compounds with an hydroalcoholic solvent encapsulated in microparticles, microparticles produced by spray-drying pineapple peel juice, and particles obtained by milling freeze dried pineapple peel. Bioactive films exhibited higher antioxidant activity (between 0.15 µmol to 0.35 µmol FeSO4.7H2O/g dried film) than the alginate film without these compounds (0.02 µmol FeSO4.7H2O/g dried film). Results showed that control films without active compounds had no significant effect on decreasing the microbial load of aerobic mesophilic and Pseudomonas spp., while the films containing encapsulated hydroalcoholic extract showed a significant inhibitory effect on microbial growth of meat at two days of storage. Alginate films containing peel encapsulated extract were effective for maintaining the color hue and intensity of red beef meat samples. Pineapple peel antioxidants have the potential to retard lipid oxidation in meat samples, and the possibility of incorporation of a higher amount of pineapple peel bioactive compounds in the films should be investigated.

Sheep and Goat Meat Processed Products Quality: A Review

Even though sheep and goat processed meat products are not as popular as pork, beef or poultry and are generally considered not as important, they have a very important role in meat consumption around the world. A concise review of the origin and type of the most important sheep and goat processed meat products produced in different countries and world regions is made. The manuscript also summarizes the most recent studies on sheep and goat processed meats on the physicochemical characterizations, sensory quality, microbiological quality and safety. Some conclusions and future trends in production, processing and commercial potentiality for sheep and goat processed meat products are discussed. Several possibilities exist to make them more diversified and appealing to the market. Processing meat from culled animals is an interesting way to value animals with low market acceptability. Some as fermented sausages, cured legs and pâtés have great commercial potential as highly acceptable consumer commodities. An interesting field of food research is the rediscovery of a new generation of goat and sheep meat products as functional foods that will respond to the constant innovation required by the meat industry. Everything related to food safety must be considered in the future.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) extract on oxidative stability, physicochemical and sensory properties of fresh lamb sausage with fat replacement by tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) oil

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of turmeric extract as natural antioxidant on modified atmosphere-packaged fresh lamb sausages with fat replacement during storage (2 °C). Five treatments were prepared: control without antioxidant (CONT); with 500 mg/kg sodium erythorbate (E500); and three batches with 250, 500 or 750 mg/kg turmeric extract (T250, T500 and T750), respectively. The proximate composition, pH, color, texture, oxidative stability, sensorial analysis, free fatty acids and volatile compounds of sausages were analyzed. Turmeric extract improved the antioxidant capacity of lamb sausages and also slowed lipid oxidation and the generation of related volatile compounds. Moreover, physic-chemical parameters of lamb sausages were not greatly influenced by turmeric addition and concentration, except for yellow color. All samples were considered acceptable by consumers. These findings showed that turmeric extract is effective against lipid oxidation and could be a good strategy to enhance the shelf life of lamb sausage.

Pomegranate Peel as Suitable Source of High-Added Value Bioactives: Tailored Functionalized Meat Products

In the last few years, the consumer's concern with the relationship between health and diet has led to the search of foods with functional properties beyond the nutritional. In this framework, the consumption of pomegranate has increased due to their sensorial attributes and remarkable amounts of bioactive compounds, which generate, at the same time, huge amounts of by-products. A search in the Scopus database for the last 10 years has revealed the rising interest in pomegranate peel (PP), the main residue from this fruit. The meat industry is a food sector that has had to search for new alternatives to substitute the use of synthetic preservatives by new natural additives, to extend the self-life and keep the quality attributes of their processed products. This review sets out the main bioactivities of PP extracts, and their incorporation in meat products is elaborated. PP is a good source of bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids and hydrolyzable tannins, which have beneficial health effects. It can be concluded that the reformulation of meat products with PP extracts is a suitable strategy for enhancing their technological characteristics, in addition to conferring functional properties that make them healthier and potentially more acceptable for the consumer.

Dietary supplementation of plant bioactive-enriched aniseed straw and eucalyptus leaves modulates tissue fatty acid profile and nuggets quality of lambs

Utilization of low-input feed resources rich in plant bioactive compounds is a promising strategy for modulating the fatty acid profile in ruminant products. They manipulate microbes involved in rumen biohydrogenation and increase the accumulation of desirable fatty acids at the tissue level. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of aniseed straw and eucalyptus leaves on growth performance, carcass traits and fatty acid profile of finisher lambs. Thirty-six Malpura hogget were divided into three treatment groups of 12 each, reared individually in pen (1.6 m × 1.1 m) and fed ad libitum complete feed blocks made up of 55 parts concentrate, 5 parts molasses and 40 parts roughage. Roughage in control (Con) was 20 parts each of ardu (Ailanthus excelsa) leaves and oat (Avena sativa) straw. In test diets, that is, Con-as and Con-el, 10% aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) straw and Eucalyptus rudis leaves, respectively, were added by replacing 5% each of oat straw and eucalyptus leaves. The lambs were weighed weekly; and at the end of 3 months of feeding trial, the lambs were slaughtered to study the carcass traits, composition and product evaluation. Average daily gain (ADG) and DM intake (DMI) was higher (P < 0.05) in Con-as compared to Con and Con-el, while ADG and feed conversion ratio decreased (P < 0.05) by 29.4% and 36.4%, respectively, in Con-el compared to Con. Carcass traits showed lower (P < 0.05) loin eye area and chilling loss in the Con-el group compared to the Con-as and Con, and the total carcass fat compared to Con-as. However, the keeping quality of meat improved in both Con-as and Con-el which was reflected by lower (P < 0.05) thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances values. Nuggets prepared from Con and Con-as meat had superior (P < 0.05) sensory attributes with an overall palatability. Fatty acid profile of longissimus thoracis muscle showed lower (P < 0.05) atherogenic and thrombogenic indices in Con-as and higher (P < 0.05) in Con-el group. Moreover, in Con-as group, the proportion of C16:0 was lower (P < 0.05) and C18:3n-3 was higher (P < 0.05), but no effect was observed on the amount of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; C18:2 c9t11). In case of adipose tissue, the content of CLA was higher (P < 0.05), and the ratio of n-6:n-3 was more nearer to desirable levels in Con-as group. Therefore, it can be concluded that aniseed straw is a promising feed supplement compared to eucalyptus leaves for improving meat quality and fatty acid profile in lambs.

Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Compounds of Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) Fruits Species for Potential Use in Food Applications

Hawthorn belongs to the Crataegus genus of the Rosaceae family and is an important medicinal plant. Due to its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity hawthorn has recently become quite a popular herbal medicine in phytotherapy and food applications. In this study, physicochemical characterization (color parameters, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, soluble carbohydrate, total carotenoid, total phenols, and flavonoid contents), antioxidant activity (by ferric-reducing antioxidant power, FRAP assay), and quantification of some individual phenolic compounds of fruits of 15 samples of different hawthorn species (Crataegus spp.) collected from different regions of Iran were investigated. According to findings, the total phenols, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were in the range of 21.19–69.12 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (dw), 2.44–6.08 mg quercetin equivalent (QUE)/g dw and 0.32–1.84 mmol Fe⁺⁺/g dw, respectively. Hyperoside (0.87–2.94 mg/g dw), chlorogenic acid (0.06–1.16 mg/g dw), and isoquercetin (0.24–1.59 mg/g dw) were found to be the most abundant phenolic compounds in the extracts of hawthorn fruits. The considerable variations in the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of hawthorn species were demonstrated by our results. Hence, the evaluation of hawthorn genetic resources could supply precious data for screening genotypes with high bioactive contents for producing natural antioxidants and other phytochemical compounds valuable for food and pharma industries.

Systematic evaluation of nutritional and safety characteristics of Hengshan goat leg meat affected by multiple thermal processing methods

Hengshan goat meat produced exclusively in Shaanxi province of China is the product of national geographical indication. In current study, nutritional and safety indexes of Hengshan goat leg meat were investigated and the quality changes induced by seven commonly used processing methods were systematically evaluated. Comparing with control, meats treated with thermal processing demonstrated decreased redness, enhanced texture properties, increased protein, fat and mineral contents, as well as sharply raised fatty acids. Amino acid contents in pan-fried, deep-fried, and roasted samples were reduced with the most obvious valine scores declined 15%, 13%, and 21%, respectively. Also, thermal treatments conducted in smoke exposure circumstances caused mass formation of nitrite and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), evidenced by the 5.8-fold, 3.3-fold, and 3.8-fold increments of nitrite contents in pan-fried, deep-fried, and roasted meats, respectively, and the appearance of six extra PAHs. Steaming, boiling, and braising were proved to be suitable processing methods for preserving better nutritional values while delivering less carcinogenic hazard. Our results established nutritional database for Hengshan goat leg meat and provide reference for choosing its reasonable thermal processing pattern. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Processed meats showed decreased redness, enhanced texture properties, increased protein, fat and mineral contents, as well as sharply raised fatty acids compared with those of raw meat. Steaming, boiling, and braising delivered more balanced nutrition and less carcinogens in contrast to meats processed with other methods. Frying and roasting caused low amino acid levels and formed mass nitrite and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in meats. Our results established nutritional database for Hengshan goat leg meat and provide reference for its reasonable thermal processing.

Composition, Antifungal, Phytotoxic, and Insecticidal Activities of Thymus kotschyanus Essential Oil

Essential oils (EOs) are some of the outstanding compounds found in Thymus that can exert antifungal, phytotoxic, and insecticidal activities, which encourage their exploration and potential use for agricultural and food purposes. The essential oils (EO) obtained from Thymus kotschyanus collected in the East Azerbaijan Province (Iran) were characterized using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Thymol was the most important compound (60.48%), although 35 other active compounds were identified in the EO. Significant amounts of carvacrol (3.08%), p-cymene (5.56%), and γ-terpinene (6.67%) were found in the EO. The T. kotschyanus EO was tested against important phytopathogenic fungi (Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium expansum). The antifungal assay showed that the use of ≥500 ppm of EO resulted in a fungicidal effect against all funguses tested. In a similar way, the use of ≥500 ppm of EO inhibited the germination of all crop weed seeds (Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Panicum miliaceum L.) and their subsequent growth, which demonstrated its herbicidal effect. Finally, the insecticidal capacity of T. kotschyanus EO was also observed against selected insects (Oryzaephilus surinamensis and Sitophilus oryzae). O. surinamensis was more susceptible to the effect of EO (LC50 = 4.78 µL/L air) than S. oryzae (LC50 = 13.20 µL/L air). The obtained results of the present study can provide new safe resources to the development of new products for the food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries.

Rosmarinus plants: Key farm concepts towards food applications

Rosmarinus species are aromatic plants that mainly grow in the Mediterranean region. They are widely used in folk medicine, food, and flavor industries and represent a valuable source of biologically active compounds (e.g., terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids). The extraction of rosemary essential oil is being done using three main methods: carbon dioxide supercritical extraction, steam distillation, and hydrodistillation. Furthermore, interesting antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antileishmanial, anthelmintic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and antiamnesic effects have also been broadly recognized for rosemary plant extracts. Thus the present review summarized data on economically important Rosmarinus officinalis species, including isolation, extraction techniques, chemical composition, pharmaceutical, and food applications.