Quality Characteristics of a Low-Fat Beef Patty Enriched by Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Vitamin D3

Plant-Based and Hybrid Patties with Healthy Fats and Broccoli Extract Fortification: More Balanced, Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Meat Prototypes?

Hybrid and plant-based products are an emerging trend in food science. This study aimed to develop three patty prototypes (meat, hybrid, and plant-based) enhanced with vegetable fat replacement and broccoli extract using a soy allergen-free protein matrix treated with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and sous vide cooking to create sustainable and nutritious burger alternatives. The samples were evaluated for microbiological safety, proximal composition, physicochemical properties, sensory characteristics, and carbon footprint. The key findings revealed that the plant-based patties had the smallest carbon footprint (0.12 kg CO2e), followed by the hybrid patties (0.87 kg CO2e) and the meat patties (1.62 kg CO2e). The hybrid patties showed increased hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness compared to the meat patties after sous vide treatment. This improvement likely results from synergies between the meat and plant proteins. Regarding the treatments, in all the samples, the highest hardness was observed after the combined HHP and sous vide treatment, an interesting consideration for future prototypes. Sensory analysis indicated that the plant-based and hybrid samples maintained appealing visual and odour characteristics through the treatments, while the meat patties lost the evaluator's acceptance. Although further improvements in sensory attributes are needed, hybrid patties offer a promising balance of improved texture and intermediate carbon footprint, making them a viable alternative as sustainable, nutritious patties.

Optimization of the Encapsulation of Vitamin D3 in Oil in Water Nanoemulsions: Preliminary Application in a Functional Meat Model System

Meat products containing Vitamin D3 (VD3) are an innovative option that could contribute to reducing deficiencies in this micronutrient. Designing nanoemulsions that carry VD3 is the first step in developing functional meat products. Thereby, this study investigated the impact of food components on the nanoemulsion properties. A central composite design was used to study the effects of pea protein (PP, 0.5-2.5%), safflower oil (SO, 5-15%), and salt (0-0.5%) on the nanoemulsion stability (ζ-potential and particle size) and the VD3 retention. Also, the optimized nanoemulsion carrying VD3 was incorporated into a meat matrix to study its retention after cooking. The combination of food components in the optimized nanoemulsion were SO = 9.12%, PP = 1.54%, and salt content = 0.4%, resulting in the predicted values of ζ-potential, particle size, and VD3 retention of -37.76 mV, 485 nm, and 55.1%, respectively. The VD3 that was nanoencapsulated and included in a meat product remained more stable after cooking than the VD3 that was not encapsulated. If a meat product is formulated with 5 or 10% safflower oil, the stability of the nanoencapsulated VD3 is reduced. This research contributes to developing functional meat products carrying nanoencapsulated vitamin D3 in natural food-grade components.

Effects of pork fat and linseed oil as additives on gel quality of fish cake

Pork fat (PF) is a necessary ingredient in making traditional fish cakes (TFCs), which contains saturated fatty acids with potential health concerns. While linseed oil (LO) containing α-linolenic acid is a potential nutrient-enhancing fat substitute. In this study, the effect of pork fat and linseed oil level on gel quality, sensory characteristics, microstructure, and protein conformation of TFCs were characterized. Results showed that the TFCs with 30% pork fat (wt/wt) had the highest gel strength. Additionally, sensory evaluation determined that TFCs with 30% pork fat scored the best by a sensory panel with high gel strength, water-holding capacity, and fresh and sweet taste. The gel strength, chewiness, and hardness of nutrient-enriched fish cakes with 20% linseed oil replaced for pork fat were higher than that only with pork fat (wt/wt) without changing in tenderness and elasticity. Visual results showed that the network was uniform at a moderate level of linseed oil addition (20% LO/PF replacement ratio). The results of this study provided technical guidelines for standardizing the TFC manufacture processes, and useful insight for the development of fish cakes with reduced animal fat content for additional health benefits for consumers.

Effect of vegetable oil hydrogel emulsion as a fat substitute on the physicochemical properties, fatty acid profile, and color stability of modified atmospheric packaged buffalo burgers

Buffalo burgers were prepared with 50% or 100% buffalo backfat substitution using walnut, and peanut oil emulsion gels (EGs) blended with chia flour. Burgers were stored at 2 °C in modified atmosphere packaging for 12 days. The fat replacement decreased total fat by 26% and increased ash by 34%. Hardness and chewiness decreased with increasing the fat replacement; however, it did not affect springiness and cohesiveness values. Burger reformulations led to an increase in cooking yield (10%). Walnut oil EGs increased PUFA level up to 458%. Both oils enhanced PUFA/SFA and ω-6/ω-3 ratios and atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. Concerning color attribute, about 66% reduction was observed in redness values during the storage period of 12 days. Moreover, the sensory scores for all attributes, i.e., appearance, odor, flavor, and juiciness, were in the acceptable range of five or above in the reformulated burgers. In conclusion, 50% fat substitution using walnut and peanut oil EGs improved the nutritional profile of buffalo burgers without compromising the technological and sensory characteristics.

Comparison of High Hydrostatic Pressure Processed Plus Sous-Vide Cooked Meat-Based, Plant-Based and Hybrid Patties According to Fat Replacement

The impact of high-pressure processing (HPP) alone and combined with sous-vide cooking (SVCOOK) on the physicochemical and sensory traits of patties from different fat and protein matrices was evaluated. Hydro-gelled and soya emulsions were tested in meat (M), hybrid (H) and plant-based (P) patties (six formulations). M patties with pork backfat were used as reference formulation. All samples were pressurized (350 MPa, 10 min) and the HPP + SVCOOK patties were subsequently vacuum-cooked (55 °C). Significant changes (p < 0.05) in physicochemical parameters were detected in HPP and HPP + SVCOOK samples. Hardness reached the maximum value (11.0 N) in HPP treated P patties with soya emulsion. The HPP + SVCOOK M patties with backfat recorded the highest hardness (29.9 N). Irrespective of the fat formulations, the sensory characteristics of the HPP and HPP + SVCOOK M patties showed a well differentiated profile compared to H and P patties. The highest intensities for fatness, flavor, chewiness and the lowest for friability were recorded in HPP + SVCOOK M patties with backfat. The differences in physicochemical and sensory parameters of HPP + SVCOOK patties were minimal. Successful fat replacement using either one of the soya or hydro-gelled emulsion could be conducted in HPP + SVCOOK patties.

Effect of Gender to Fat Deposition in Yaks Based on Transcriptomic and Metabolomics Analysis

Fat deposition in yaks plays an important part in survival, multiplication, and meat quality. In this work, the characteristic of fat deposition in male yaks (MYs) and female yaks (FYs) and the regulations of gender to yak fat deposition were explored by mRNA-Seq and non-targeted metabolomics analyses. FYs possessed a higher body fat rate (BFR) of visceral fat, fat content in longissimus dorsi (LD) and liver, and subcutaneous fat thickness (p < 0.05). The fat and cholesterol synthesis in liver and the fat transport in FY blood increased. The fat metabolism in yaks is the combined effect of carbohydrate, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism by tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and an increase of triglyceride (TG) synthesis was accompanied by an increase of steroid synthesis. The high levels of myo-inositol and cortisol (COR) (p < 0.01) activated the calcium signaling in FY subcutaneous fat, followed by the increase of adipocyte secretion, and resulted in more leptin (LEP) secretion (p < 0.01). Then peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling was activated by the focal adhesions and ECM-receptor interaction. Finally, the TG and steroid synthesis increased by the expression regulation of ME1, SCD, ELOVL6, DGAT2, DBI, LPL, CPT1, PLIN1, LIPA, DHCR24, and SQLE gene. The above genes can be considered as the candidate genes for yak with higher fat amount in molecular breeding in the future. This study can provide a theoretical basis for improving the meat quality and breeding of yaks.

Fat Deposition in the Muscle of Female and Male Yak and the Correlation of Yak Meat Quality with Fat

This study aimed to explore the differences in fat deposition between female (FYs) and male yaks (MYs). Compared with MYs, the tenderness, L*, marbling, absolute content of fat, and most fatty acids (FAs) of longissimus dorsi (LD) in FYs were higher or better (p < 0.05), whereas the relative content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and n-3 PUFAs were lower (p < 0.01). The absolute content of fat, C18:0, cis-C18:2, cis-C18:1, and C24:0 were positively correlated with L*_{45 min}, b*_{24 h}, tenderness, and marbling score of LD in FYs and MYs (p < 0.05), respectively. LPL, FATP2, ELOVL6, HADH, HACD, and PLINS genes play a crucial role in improving the marbling score and tenderness of yak meat. The results of gene expression and protein synthesis showed the effect of gender to FA biosynthesis, FA transport, lipolysis, and FA oxidation in the adipose tissue of yak was realized by the expressions of ME1, SCD, ACSL5, LPL, FABP1, PLIN4, and PLIN2 in peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling. This study established a theoretical basis for the improvement of the meat quality of yak and molecular breeding.

Oxidative Status of Marchigiana Beef Enriched in n-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin E, Treated With a Blend of Oregano and Rosemary Essential Oils

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of basal dietary supplementation with linseed and linseed plus vitamin E in Marchigiana young bulls on the instrumental color, oxidative stability, and fatty acid composition of beef steaks with and without treatment with a blend of essential oils (oregano and rosemary) after storage times of 0, 3, 6, and 9 days. The fatty acid composition was evaluated in meat after 0 and 9 days of storage. No variation in the fatty acid composition of each type of meat was observed after storage. The use of dietary linseed and vitamin E, compared with linseed alone, significantly improved the oxidative stability, lightness (L*), and redness (a*) of the meat. A higher degree of oxidation was observed in meat samples from animals in the group fed linseed (L) followed by the control group (C) and the group fed linseed and vitamin E (LE). Moreover, the essential oils treatment (O) exerts a significant effect on beef oxidative stability of the group LE more than groups C and L during storage. The fatty acid composition of the meat was also affected by the diet: levels of healthful fatty acids (PUFA, n-3 PUFA, and CLA) were higher in meat from the groups that received linseed than the control group. Our results suggest that dietary vitamin E and treatment with essential oils are effective approaches to preserving the stability of beef cattle receiving a diet enriched in unsaturated fatty acids for up to 9 days of storage.

Recent Discoveries in the Field of Lipid Bio-Based Ingredients for Meat Processing

Current culture and pace of lifestyle, together with consumer demand for ready-to-eat foods, has influenced the food industry, particularly the meat sector. However, due to the important role that diet plays in human health, consumers demand safe and healthy food products. As a consequence, even foods that meet expectations for convenience and organoleptic properties must also meet expectations from a nutritional standpoint. One of the main nutritionally negative aspects of meat products is the content and composition of fat. In this sense, the meat industry has spent decades researching the best strategies for the reformulation of traditional products, without having a negative impact in technological processes or in the sensory acceptance of the final product. However, the enormous variety of meat products as well as industrial and culinary processes means that a single strategy cannot be established, despite the large volume of work carried out in this regard. Therefore, taking all the components of this complex situation into account and utilizing the large amount of scientific information that is available, this review aims to comprehensively analyze recent advances in the use of lipid bio-based materials to reformulate meat products, as well as their nutritional, technological, and sensorial implications.

The Effects of Pecan Shell, Roselle Flower and Red Pepper on the Quality of Beef Patties during Chilled Storage

The antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of pecan shell (PSW), combined with roselle flower (RS) and red pepper (CA) were analyzed in beef patties by several methods during chilled storage for 13 days. Additionally, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of PSW, RS and CA extracts were determined. The PSW extract exhibited a higher radical scavenging activity (by the DPPH method) and more total phenolic compounds than RS and CA. RS presented the best antimicrobial capacity. Nine formulations of beef patties were prepared, including a control (CM), a synthetic preservative (CAMPA N.3 (A)) and different combinations of PSW, RS and CA. The bacterial counts of the beef patties with RS (4-5 log colony-forming units (CFU)/g meat) were significantly lower than those of the control sample (CM) (6-7 CFU/g meat) at day 6. The thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) values at day 7 of all treatments were similar to the values of samples containing the synthetic antioxidant and significantly lower than the CM group. The order of stability assessed by the TBARS values were in agreement with the hexanal content. Thus, these results support the hypothesis that the combination of PWS, RS and CA could represent a good natural food preservative.

The Effects of Processing and Preservation Technologies on Meat Quality: Sensory and Nutritional Aspects

This review describes the effects of processing and preservation technologies on sensory and nutritional quality of meat products. Physical methods such as dry aging, dry curing, high pressure processing (HPP), conventional cooking, sous-vide cooking and 3D printing are discussed. Chemical and biochemical methods as fermentation, smoking, curing, marination, and reformulation are also reviewed. Their technical limitations, due to loss of sensory quality when nutritional value of these products is improved, are presented and discussed. There are several studies focused either on the nutritional or sensorial quality of the processed meat products, but more studies with an integration of the two aspects are necessary. Combination of different processing and preservation methods leads to better results of sensory quality; thus, further research in combinations of different techniques are necessary, such that the nutritional value of meat is not compromised.

Physicochemical Composition and Nutritional Properties of Deer Burger Enhanced with Healthier Oils

Deer meat is characterized by low fat and cholesterol contents and high amounts of protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In this regard, the aim of this work was to assess the influence of pork backfat substitution by healthier oils on chemical composition, fatty acid profile, texture profile and sensory analysis of deer burger. In addition, pH, color parameters and lipid oxidation were evaluated at 0, 6, 12 and 18 days of storage. For this study, four different treatments of deer burgers-100% pork backfat, 100% tiger nut oil, 100% chia oil, and 100% linseed oil-were elaborated. The fat replacement reduced fat and protein contents and increased moisture amounts, whereas ashes and texture parameters of deer burgers were not affected. Fatty acid profile was significantly improved with the animal fat replacement. In this regard, a significant decrease in saturated fatty acids was found in all reformulated batches, whereas in chia and linseed burger samples a dramatic increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 content and a reduction of n-3/n-6 ratio was observed. In the deer burger prepared with tiger nut oil a significant increase in monounsaturated fatty acids was found. Another important aspect is that the replacement of animal fat by tiger nut or linseed oil emulsion did not affect the global acceptance of deer burgers. Regarding color parameters, redness was the most affected during the whole display presenting a reduction around 50% after 18 days of storage. On the other hand, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values were also affected by fat replacement and storage time, observing the highest values (2.43 mg MDA/kg) in deer burgers prepared with chia at the end of refrigerated period. Finally, from a commercial point of view, the possibility of making claims such as "low fat burgers", "reduced saturated fat" or "high content of omega-3" makes the reformulated burgers more attractive to the consumer.

The Reformulation of a Beef Patty Enriched with n-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin D3 Influences Consumers' Response under Different Information Scenarios

The objective of this study was to investigate the sensory acceptability and willingness to pay (WTP) for a beef patty elaborated with beef from a local breed that was enriched with nutritional ingredients (vegetable oil mixture and vitamin D₃). The experiment was conducted under two information scenarios (blind; full: ingredients used to enrich the patties in n-3 PUFA and vitamin D₃). An in-home use test was carried out by 180 consumers to study consumer liking of two low-fat beef patties (C: conventional, M: modified). There were no differences in color and odor for the raw patties (p > 0.05). The sensory parameters of the cooked patties were assessed as being similar (p > 0.05) regardless of the information scenario. The sensory parameters remained crucial criteria for product acceptance and repeat purchase. Consumers positively evaluated the M patty. The information provided to consumers on the composition of the product influenced the response of consumers. It was also observed that the higher the education level of the consumer, the higher their scores for M beef patties in the blind scenario. It is thus necessary to implement appropriate marketing strategies in order to highlight the nutritional properties of the modified patties, making them competitive ahead of conventional patties.

Use of Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) Oil Emulsion as Animal Fat Replacement in Beef Burgers

The present study evaluated the replacement of beef fat in beef burgers using a tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) oil emulsion, in order to reduce total fat and saturated fatty acids in the studied samples. Three formulations were processed: Control—100% beef fat; tiger nut 50% (TN50)—50% of beef fat replaced using tiger nut oil emulsion and tiger nut 100% (TN100)—100% of beef fat replaced by tiger nut oil emulsion. The physicochemical parameters were affected after fat replacement. Moreover, the protein and fat contents decreased in those sample with tiger nut oil emulsion, thus the formulation TN100 can be considered as “reduced fat content”. Regarding color, an increased L* and b* value parameters was observed after TN100 while the values of a* remained similar to the Control samples. The hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness were similar in all formulations. The addition of tiger nut oil emulsion as a substitute for beef fat reduced saturated fat and increased the mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oleic acid was found to be in highest proportions in burgers. The TN100 samples were considered as acceptable by consumers. Therefore, total replacement of beef fat using tiger nut oil emulsions in beef burger resulted in a well-accepted and healthier meat product with reduced total and saturated fat contents, as well as increased unsaturated fatty acids.