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Belguith K, Jrad Z, Oussaief O, Debara M, Bouhemda T, Sebii H, Hammadi M, El Hatmi H. Reformulation of Tunisian Sun-Dried Merguez with Camel Meat: Characterization of Physicochemical and Compositional Changes in Organic Acids, Fatty Acids, Volatile Compounds, and Minerals. Foods 2024; 13:1032. [PMID: 38611337 PMCID: PMC11011335 DOI: 10.3390/foods13071032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional sun-dried merguez is an authentic Tunisian dried sausage made with a large number of spices and herbs, which was reformulated in this study with camel meat and hump fat and dried as in the artisanal process. This research studied the physicochemical, microbiological, and chemical compositional changes that occurred in fresh camel merguez (FCM) after 12 days of drying to achieve traditional dried camel merguez (DCM). The results showed significant weight loss (54.1%), as well as significant decreases in pH (5.20-4.97), moisture (60.5-12.3%), and water activity (0.986-0.673). These results and the acceptable microbiological quality of DCM can explain the safety of traditionally practiced long-term storage at room temperature. All chemical compositions increased upon drying. The composition of DCM included several organic acids, mainly lactate (2820 mg.kg-1); diverse unsaturated fatty acids, in particular oleic acid (33.2%); and various minerals, specifically iron (8 mg per 100 g), in addition to volatile compounds impacted by herbs and spices rich in terpenes (56.3%). These results can be useful for investing in indigenous products and promoting the exploitation of camel meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaoula Belguith
- Physiopathology, Food and Biomolecules Laboratory (LR17ES03), Higher Institute of Biotechnology Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Ariana 2020, Tunisia
| | - Zeineb Jrad
- Livestock and Wildlife Laboratory (LR16IRA04), Institute of Arid Land, University of Gabes, Medenine 4100, Tunisia (M.H.); (H.E.H.)
| | - Olfa Oussaief
- Livestock and Wildlife Laboratory (LR16IRA04), Institute of Arid Land, University of Gabes, Medenine 4100, Tunisia (M.H.); (H.E.H.)
| | - Mohamed Debara
- Central Laboratory, Institute of Arid Land, University of Gabes, Medenine 4100, Tunisia; (M.D.)
| | - Talel Bouhemda
- Central Laboratory, Institute of Arid Land, University of Gabes, Medenine 4100, Tunisia; (M.D.)
| | - Haifa Sebii
- Laboratory of Analysis Valorization and Food Safety, National Engineering School of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3038, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Hammadi
- Livestock and Wildlife Laboratory (LR16IRA04), Institute of Arid Land, University of Gabes, Medenine 4100, Tunisia (M.H.); (H.E.H.)
| | - Halima El Hatmi
- Livestock and Wildlife Laboratory (LR16IRA04), Institute of Arid Land, University of Gabes, Medenine 4100, Tunisia (M.H.); (H.E.H.)
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