Effect of an active packaging with citrus extract on lipid oxidation and sensory quality of cooked turkey meat

• Published in: Meat science 2014-03, Vol.96 (3), p.1171-1176
• Main Authors: Contini, Claudia, Álvarez, Rocío, O'Sullivan, Michael, Dowling, Denis P., Gargan, Sean Óg, Monahan, Frank J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Active packaging; Animals; Antioxidants - chemistry; Citric Acid - chemistry; Citrus - chemistry; Citrus extract; Color; Cooking; Food Packaging - methods; Food Storage; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Lipid Metabolism - drug effects; Lipid oxidation; Meat Products - analysis; Odorants; Plant Extracts - chemistry; Sensory analysis; Taste; Turkey meat; Turkeys
• ISSN: 0309-1740; 1873-4138
• DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2013.11.007

An antioxidant active packaging was prepared by coating a citrus extract, consisting of a mixture of carboxylic acids and flavanones, on polyethylene terephthalate trays. The effect of the packaging in reducing lipid oxidation in cooked turkey meat and on meat pH, colour characteristics and sensorial parameters was investigated. An untrained sensory panel evaluated the odour, taste, tenderness, juiciness and overall acceptability of the meat, using triangle, paired preference and quantitative response scale tests. A comparison between the antioxidant effects of the different components of the extract was also carried out. The packaging led to a significant reduction in lipid oxidation. After 2days of refrigerated storage the sensory panel detected differences in odour and, after 4days, rated the meat stored in the active packaging higher for tenderness and overall acceptability. Citric acid appeared to be the most important component of the extract with regard to its antioxidant potency. •Active antioxidant PET trays coated with Citrus extract can be prepared.•Lipid oxidation is lower in cooked meat stored on the Citrus coated trays.•Sensory properties of cooked meat are enhanced by the Citrus coated trays.•Citric acid is the major contributor to the antioxidant effect of the coating.