Modelling the effects of pecan nut [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K.Koch], roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), and salt on the quality characteristics of beef patties

The meat industry has become increasingly interested in developing products containing new ingredients oriented to consumers’ health. Health benefits are gained from frequent consumption of pecan nut and roselle, which can therefore be used as ingredients in meat product formulations. However, incorporating novel ingredients or reducing the content of traditional ingredients might affect meat product quality, thus needs to be evaluated and optimised for the development of functional foods. The objective of the present work was to assess how pecan nut (0 to 10%), roselle (0 to 2%), and salt (0 to 2%) affect the physicochemical properties, antioxidant, and sensory characteristics of beef patties, and use response surface methodology to optimise the content of these ingredients in a meat product formulation. Regression models were developed to predict quality properties. All models were significant (p < 0.05) with an R2 > 0.85 and a nonsignificant lack of fit (p > 0.05), thus indicating that these models could adequately predict response variables. The optimised formulation was 7.97% pecan nut, 1.59% roselle, and 1.08% salt. The predicted physicochemical properties were L* = 42.88, a* = 12.29, b* = 8.51, pH = 5.10, and cooking loss = 24.66%; the antioxidant properties were DPPH = 0.53 mg TE/g fp, ABTS = 0.65 mg TE/g fp, and total phenolic content = 0.46 mg GA/g fp; and the sensory properties were flavour = 7.03, tenderness = 6.98, and juiciness = 7.01. Pecan nut and roselle are promising natural ingredients that can be used to prepare low-salt beef patties.