Oxidative stability in raw, cooked, and frozen ground beef using Epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.)

This study investigated the potential of aqueous epazote (AE) and ethanolic extract of epazote (ETHE) as inhibitors of lipid oxidation in raw and cooked ground beef stored at 4 °C for 9 days as well as frozen beef patties stored at −18 °C for 90 days. Organic acids were identified in AE and ETHE using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight (UHPLC-qTOF). Chemical composition, TBARS, pH, colour, sensory acceptability and intensity of oxidised flavour were analysed in the three different meat products. ETHE showed higher values in organic acid content than AE. In raw ground beef, ETHE inhibited lipid oxidation and received the highest score in the three sensorial attributes evaluated at the end of the storage period, whereas in cooked ground beef it showed the highest intensity of oxidised flavour. Regarding CTL, AE reduced lipid oxidation in the cooked ground beef as well as the frozen patties, with improved colour. Therefore, epazote may be a promising natural antioxidant source for use in meat. •Epazote extracts were incorporated into ground beef as a natural antioxidant.•Epazote extracts showed antioxidant activity and improved the colour in ground beef.•Epazote had high content of organic acids.•Epazote incorporated into raw ground beef revealed good sensorial acceptance.