Effect of Cacao Nip Extracts (CEs) on Quality Characteristics of Pork Patties during Cold Storage Period

Cacao has been shown to have antioxidant effects and health benefits. However, the applicability of cacao as a meat preservative has not been thoroughly evaluated. Here, we examined the effects of cacao nib extracts (CEs) on suppression of fat oxidation and enhancement of quality characteristics of pork patties. Cacao nib powder was extracted in distilled water or 50%, 70%, or 99% ethanol. CEs prepared using 70% ethanol had the highest total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, and the highest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhytdrazyl radical and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activities. Decompression-concentrated CEs prepared using 70% ethanol and 0.1% ascorbic acid were added to pork patties, and the physiochemical properties of the patties were measured. The pH of all pork patties increased during storage, but tended to decrease according to the CEs content. CEs enhanced the preservation of redness and texture of the pork patties during storage. Analysis of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in patties revealed that fat oxidation was highly suppressed in all treatment groups containing CEs during storage, and TBARS values decreased according to CE content. Treatment with 0.1% CE reduced fat oxidation to a level similar to that of treatment with 0.1% ascorbic acid. Consumer flavor preference increased according to CE content, and overall preference was the highest for patties prepared with 0.05% and 0.075% CEs. Overall, 70% ethanol was found to be the optimal concentration for extraction of cacao nibs, and adding 0.05% or 0.075% CEs to pork patties yielded the highest quality.