No abstract

Vacuum-packaged ground beef patties containing sodium lactate (NaL), sodium propionate (NaP), sodium acetate (NaA) and sodium citrate (NaC) at various levels and combinations were stored up to 28 days at 4ЊC. Addition of sodium lactate alone or in combination with sodium propionate increased shelf life of the patties by decreasing microbiological growth and decreasing negative flavor notes associated with lipid oxidation. Lean color also was improved by addition of sodium lactate alone or in combination with sodium propionate. Lipid oxidation by TBA was only slightly affected by treatment addition or storage.

Hamburger patties with sodium lactate (NaL; 0, 3, or 4%) with or without sodium propionate (NaP; 0.1, or 0.2%) were stored aerobically at 4ЊC for 0, 1, 2, or 3 days, and evaluated for sensory attributes, Aerobic Plate Counts (APCs), lipid oxidation, pH, and water activity. NaL slowed microbial growth; addition of 0.2% NaP to 3% NaL increased antimicrobial effects equal to that of 4% NaL. NaL in combination with NaP reduced lipid oxidation over control or NaL patties. Patties with NaL had higher beef/brothy and beef fat scores and were sweeter, springier, more cohesive, and less crumbly than control patties and addition of 0.2% NaP increased juiciness.

Cooked, vacuum-packaged beef top rounds containing 3% sodium lactate (NaL) or 3 or 4% NaL in combination with 0.1 or 0.2% sodium propionate (NaP) were stored for up to 84 days at 4ЊC. Addition of any of the treatments greatly reduced total Aerobic Plate Counts (APC). Positive flavor notes associated with fresh beef were enhanced by ingredient addition and tended to be highest in roasts with 3% NaL ϩ 0.2% NaP. Cooked roast beef color was enhanced by addition of NaL alone or in combination with 0.1% NaP. Lipid oxidation and water activity were decreased by addition of NaL with NaP and pH and cooked yield were increased with any level or combination of ingredients.