Antioxidants can alleviate lipid peroxidation by scavenging free radicals, interrupting chain reactions, breaking down peroxides, lowering localized oxygen concentrations, and attaching to chain-initiating catalysts like metal ions [30]. Antioxidants provide effective protection against diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as cancer, obesity, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cataracts, and hypertension. Therefore, consuming antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed staple foods is crucial [31]. The antioxidant potential of B. vulgaris L. fruit extract was observed to be 25.450 ± 0.354 mg TE/g for DPPH and 42.420 ± 2.588 mg TE/g for ABTS in the present study (Fig. 1). Importantly, in various conducted studies, the B. vulgaris L. extract consistently demonstrated significant antioxidant activity [32, 33].
Figure 1. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of fruits. The columns in the table represent the mean of three replicates, and the vertical bars indicate the standard error of the mean. Values marked with * within each row are significantly different according to ANOVA (p < 0.05).
The barberry fruit is recognized as a beneficial addition frequently employed in diverse food products, owing to its abundant levels of phenolic compounds (anthocyanins) and ascorbic acid
[34]. In the study, the polyphenol contents of B. vulgaris L. fruit was determined as 71.090 ± 0.283 mg GAE/g (Table 1). In the literature, different results were obtained in terms of total phenolic content depending on the geographical regions where barberry fruits were harvested, environmental and climatic conditions, growing season, soil type, storage and processing conditions [33]. According to the statistical results, the total phenolic content of fruit showed a significant impact (p < 0.05).
Table 1
Moisture, pH, Ash, Color, TBARS Value, and cooking yield in raw and cooked beef patties (Mean ± SD)
|
|
Ratio (%)
|
|
|
|
0
|
0,1
|
0,2
|
0,4
|
Sig
|
R
|
Moisture (%)
|
71,19 ± 9,20a
|
63,13 ± 0,47a
|
63,73 ± 0,48a
|
64,94 ± 0,35a
|
ns
|
C
|
Moisture (%)
|
55,21 ± 0,51a
|
50,91 ± 0,65a
|
54,90 ± 4,99a
|
53,41 ± 0,79a
|
ns
|
R
|
pH
|
5,68 ± 0,01c
|
5,62 ± 0,01c
|
5,48 ± 0,05b
|
5,32 ± 0,06a
|
**
|
C
|
pH
|
5,91 ± 0,01d
|
5,83 ± 0,02c
|
5,71 ± 0,01b
|
5,54 ± 0,02a
|
**
|
R
|
Ash (%)
|
2,22 ± 0,34a
|
1,29 ± 0,55a
|
2,61 ± 0,47a
|
1,94 ± 0,59a
|
ns
|
C
|
Ash (%)
|
2,83 ± 0,18a
|
2,76 ± 0,11a
|
2,98 ± 0,07a
|
2,75 ± 0,06a
|
ns
|
R
|
L*
|
65,46 ± 4,31b
|
59,96 ± 5,59ab
|
54,68 ± 5,86a
|
60,37 ± 3,16ab
|
ns
|
C
|
L*
|
55,95 ± 1,77a
|
50,44 ± 7,56a
|
49,06 ± 1,88a
|
51,88 ± 3,95a
|
ns
|
R
|
a*
|
25,61 ± 1,92a
|
26,32 ± 6,26a
|
25,87 ± 4,95a
|
29,18 ± 0,65a
|
ns
|
C
|
a*
|
23,09 ± 2,16b
|
17,46 ± 2,02a
|
17,49 ± 0,96a
|
15,64 ± 3,77a
|
ns
|
R
|
b*
|
13,68 ± 0,68a
|
13,34 ± 2,24a
|
12,39 ± 1,72a
|
12,61 ± 2,79a
|
ns
|
C
|
b*
|
9,40 ± 1,38a
|
9,02 ± 1,58a
|
8,89 ± 1,79a
|
8,89 ± 2,74a
|
ns
|
R
|
TBARS
(mg MDA/kg)
|
1,95 ± 0,04b
|
1,72 ± 0,16b
|
1,53 ± 0,08a
|
1,63 ± 0,01a
|
**
|
C
|
TBARS
(mg MDA/kg)
|
2,29 ± 0,33a
|
1,72 ± 0,36a
|
2,01 ± 0,21a
|
1,86 ± 0,14a
|
ns
|
|
Cooking Yield (%)
|
75,72 ± 1,22c
|
70,17 ± 0,33b
|
68,87 ± 0,72ab
|
67,41 ± 0,57a
|
**
|
Sig (Significance), R (Raw), C (Cooked), SD (Standard Deviation), ** p < 0.01, * p < 0.05 (Significance Levels), ns (Non-significant for p > 0.05), and different letters in the same column (a-c) indicating significant differences (p < 0.05) are utilized.
|
The physicochemical analysis results for the beef patties are given in Table 1.
As stated in the literature, the addition of the extract did not lead to a significant alteration in the approximate composition of the patties, particularly in terms of moisture and ash content [5, 35]. These findings indicate that the impact of the extract on the initial composition of the patties is limited, while the observed loss of moisture during the cooking of patties aligns with a common outcome observed in meat and meat product cooking processes [36, 37].
In this context, it is suggested that the extract may influence the moisture retention capacity of the patties during the cooking process. Consistent with the hypothesis that the addition of the extract might have an augmenting effect on moisture loss, particularly during cooking, this situation supports the dynamic changes in composition during the cooking process. These findings demonstrate that the addition of the extract maintains the stability of the composition of the patties while inducing changes in the moisture content during the cooking process.
The pH values of raw patties exhibit a significant impact across all experimental groups (P < 0.01), highlighting that the addition of the extract significantly lowered the pH levels. This decline can be attributed to the naturally low pH value (2.85) of Berberis vulgaris. The observed substantial effect of the extract on the acidity of raw patties underscores a noteworthy alteration in the pH profile induced by the botanical extract. During the cooking process, a pronounced effect on pH is evident in all groups (P < 0.01), indicating a complex interaction with factors such as the initial pH of raw materials and buffering capacity [38]. Traditionally, an increase in pH is expected during the cooking of meat [39, 40], a trend supported by similar findings in the literature [41, 11]. The low pH of Berberis vulgaris and its contribution to the acidity profile of both raw and cooked patties highlight significant factors influencing overall acidity control in the product. These findings contribute valuable insights into the distinct impact of the botanical extract on the chemical attributes of the patties.
The TBARS values of raw patties exhibited a significant impact in all groups (P < 0.05). The presence of antioxidants and phenolic components in the extract reduced lipid oxidation and free radical formation, thereby enhancing the product's antioxidant capacity. An increase in the extract proportion resulted in lower TBARS values compared to the control group. These findings align with studies conducted by Ahn and Grün [42], Mahapatra et al. [43], and Erdoğan and Özdestan-Ocak [35]. During the cooking process, no significant difference was observed between TBARS values (p > 0.05). This suggests that the cooking procedure did not influence TBARS values. These results affirm that the low TBARS values in raw patties can be attributed to the antioxidant properties of the extract, effectively mitigating lipid oxidation and free radical formation. In the literature, various studies support the notion that plant extracts play a crucial role in controlling lipid oxidation in meat products. Ahn and Grün [42] highlighted that plant extracts enhance antioxidant activity and extend the shelf life of meat products. Another study by Mahapatra et al. [43] demonstrated that plant extracts inhibit lipid oxidation and improve product quality. Similarly, research conducted by Erdoğan and Özdestan‐Ocak [35] reported that plant extracts provide antioxidant efficacy in meat products, reducing lipid oxidation. Collectively, these findings underscore the significant potential of plant extracts in enhancing the quality of raw patties.
While no statistically significant difference was observed in color values, the cooking process led to decreases in L*, a*, and b* values. These color changes are likely attributable to factors such as an increase in metmyoglobin concentration or myoglobin denaturation. In this context, the findings align with similar results from Kırkyol and Akköse [11], supporting the impact of decreases in color values during the cooking process on meat pigments. Given that color changes often influence the visual and flavor characteristics of a product, these findings underscore the importance of understanding the physical and chemical transformations occurring during the cooking process. Therefore, the scientific insights gained from this study contribute to a better understanding of the potential effects of color changes in meat during cooking on product quality.
The cooking of meat is a crucial step for both flavor enhancement and ensuring product safety. Microbiological analyses play a pivotal role in evaluating the microbiological quality and safety of the product, aligning with product specifications or legally applicable standards [29]. In this study, microbiological analyses indicated that the Total Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria (TAMB) and Enterobacteriaceae counts were below the detectable limit (< 2 log cfu/g) after the cooking process. The microbiological results underscore the notion that the cooking process enhances microbiological safety, contributing significantly to the overall safety of the product. The use of extract is believed to potentially contribute to maintaining microbiological stability. This aspect holds particular importance for the product's shelf life and, consequently, consumer safety. However, a more detailed analysis is warranted to elucidate the specific effects of the extract on microbiological stability. Further investigation into how the extract may exert antimicrobial effects and its impact on microbial growth would provide valuable insights. Such in-depth analyses can inform specific strategies to maintain and improve the microbiological quality of the product.
Cooking yield stands out as a pivotal test for predicting the behavior of meat industry products during the cooking process, considering non-meat compounds or other contributing factors [44]. Significant effects of cooking yield were observed across all groups in this study (P < 0.01). The incorporation of Berberis extract into the patties resulted in a notable reduction in cooking yield. This outcome is presumed to stem from excessive fat and moisture separation during the cooking process in the groups where the extract was added. Similar findings in the literature correlate such results with the type of additive used and the thermal processes applied [45]. The decrease in cooking yield due to the addition of Berberis extract underscores the importance of understanding the impact of the extract's composition and thermal properties during the cooking process. Further detailed analysis is warranted to ascertain whether the extract has an augmenting effect on fat and moisture separation. Moreover, existing literature findings support and enrich the general knowledge regarding the impact of extract additions on cooking yield.
The sensory analysis results for the beef patties are given in Fig. 2.
Figure 2. The sensory analysis results for the beef patties. The columns in the table represent the mean of three replicates, and the vertical bars indicate the standard error of the mean. Distinct letters denote statistically significant variances based on Duncan's multiple range test (p < 0.05).
The addition of the extract did not significantly alter the sensory characteristics of the patties. However, according to the data in the table, panelists generally acknowledged an improvement in sensory features with an increase in the extract proportion. Despite the absence of statistically significant changes, the data from the table indicate a general trend of improvement in sensory attributes with the increase in the extract proportion. While statistical significance may not have been achieved, qualitative assessments by the panelists suggest a trend of improvement in sensory features with the increasing extract proportion. This implies that the extract may have the potential to positively influence the overall sensory profile of the patties, albeit in a subtle but potentially beneficial manner, impacting aspects such as flavor, aroma, or texture. Although statistical significance may not have been established, qualitative observations by the panelists hint at a potential relationship between the extract proportion and sensory attributes.
Texture analysis results for the beef patties are given in Table 3.
Table 3
Texture analysis results (Mean ± SD)
|
Raito (%)
|
|
|
0
|
0,1
|
0,2
|
0,4
|
Sig
|
Hardness(N)
|
62,49 ± 6,89a
|
72,29 ± 8,87ab
|
88,78 ± 7,016c
|
82,40 ± 5,013bc
|
**
|
Adhesiveness(mJ)
|
0,40 ± 0,29a
|
0,30 ± 0,13a
|
0,13 ± 0,14a
|
0,13 ± 0,15a
|
ns
|
Resilince
|
0,24 ± 0,015a
|
0,28 ± 0,01a
|
0,26 ± 0,022b
|
0,25 ± 0,01ab
|
ns
|
Cohesiveness
|
0,52 ± 0,01a
|
0,55 ± 0,05a
|
0,60 ± 0,03b
|
0,56 ± 0,03ab
|
ns
|
Springeness (mm)
|
9,24 ± 0,48a
|
9,10 ± 0,59a
|
9,06 ± 0,44a
|
9,44 ± 0,68a
|
ns
|
Gumminess (N)
|
32,56 ± 3,07a
|
40,54 ± 9,01ab
|
53,65 ± 5,64c
|
46,03 ± 3,16bc
|
**
|
Chewiness (mJ)
|
299,82 ± 14,19a
|
358,90 ± 53,01a
|
485,85 ± 57,78b
|
433,50 ± 30,30b
|
**
|
Sig (Significance), SD (Standard Deviation), ** p < 0.01, * p < 0.05 (Significance Levels), ns (Non-significant for p > 0.05), and different letters in the same column (a-c) indicating significant differences (p < 0.05) are utilized.
|
The selection of beef patties by a majority of consumers is often attributed to lower costs, ease of processing, distinct taste, and superior sensory attributes (including stickiness, chewiness, and hardness) [9]. Texture stands out as a crucial feature influencing patty quality, with consumers generally favoring a firm texture and glossy color [46]. In this study, hardness (N), gumminess (N), and chewiness (mJ) values were highly significant across all groups (P < 0.01). As the proportion of the extract increased, higher values for hardness, gumminess, and chewiness were observed compared to the control group. These findings indicate that the extract could significantly impact the textural characteristics of patties, potentially influencing consumer preferences. The observed increase in hardness, gumminess, and chewiness suggests that the extract could enhance the overall sensory experience of patties, making them more appealing to consumers. Further analysis and exploration of these textural changes could provide valuable insights into potential improvements in patty quality due to the extract. Understanding the effects of the extract on the textural properties of patties is a crucial step toward enhancing product quality and meeting consumer expectations.