Thermal, microscopic, and quality properties of low-fat frankfurters and emulsions produced by addition of different hydrocolloids

This study involves investigation of the effects of addition of different hydrocolloids on the thermal, microscopic, and quality properties of low-fat meat emulsions and frankfurters. The emulsion stability of the samples containing 0.5% κ-carrageenan, λ-carrageenan or chitosan, and the 1% chitosan containing sample were lower than that of the control group. Thermal analyses showed three denaturation peaks for minced meat at 57.42 °C, 64.21 °C and 78.58 °C. While the denaturation temperature of myosin for the sample produced with 0.5% of κ-carrageenan was significantly lower, samples containing 1% κ-carrageenan and 0.5% λ-carrageenan were not significantly different than that of the control group. The thermal denaturation temperature of myosin for samples containing 1% λ-carrageenan, and for 0.5% and 1% guar gum, xanthan gum and chitosan was significantly higher than that of the control. The denaturation temperature of sarcoplasmic proteins and actin for samples with 1% κ- and λ-carrageenan and 0.5% chitosan, was higher than for the control, while for other samples it was not significantly different. The scanning electron microscopy images of the control group and samples produced with 0.5% and 1% λ-carrageenan, 0.5% and 1% guar gum, and 1% κ-carrageenan showed gel-like structures, whereas other samples did not. Sensory evaluations showed that addition of hydrocolloids and reduced fat content lowered acceptance of frankfurters. Results showed that both κ- and λ-carrageenan, especially at 0.5% were the most suitable hydrocolloids for production of low-fat frankfurters and xanthan gum was the least suitable since it did not form proper structure.