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Preservation of Chicken Breast Meat Treated with Thyme and Balm Essential Oils
Author(s) -
Fratianni Florinda,
De Martino Laura,
Melone Antonio,
De Feo Vincenzo,
Coppola Raffaele,
Nazzaro Filomena
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of food science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1750-3841
pISSN - 0022-1147
DOI - 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2010.01791.x
Subject(s) - food science , essential oil , dpph , salmonella , chemistry , shelf life , thymus vulgaris , bacterial growth , chicken breast , antioxidant , biology , bacteria , biochemistry , genetics
The present study evaluated the effects of thyme and balm essential oils on the 3‐wk storage of fresh chicken breast meat at 4 °C. Thyme and, to a lesser extent, balm essential oils reduced DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical formation in the meat (25% to 30% and 20%, respectively). Treatment with the 2 essential oils also limited lipid peroxidation and the deterioration of sarcoplasmic proteins, helping to preserve the meat even after 2 wk of storage. Thyme and balm essential oils decreased the natural microflora present in the meat; total microbial content decreased down to 50% in comparison to the control samples. In addition, a clear effect on lactic acid bacterial growth was recorded. Balm essential oil significantly limited the growth of Salmonella sp., whereas thyme essential oil effectively inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli . Our data demonstrate that these 2 essential oils effectively reduced deteriorative processes in chicken meat and extended the shelf life of this fresh product. Practical Application: The essential oils of thyme and balm can protect the chicken meat from decomposition during the storage time.