The combination effect of adding rosemary extract and oregano essential oil on ground chicken meat quality

Preservative effect of oregano essential oil (OE) and rosemary extract (RE) on ground chicken meat stored at different refrigeration time had been evaluated. Six treatments were prepared: T1) Control (No additives); T2) Combination (CM1) of 100 ppm OE and 300 ppm RE; T3) CM2: 100 ppm OE + 350 ppm RE; T4) CM3: 150 ppm OE + 300 ppm RE; T5) CM4: 150 ppm OE + 350 ppm RE; T6) 14 ppm of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Meat patties were individually packaged in oxygen-permeable bags stored at 4 °C, and analyzed for lipid and protein oxidation, and CIE color values at 0, 4, and 7 days. Individual cooked thigh meats were used to evaluate different sensory attributes. All additives showed significant (P < 0.05) antioxidant effect delaying lipid and protein oxidation after day 4 comparing to the control treatment samples. However, the highest significant (P < 0.05) effect among all treatments was by CM4. The CM4 was the highest stabilizing raw meat color, and preventing meat discoloration. In addition, it showed (CM4) highest overall acceptability scores values regarding sensory evaluation. Based on current results, both OE and RE had a potential antioxidant activity; however, this could be stronger if used together.