Effect of Calamansi Pulp Ethanol Extracts on the Meat Quality and Biogenic Amine Formation of Pork Patty during Refrigerated Storage

This study evaluated the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of ethanol extract of calamansi pulp (CPE) and its effect on quality and biogenic amine (BAs) formation in pork patties during storage. The CPE were prepared in various conditions (ethanol concentrations of 50%, 70%, and 90% with extraction periods of 3 and 6 days). The extract with potent antibacterial and antioxidant activities (90%, 6 days) was selected for addition to pork patties. Three groups were tested: Control (without extract addition), CPE addition at 0.2% w/w (0.2PCPE), and 0.4% w/w (0.4PCPE). The addition of CPE inhibited the formation of BAs, mainly cadaverine, histamine, and tyramine, in pork patties during storage. The pH and bacterial count of pork patties decreased significantly in a concentration-dependent manner following the addition of CPE. The instrumental color (CIE L*, CIE a*, and CIE b*) tended to be higher in 0.4PCPE than in the control during storage. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) values of pork patties were affected by CPE, showing a reduction toward lipid oxidation at any storage period, and maintaining the lowest VBN value in 0.4PCPE at the final storage day. Similarly, the reduction of total BAs in pork patties was observed ranged between 3.4%–38.1% under treatment with 0.2% CPE, whereas 18.4%–51.4% under 0.4% CPE addition, suggesting significant effect of CPE to improve meat quality. These novel findings demonstrate the efficacy of 0.4% CPE as a natural compound to preserve the quality and reduce BAs formation in pork patties during storage.