Nova Scientia (Nov 2018)
Sensory analysis and texture profile of chorizo using blends of rabbit meat and textured soybean protein
Abstract
Rabbit meat usage in processed products is low. However, rabbit meat raw sausage can be an alternative to increase this meat’s market share. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of blending textured soybean protein and rabbit meat on the texture profile analysis and sensory properties of the chorizo. Five treatments were designed, one control and another four using blends of rabbit meat and textured soybean in ratios of 10, 20, 30 and 40%. Measurements were water activity, texture profile analysis, and color, while a sensory test was conducted at the end of experiments for four treatments. The main results indicate that Aw and pH values decreased (p0.05), but color, hardness and taste were different (p<0.05). In conclusion, textured soybean protein can be blended with rabbit meat for processing chorizo. The meat product obtained has sensorial characteristics, a texture profile, Aw and color acceptable for this kind of raw sausage, especially in blends with 20 and 30% of textured soybean protein. Moreover, the blend of these two meat ingredients improved nutritional properties and could therefore be offering as a functional meat product.