Abstract This study evaluated the use of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) flour as a natural antioxidant in chicken patties. Patties were prepared with different concentrations of turmeric flour: 0% (Control), 0.25% (TC0.25%), 0.50% (TC0.50%), and 0.75% (TC0.75%). A “treatment-as-usual” patty with 0.25% sodium erythorbate (SE) was prepared. Turmeric flour showed high contents of carbohydrates (78.12%), phenolic compounds (8.13 mg GAE g-1), and flavonoids (29.68 mg QE g-1), as well as high antioxidant activity, determined by DPPH (48.71% inhibition) and FRAP (9.11 mg QE g-1) assays. Patties were analyzed after 1, 15, 30 and 45 days of storage at -18 °C. The addition of turmeric resulted in less reddish, and darker, more yellowish patties. Changes in chemical composition, pH, or shrinkage percentage were not observed. TC0.75% obtained the highest cooking yield (91.27%). TC0.25% was the softest, while TC0.75% and Control had the lowest cohesiveness. Differences in resilience between TC0.25%, TC0.75%, and Control were not observed. Changes in springiness and chewiness were not observed. Turmeric patties showed similar oxidative stability to the SE formulation, differing from Control throughout the entire storage period. Turmeric flour prevented lipid oxidation in chicken patties to the same extent as the synthetic antioxidant, demonstrating potential as a natural antioxidant.

Abstract Wooden breast (WB) is a myopathy characterized by functional changes and excessive hardness in chicken fillets. Alcalase, a proteinase capable of hydrolyzing meat proteins, has been shown to improve protein functionality and promote meat tenderization. This study evaluated the application of alcalase in the preparation of cooked and salted chicken breast from WB chicken fillets. WB fillets were divided into two groups: an enzyme-treated and an untreated (control) group. Enzyme-treated fillets had lower pH values, total and soluble collagen contents, collagen/protein ratio, and shear force than control. No changes in color, chemical composition, or water-holding capacity compared between groups was observed. After 2 days of storage, enzyme-treated fillets had lower lipid oxidation and total color change. Alcalase hydrolysis of WB fillets improved the tenderness and nutritional value of the cooked and salted chicken meat product. This strategy shows promise for minimizing economic losses caused by the WB myopathy.