Tomato Pomace Powder as a Functional Ingredient in Minced Meat Products—Influence on Technological and Sensory Properties of Traditional Serbian Minced Meat Product Ćevapi

Abstract

The aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of tomato pomace (TP) on the technological and sensory properties of ćevapi. Four treatments were prepared as follows: control (CON) and samples with the addition of TP in amounts of TP5 (0.5%—5 g/kg), TP10 (1%—10 g/kg), and TP20 (2%—20 g/kg). Technological properties (pH values, water activity (aw) cooking loss, length reduction), instrumental colour and texture, and sensory properties were examined. The addition of TP powder did not result in significant differences in pH and aw values between CON and modified treatments (in both raw and grilled). The addition of TP in the amounts higher than 10 g/kg significantly reduced cooking loss, while length reduction was observed when 20 g/kg was added. Also, significantly higher values of yellowness were observed in both the raw and grilled ćevapi, when 10 g/kg and more of TP was added. Significantly higher hardness and chewiness were observed in all experimental treatments. However, differences in instrumental colour and texture were not negatively perceived by the assessors, and there were no significant differences in any observed sensory properties between the CON and experimental treatments. Moreover, all the experimental treatments received a relatively high mark of around seven and higher on a nine-point hedonic scale. Further research could focus on the examination of salt/meat reduction as well as oxidative stability during freeze storage.