Jamun fruit (Syzgium cumini) skin extract based indicator for monitoring chicken patties quality during storage

Natural plant pigment, anthocyanins have the capability to change its color with the change of its structure influenced by changing pH. This feature of anthocyanin has been harnessed to design a meat products quality indicator. In the present experiment anthocyanin rich Jamun fruit (Syzgium cumini) skin extract was used to develop quality indicator by immobilizing on filter paper strips with the purpose of application in chicken patties packets stored at refrigeration temperature (4 ± 1 °C). The indicator changed its color from violet to yellow due to changed pH in it when it was attached inside packet of chicken patties during storage, due to reaction with volatile basic compounds generated from meat. During storage for 21 days, various changes in quality attributes of chicken patties viz., pH, Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), ammonia level, color value, sensory attributes and microbial evaluation were estimated. The pH decreased (P < 0.5) from 6.22 to 6.04. TVBN and ammonia and level increased significantly (P < 0.5) throughout storage. Redness, yellowness, hue and chroma value gradually changed during storage. Sensory scores also decreased significantly (P < 0.5). Microbial count also increased (P < 0.5) during this time. The experiment showed that, during storage, the color changing pattern of quality indicator was well correlated with the changes in quality attributes of chicken meat patties. Therefore, it is expected that the developed quality indicator can provide a convenient, non destructive, visual mean to monitor the meat products quality during refrigerated storage.