Assessment of Chemical, Physico-Chemical and Sensorial Properties of Frankfurter-Type Sausages Added with Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), Extracts
Frankfurters are the most widespread type of emulsified meat product in the world. However, they could be considered unhealthy due to their high-fat content (15–30%). The meat industry wishes to change the perception of these products by reformulating them. One strategy is increasing the content of compounds considered beneficial for human health. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the chemical, physico-chemical, and sensorial properties of Frankfurter-type sausages added with roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), extracts. Frankfurter-type sausages were made following a traditional formula. Three different formulations were prepared. The original mixture was used as a control sample (CS). The other samples were formulated by adding roselle extract at 4.08% (FRE4) and 8.17% (FRE8). For proximate analysis, no statistical differences were found between FRE4 and FRE8 and CS. However, the residual nitrite levels decreased from 88.41 mg NaNO2/kg in CS to 86.31 and 69.82 mg NaNO2/kg in FRE4 and FRE8, respectively. Regarding the sensory analysis of the frankfurters, CS and FRE4 samples generally scored significantly higher than FRE8 for all the parameters considered. This study suggests that the reformulation of Frankfurter-type sausages using roselle extracts is feasible and represents a viable alternative to improve the safety and the nutritional composition of the product.